I was punching a number and then turned it off and now the phone window shows "searching". I am also unable to obtain a dial tone and when I go through the menu it states "handset is out of reach".

Try dialing a 9 then the number

Since you declined to specify the model of your VTech 5.8GHz phone, I can only suggest that you enter it into the search box here to download a copy of the manual. The manual will describe how to switch between pulse and tone dialing.

Which make and model of phone is it?
Are you pressing the green call button beforew you try to enter the number you are calling?
You should enter the number first, then press 'green'
You wont hear a dial-tone like a landline phone

Usually this means that the phone isn't detecting a dial tone. For diagnostic purposes, I like an old corded phone.

First try a new telephone cable between the jack and the phone. Then try the old phone and see if you have a dial tone. If you have a dial tone with the old phone but not the cordless, then the Uniden needs service. These phones are not designed to be fixed by the user. If the phone is under warranty, send it in. (see page 28 of the manual www.uniden.com/pdf/DECT1480-3om.pdf )

If neither phone gets a dial tone, check at another jack if you have several to see if the jack is the problem or if it is a more global problem. If the problem is at one jack, you may want to open the jack and check for a loose wire. Some wall plates hold the wires with screws; others use a keystone jack with the wires pressed into slots using a "punch down tool". Keystone jacks do not need the insulator removed from the individual wires. For the screw connectors, you do need strip the individual wires. The punch down tool is available at many hardware stores in the electrical section (for wiring homes for ethernet and other services).

If you do not have a dial tone at another jack, find where your telephone service comes into your home. Open the panel and identify how the connection is set up. Some use RJ-11 jacks. In that case, plug in your test phone and see if there is a dial tone at that point. If there is no dial tone, contact your phone company for service. There is a break in the wires coming into your home. The phone company will fix this for free. (If the service doesn't use an RJ-11 jack, you need a special adapter to test at this point. Your phone company technicians will have this.)

If there is a dial tone at the incoming service, you have a inside wiring problem. Check any visible phone wiring for damage to the insulation. If the problem is with wiring inside a wall past the jack, you will need a professional to track the break. Your phone company will fix this for a fee.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Try punching in the number to call first THEN hit talk.. It should dial and call at that point..

Just like when making a call from your cell phn - dial the # first..

good luck ;o)

• your phone or phone company may have used or set restriction on making outgoing calls
  

Katasen, You punch in the number and press the Skype button.

Hi peddler65, did you plug your phone into another area to see if there is a dial tone. Then if not call the phone company or find the D-mark (where your dial tone ) comes into your home and put a jack on that and plug a phone in with all phones in the house unplugged.

Thanks.

no dial tone. the handset shows "searching".