Toggle Between Number and URL Dial Modes on Polycom VVX Series Phones

Affects

Devices: Polycom VVX Series models, including models 2XX, 3XX, 4XX, 5XX, and 6XX.

Introduction

Users of Polycom VVX series phones might experience an issue where the dialing interface accepts letters and characters instead of numbers. This typically happens when the dial mode is accidentally set to URL mode instead of the standard Number mode. This article provides a guide on how to toggle between these two modes for both touchscreen and non-touchscreen models of the Polycom VVX series.

Issue Description

If your Polycom VVX series phone is entering letters or special characters when you’re trying to dial a number, it’s likely in URL dialing mode. This mode is useful for inputting SIP addresses or URLs, but it can be confusing if you’re trying to enter a standard telephone number.

Symptoms

  • The phone interprets keypad inputs as letters or special characters.
  • Challenges in dialing regular phone numbers, as the input doesn’t correspond to typical numeric values.

Solution: Toggling Back to Number Mode

The approach to toggling back to Number mode varies slightly between touchscreen models (like the VVX 5XX and 6XX series) and non-touchscreen models.

For Touchscreen Models (e.g., VVX 5XX and 6XX Series)

  1. Identify the Current Dial Mode: When in URL mode, the phone’s interface will allow for alphabetic and special character input.
  2. Locate the Virtual Buttons: On the touch screen, look for the virtual ‘URL’ and ‘Number’ buttons, typically located at the top right of the screen.
  3. Toggle to Number Mode: Tap the virtual ‘Number’ button to switch back to the standard numeric input mode.
  4. Verify the Change: Enter a phone number to ensure the phone is now accepting numeric inputs.

For Non-Touchscreen Models

  1. Identify the Current Dial Mode: Notice if the phone is accepting letters or special characters instead of numbers.
  2. Locate the Assigned Physical Button: The ‘URL’ and ‘Number’ toggle might be assigned to one of the physical buttons surrounding the screen. Look for any on-screen prompts or labels indicating which button toggles the dial mode.
  3. Toggle to Number Mode: Press the designated physical button to switch the dialing mode back to Number mode.
  4. Verify the Change: Try dialing a phone number to confirm that the inputs are now numerical.

Additional Tips

  • Consult the Manual: Each phone model might have slightly different interfaces or button assignments. Refer to your specific model’s user manual for detailed instructions.
  • Centralized Settings: If your phone settings are managed by an IT department, consider informing them of recurring issues with dial mode changes.
  • Training and Familiarity: Regular users of the phone should be familiar with switching between modes to avoid confusion during calls.

Conclusion

Understanding how to toggle between URL and Number dial modes is crucial for efficient phone use. Whether your Polycom VVX series phone is a touchscreen model with virtual buttons or a traditional model with physical keys, switching back to Number mode is a simple process once you know the right steps. Always ensure that any changes made align with your organization’s communication policies and guidelines.