How to extend the range of your cordless phones with a DECT Repeater

Whilst problems with cordless phone range are part and parcel of living in a larger home, it is also an issue that can affect newer homes with modern insulation methods blocking radio signals and older properties with thick concrete walls. But deadspots are not something you need to put up with.

A common misconception is a new or more expensive phone will solve the issue, which is often not the case. Whilst higher-spec models do tend to make more effective use of their output power, this only allows them to get closer to the maximum range that DECT phones are capable of up to 50 metres indoors and up to 300 metres outdoors. So unless you’re only looking to gain an extra metre or two here and there, opting for a new phone is unlikely to prove a worthwhile solution when compared to using a repeater.

What is a DECT repeater?

A repeater is a small box that pairs to the base station of a DECT phone. It requires only a power socket, and works by receiving the signal from your cordless phone’s base, restoring it to its original strength and then repeating it to effectively double the range.

How to set up a repeater?

Setting up a repeater is fairly straightforward when you know how; there are a few simple steps to follow that will depend upon the make and model of your repeater and cordless phone. The most important factor is where to locate your repeater; the ideal spot is as far away from your phone’s base as possible but still within range.

Our most popular model – the liGo DECT Repeater – can be set up with most phones as follows:

Step 1: Put your phone into registration mode

• Locate the page/intercom/find button on your phone’s base unit (this is the bigger unit which is plugged into your phone point).
• Push the button and hold it for 3-5 seconds – you may hear a beep or a pulsing sound after doing this (depending on the model of the phone). The phone is now in registration mode and ready to be registered with the repeater.

Step 2: Registering the repeater

• Insert the repeater’s power plug for 2-3 seconds in the socket and then remove it. Insert it once more and leave it there. The LED on the repeater should now flash very quickly without interruptions.
• The registration can take up to 1 minute to complete. You will be able to tell the repeater is registered when the LED stops flashing and is a constant red.

The steps for registering an RTX repeater are slightly different for Siemens Gigaset phones, and the instructions can be found here.

Are all cordless phones compatible with all repeaters?

The simple answer to this question is no. Most cordless phones nowadays do offer compatibility with repeaters (with Gigaset and Panasonic typically safe choices), but there are exceptions and we have come across models from Binatone, BT, iDECT and Philips that will not work- so it'ss definitely worth your while to check before ordering. You should be able to find out in the user manual or by contacting our knowledgeable and friendly Customer Services team.

Head over to our site for a look at some of the best Long Range Cordless Phones available.