Panasonic Cordless Phone Troubleshooting

Cordless phone systems can be handy for moving around the house or office -- but when you're having issues with your system, you may have to try a few steps to get the system working again. Panasonic sells cordless phone systems that come with just one phone handset, as well as systems that have multiple handsets connected to the same base unit. Some problems can stem from having more than one handset, but for the most part the issues stem from poor connections, insufficient power or electrical interference.

If you have a phone system with more than one cordless phone, you may run into connectivity issues with the handsets that are not the "primary" unit. That primary unit will already be "registered" to the main base unit, but the other units will have to be registered manually. This basically instructs the base unit and the handset to communicate. This typically involves typing in a series of numbers on the handset, and then pressing the "Locator" button on the base unit. For the KXTG6841 model, for example, you'll press "Menu" on the handset and then type "#130." On the base unit, hold the "Locator" button for five seconds. When the handset starts ringing, press "OK" on the base unit.

Power issues are a common problem with cordless phones. Fortunately, they're pretty easy to solve. Check that the AC cord on the base unit is plugged into a power outlet, and that the telephone cord is properly inserted into a phone jack. Each individual handset also needs to be charged. When you've just purchased a handset or multiple handsets, they'll all need to be charged for an extended period before use -- typically seven hours or more. If you have multiple handsets, every unit should charge on the various charging stations provided with the system -- though the larger "base" unit transmits the telephone signal to the other units. Thus, the base unit needs to be plugged in all the time for the system to work. Also check that the batteries are installed in the proper direction, as indicated on the battery cover. Panasonic phones typically use nickel-cadmium batteries.

You're dealing with a cordless system -- and that system has a range within which it will work best. If you're experiencing rough-sounding calls, try moving closer to the base unit. If you have a large home or property, you may also consider purchasing Panasonic's range booster, which extends the range at which you'll get clear calls. In rare cases, your unit may also be having connectivity issues due to the breakdown of cords or cables. If you're not getting a signal at all, and you've checked that all of your cords are connected, remove the telephone cable from your telephone jack and connect another phone to the jack. If the other phone works, you can rule out a malfunctioning telephone connection as the source of your problem. Look more closely at the cords, cables and hardware on your base unit for damage -- and have them replaced if necessary.

Your phone is connected to its base via radio waves. If you have other devices in your home or office that use radio waves, those devices may be interfering with your phone. In the case of fire alarms or other safety devices, that interference could pose a safety risk. It could also cause your phone to behave erratically. Your best bet is to position your base unit away from any other devices emitting radio waves. This could include wireless Internet routers, computers, microwave ovens and other electronics.