GE 31591 User manual
Model number:
31591
DECT 6.0 SKYPE CORDLESS TELEPHONE
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Table of contents
Parts checklist
What’s in the box............................................................1
Before you begin
About your phone...........................................................2
Internet connection.......................................................2
Landline connection......................................................3
AC power connection ...................................................3
Skype account .................................................................3
Installation
Installing the base unit.................................................4
Installing the handset battery..................................6
Installing the handset charger.................................7
Initial setup
Base unit layout ..............................................................8
Handset layout ................................................................9
Handset screen display icons................................10
Battery charging..........................................................11
About Skype
PSTN vs Skype calls ....................................................12
Skype Credit ...................................................................12
Online Number..............................................................12
SkypeOut calls...............................................................12
Emergency calls...........................................................12
Skype features supported ......................................13
VMWI vs Skype Voicemail........................................13
Skype display icons.....................................................13
.....................................14
Setting the language and country ......................14
Skype setup and use
Creating a new Skype account.............................15
Signing into Skype.......................................................16
Skype ID ...........................................................................17
To switch to a Skype ID that is new to this
phone: ...........................................................................17
To switch to a Skype ID that already exists on
this phone:...................................................................17
Changing your online status..................................18
...................................................................18
.............18
...........19
Changing your password.........................................19
Signing out of Skype...................................................20
Viewing your account status .................................20
Entering characters
Entering text and numbers.....................................21
Switching input modes .............................................21
Entering symbols.........................................................22
Character table for Skype........................................22
Character table for the phone...............................23
Handset settings
Scrolling the handset.................................................24
Setting the ringtone....................................................24
Setting the ring volume ............................................24
Setting the keypad tone...........................................25
................................................25
Setting the time............................................................25
Setting the time format ............................................26
Setting the date............................................................26
Setting the date format............................................27
Setting the date separator......................................27
Emergency calls...........................................................27
Assigning a preferred line........................................28
Changing the landline country setting..............28
Changing the handset display language.........28
Registering additional handsets...........................29
Setting the handset backlight ...............................29
Setting the screen saver ..........................................30
Finding a handset........................................................30
Naming your handset ...............................................30
Telephone operation
Making a regular call.................................................31
Pre-dialing a regular call..........................................31
Making a Skype ID call ..............................................31
Making a SkypeOut call............................................31
.................................31
Making a Skype call from contacts.....................32
Answering a call...........................................................32
Missed calls ....................................................................32
Placing a call on hold.................................................33
Ending a call...................................................................33
Muting the microphone............................................33
Speakerphone...............................................................33
Volume control .............................................................34
Call waiting or call waiting with caller ID service
for regular calls.........................................................34
Voice message waiting indicator.........................34
Intercom ..........................................................................35
Answering an external call during an intercom
call...................................................................................35
Making an intercom call during an external call
36
Transferring a call .......................................................36
3-way conference call...............................................37
Forwarding a Skype call...........................................37
Forward a Skype call to your Skype Voicemail...
37
Using the Skype call forwarding feature..........38
Changing the forwarding number.......................38
Setting Skype Voicemail Greeting........................39
Blocking Skype ID calls or SkypeIn calls............39
Viewing/unblocking Skype users .........................40
Area code management for regular calls........41
Contacts
Contacts...........................................................................42
Contact display icons ................................................42
Adding a Skype contact............................................43
Adding a SkypeOut or Regular contact.............44
Accessing the contact list........................................44
......................................44
Searching a contact...................................................45
Searching by scrolling...............................................45
...........................45
Phonebook......................................................................45
Saving a phonebook entry as SkypeOut contact
45
Sending a voicemail to a Skype ID contact.....45
Renaming a contact...................................................46
Removing a contact...................................................46
Blocking a contact ......................................................46
Unblocking a contact ................................................46
Saving a SkypeOut contact as a phonebook
entry...............................................................................47
Exchange contact details request.......................47
Viewing the details of the contact.......................47
Accepting a contact request..................................48
Declining a contact request ...................................48
Blocking a contact request.....................................48
Call history
View call history ...........................................................49
Accessing the call history........................................49
Call history options.....................................................50
Making a call from a call history list ...................50
Saving a call entry to your contact list..............51
Deleting a call entry from a call history list.....51
Deleting all call entries from a call history list51
Voicemail
Landline Voicemail......................................................52
...................52
Calling a voicemail box.............................................52
Deleting messages in a voicemail box..............53
Skype Voicemail™.......................................................53
Creating a Skype Voicemail™ greeting.............54
Playing your Skype Voicemail™ greeting.........54
Resetting your Skype Voicemail™ greeting.....55
Network settings
Viewing your network settings..............................56
56
57
...............................................57
...........57
Resetting the network...............................................58
Software updates
Checking for software updates.............................59
Changing the auto update setting......................59
Viewing your device information .........................59
Resetting the software..............................................60
Appendix
Handset Menu Tree....................................................61
Troubleshooting guide..............................................67
Troubleshooting...........................................................68
Frequently Asked Questions...................................71
General Product Care................................................75
Important Safety Instructions ...............................75
FCC Parts 15, 68 and ACTA......................................79
One Year Limited Warranty....................................82
.............................................84
Index..................................................................................85
Skype account information ....................................88
Parts checklist
1
Base Unit
Battery Telephone line cord
Battery
compartment
cover
Cordless handset
flash
aA
redial
User’s guide
DECT 6.0 SKYPE CORDLESS TELEPHONE
Model number:
31591
Power adapter for
base unit
Ethernet cable
u
s
e
n
i
Charger with
power adapter
attached
What’s in the box
Your GE 31591 telephone system comes with the following components:
Parts checklist
Before you begin
2
About your phone
Your GE 31591 Skype cordless phone allows you to make and receive both land line
and Skype calls. The Skype features of this product allow you to make Skype calls
without using a computer.
Before you install your GE 31591 phone, you need to make sure that you have:
Internet connection
Landline connection
AC power connections
Skype account (you can also set up a new account through your GE 31591 system
Figure 1 shows the concept of using the GE31591 Skype phone.
u
s
e
n
i
flash
aA
redial
Broadband connection
Landline connection
Figure 1
Internet connection
In order to use your phone for Skype calls, the base unit must be connected with an
ethernet cable to an active Internet connection. If you have no available ethernet
ports, you may need a router to allow you to attach more devices to your Internet
connection.
Before you begin
DECT 6.0
technology
Before you begin
3
Landline connection
In order to use your phone for landline calls, the base unit must be
placed near an RJ11C telephone jack.
You need an RJ11C type modular telephone jack, which might look
like the one shown in Figure 2, installed in your home. If you do not
have a modular jack, contact your telephone service provider to
AC power connection
You will need access to electrical AC power outlets for the base and handset charger.
The outlets should not be controlled by a wall switch, dimmer, or timer. The GE 31591
phone system will not function during a power failure/outage.
Skype account
To use Skype telephony via your phone you need a Skype account with a user name
and password.
With Skype, you can call for free when talking to other Skype users with Skype
accounts. You can buy Skype Credit to call non-Skype users on their phone numbers
For more information, refer to the About skype section on page 12.
IMPORTANT: Skype does not allow emergency calls. Such calls are always routed to the landline
connection. Therefore, you should not rely on Skype for emergency services. Alternative arrangements
should be made.
Wall plate
Modular
telephone
line jack
Figure 2
Installation
4
Installing the base unit
1. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet cable jack (WAN) on the
2. Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the Telephone line jack on the base
unit and the other end to a telephone wall jack.
3. Connect the smaller end of the power adapter to the Power adapter jack on the
base unit and the other end to an active electrical outlet.
NOTE: Emergency calls via the landline are only possible when the base unit is plugged into an electrical outlet
receiving power and the landline is connected to a working telephone jack.
Figure 3 shows the back of the base unit and the positions of the jacks.
WAN TELLINE
POWER 6VDC
!
Ethernet
cable jack
Telephone line jack Power adapter
jack
Figure 3
Note that there is a power cord catch at the back of the base unit on the right side of
the power adapter jack. This is used for threading the power cord that comes out of
the power adapter jack. If necessary, you can also tie the excess cord with a twist tie.
Figure 4 shows the power cord threaded through the power cord catch.
POWER 6VDC
!
Figure 4
Power cord catch
Installation
Installation
5
Figure 5 shows the completed installation.
Figure 5
Landline
telephone jack
Broadband
connection
AC electrical
outlet
Attach the router to the Internet connection and connect your computer and the base
regarding the use of the Internet and router. The troubleshooting section in this user
guide also provides more information on Internet connection problems.
NOTE: When installing a new router you should be aware that it might take some time - up to one hour - before
it is properly registered with your ISP.
CAUTION: Use only the power adaptor that came with this unit. Using other power adaptors may
damage the unit.
Installation
6
Installing the handset battery
Please fully charge your handset before use!
red
wire
black
wire
1. Plug the battery connector securely
into the socket inside the handset
battery compartment. Make sure that
red and black wires on the plug are
properly inserted into the socket as
shown.
2. Place the battery
and the wire inside
the battery
compartment.
3. Align the cover
against the battery
compartment and slide
it upwards until it clicks
into place.
flash
aA
redial
Animated
charging
indicator
4. Place the handset onto the charger as shown. An animated battery
icon will display after a few minutes to show that the handset
battery is successfully being charged. For optimum performance,
Figure 6
CAUTION:
1. Use only the supplied rechargeable battery or equivalent replacement battery. See battery
page or visit our website at www.gephones.com to
2. If the handset will not be used for an extended period of time, unplug the battery and remove it
from the handset to prevent possible leakage.
Installation
7
Installing the handset charger
To install the charger, simply plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet not
controlled by a wall switch, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7
CAUTION:
Initial setup
8
Base unit layout
u
s
e
n
i
In Use Indicator
Flashes when paging a handset
Flashes when there is a regular incoming call
On steady during landline calls
FIND button
Press and hold to enter registration mode
when adding GE 31590 accessory cordless
handsets.
Initial setup
Initial setup
9
flash
aA
redial
Handset layout
Left Softkey
Press to select the function
displayed on the handset
screen directly above it.
Right Softkey
Press to select the function
displayed on the handset
screen directly above it.
flash
Talk/Flash
Press to make and receive
calls.
During a call, press to
answer a second incoming
call if you receive a call
waiting alert (available only
if you have subscribed to
the call waiting feature
from your telephone
Speakerphone
Press to make or
answer a call using the
speakerphone.
Mute
Press to mute the
microphone. Press again to
resume conversation.
aA
*/aA
Press to input “*” when in
editing mode.
Press to switch between
lowercase, uppercase,
and numeric input when
entering text and numbers
End
Press to end a call.
During an operation, press
to cancel and exit without
making changes.
Skype
Press to access the Skype
status menu.
during menu operation.
#/Pause
Press to input “#” when in
editing mode.
If you need a pause between
digits, press and hold this
key until a Pappears in
the display. This inserts a
3-second pause in the dialing
sequence.
Left/Intercom
While in menu, press to
scroll left.
Press to initiate an intercom
call or transfer a call.
redial
Right/Redial
While in menu, press to scroll
right.
Press to review previously
dialed numbers.
Up/Calls
Press to review the call
log when the telephone
is not in use.
While in menu, press to
scroll up.
During a call, press to increase
the volume.
Down/Contact List
Press to review the contact list
when the telephone is not in use.
While in menu, press to
scroll down.
During a call, press to decrease
the volume.
Ringer/Voice Mail
Waiting Indicator LED
Flashes during incoming
landline call.
Flashes to indicate new voice
mail message has been
received.
Initial setup
10
Handset screen display icons
Item Meaning
Displays when the base unit is within reception range.
Displays when there is a missed call.
Displays when there is a new voice mail message. This icon
applies to both VMWI voicemail and Skype Voicemail™. Note that
you have to subscribe to voice mail service from your telephone
service provider.
Displays when there is a new event. These includes software
and contact request.
someone wants to add you as a contact using Skype.
Shows the status of the battery. For more information, please
refer to the Battery charging section on page 11.
Initial setup
11
Battery charging
Battery indicators Battery status Action
The screen shows “No
battery”.
The handset is inserted
into the charger but
there is no battery in the
handset.
Insert the battery into the battery
compartment of the handset and then
put the handset in the charger. For more
information on how to install the battery,
refer to the Installing the handset battery
section on page 6.
Battery icon is scrolling
and the screen shows
“Charging...”.
Battery has no power
and you cannot turn
on the handset. This
usually happens when
you install the battery
into the handset for the
Place the handset in the charger for at
least 16 hours without interruption. See
Troubleshooting guide section on page
64 for help if the screen remains blank
after charging.
and empty.
Battery power is low
but not yet empty. This
happens after you have
used the handset for
some time.
Place the handset in the charger to
charge without interruption for at least
30 minutes before use.
Battery icon is scrolling
but the screen does not
show any message.
Battery is charging
normally.
Keep the handset in the charger when
not in use.
Battery icon is on
steady.
Battery is fully charged. The talk time is about 10 hours when the
handset is fully charged.
About Skype
12
PSTN vs Skype calls
In other words, it is the regular calls that we make.
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and
chats over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while
calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee
using a debit-based user account system called Skype Credit.
Skype Credit
Skype credit is credit you buy from www.skype.com that allows you to make SkypeOut
calls to landline and mobile phone numbers. You prepay the Skype credit and then
each time you make a SkypeOut call, your Skype credit will be deducted accordingly.
Please note, you can use Skype Credit on your GE 31591. However, you must purchase
Skype credit online via a computer. You cannot purchase Skype Credit from your GE
31591 phone.
Online Number
SkypeIn allows landline and mobile phone users to call you using an Online Number.
In order to use SkypeIn, you will need to pay for a number at www.skype.com. Every
Online Number comes with Voicemail included.
SkypeOut calls
SkypeOut allows Skype users to call traditional phone numbers, including mobile
phones, for a fee. You need to purchase Skype Credit in advance and then debit the
Skype Credit when you make a SkypeOut call. Your phone displays the amount of
Skype Credit available when in idle mode.
For more information on Skype Credit, visit http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/prices/
skype-credit/.
Emergency calls
IMPORTANT: Skype does not allow emergency calls. Such calls are always routed to the landline
connections. Therefore, you should not rely on your GE 31591 phone for emergency services.
Alternative arrangements should be made instead.
emergency phone calls. Do not forget that your GE 31591 phone has to be connected to a power
outlet in order to work. Your phone will not function during a power failure.
About Skype
About Skype
13
Skype features supported
After you have created your Skype account, you can call other people with Skype
SkypeOut Allows you to make calls to ordinary landline and mobile phones.
SkypeIn Provides you with an ordinary phone number for receiving Skype
calls on your GE31591 phone from ordinary landline and mobile
phones.
Skype Voicemail™ Skype Voicemail allows you to send and receive voicemail
messages and record a greeting.
VMWI vs Skype Voicemail
an LED on select telephones to notify a telephone user of waiting voicemail messages
on most North American public telephone networks and PBXs. In other words, it is the
voicemail system for PSTN calls.
Skype Voicemail allows callers to leave voicemail messages for Skype users who are
unavailable. It is a feature provided by Skype and Skype charges a fee for the service.
Skype voicemail is thus the voicemail system for Skype calls.
Skype display icons
The following table describes the 4 Skype status icons that can display on the handset
screen after you have successfully signed in to your Skype account.
Item Skype Status
Online
Away
Do Not Disturb
About Skype
14
and country.
unit consists of three languages for your selection.
The second screen consists of two countries for your selection. The
may not work properly.
Setting the language and country
1. Use /to highlight your desired language (English,Español, or
FrançaisSelect softkey.
2. Use /to highlight your desired country (USA or Canada
then press the Select softkey.
3. The screen displays “Connecting” for a few seconds, then the
screen displays “Successful”. Press the OK softkey.
4. The idle screen displaying the time appears as shown.
Handset
12:02AM
Menu Sign In
Country
Canada
US
Select
Language
Espanol
Francais
English
Select
Skype setup and use
15
Creating a new Skype account
If you do not have a Skype account, you need to create one before you can sign in to
Skype. You can create a new Skype account using your computer, or you can do so on
your GE 31591 phone.
Skype name can be 6-32 characters. You can use any mix of upper- and lower-case
characters, numbers and punctuation marks. You cannot use spaces and your name
cannot begin with a number or punctuation mark. If the name is already in use, you
will be prompted to try another name.
Passwords can be 6-20 characters. You can use any mix of upper- and lower-case
characters, numbers and punctuation marks. You cannot use spaces, your password
cannot begin with a number or punctuation mark, and you cannot use your Skype
name as a password.
For more information on entering Skype name and password, refer to the Character
table for Skype section on page 22.
To create a new Skype account on your phone:
1. Press the Sign In softkey. You see two options:
Sign in to Skype - sign in to Skype using an existing Skype
account.
Create new account - sign in to Skype by creating a new Skype
account.
2. Press /to select Create new account, and then press the
Select softkey.
3. Enter the new Skype username, and then press the OK softkey.
4. Enter the new Skype password, and then press the OK softkey.
5. Re-enter the password in step 4, and then press the OK softkey.
If Skype does not accept your user name and password, you will
get a message “failed !” You will need to try another combination
of user name and password that meet Skype’s requirements and
has not already been used by another user.
6. The following message will appear: (press to view the entire
“No emergency calls. Skype is not a replacement for your
ordinary telephone and cannot be used for emergency calling.
I have read and accept Skype’s terms and conditions at www.
skype.com/eula, www.skype.com/tos and in my device user guide”.
New account
Skype name
smith_00001
OK Clear
A
Sign In
Create new accoun
Sign in to Skype
Select Back
Agreement
No emergency
calls, Skype
is not a
DeclineAccept
Skype setup and use
Skype setup and use
16
7. Press the Accept softkey.
8. The screen displays “Connecting” for a few seconds, then the screen displays
“Successful”. Press the OK softkey.
9. The phone signs into Skype automatically using your new Skype account. You
may want to write down your Skype Account information on page 80 for future
reference.
Signing into Skype
If you already have an existing Skype account, you can sign in to Skype using your
phone.
phone. In both cases, the Skype account has already been created. The new user is
only new to the phone, not to Skype.
NOTE: If you have forgotten your Skype password, go to www.skype.com and choose “Sign In”. Then choose
“Forgotten your password?” and follow the directions on your computer screen.
1. Press the Sign In softkey. You see two options:
Sign in to Skype - sign in to Skype using an existing Skype
account.
Create new account - sign in to Skype by creating a new Skype
account.
2. Sign in to Skype is highlighted. Press the Select softkey and the
Sign In screen will appear.
3. If you are a new user to this phone, press /to select <new
user>, then press the OK softkey. Enter a Skype User name, and
press the OK softkey.
-OR-
If you are an existing user to this phone, press /to select the
desired user name (our example shows users smith_00001 and
smith_00002OK softkey.
4. Enter your Skype password, and then press the OK softkey.
5. The message “Save your name and password for auto
reconnect?” appears. Press the Yes softkey to automatically
reconnect the next time you want to sign in. Press the No softkey
if you do not want to automatically reconnect.
6. The screen displays “Signing in <user name>” for a few seconds,
then the screen displays “Successful”. Press the OK softkey.
Sign In
smith_00002
smith_00001
<New user>
Select Back
Sign In
Enter name
Back
a
Sign In
Save your name
and password
for auto
NoYes
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