Why You Need a VoIP Adapter
With the UK landline network switching off by 2027 (read more here and here), calls will be routed over broadband rather than copper lines. A VoIP adapter connects a traditional landline phone to your broadband router, allowing calls over the internet instead of copper phone lines.
Familiar and comfortable with using your landline handset?
A lot of homes have multiple cordless (DECT) Handsets dotted around the home, or a specific Handset that they need due to either large buttons, a certain audible level, a Dementia Phone, or even the old rotary dialling phones.
With our VoIP service, no change is needed, just a VoIP Adapter.
Simply plug your landline handset, or main base unit if you have a set of cordless handsets, into the VoIP Adapter, and they will work.
What is a VoIP Adapter?
A VoIP adapter is a small device (around 7cm × 9cm) that lets you keep using your existing landline phone with your broadband connection. It connects to your router and power, and once your number is live, you simply plug in your handset and start making and receiving calls as normal.
We pre-configure everything for you, so setup is quick and straightforward — just plug it in and go.
A VoIP adapter is ideal if you:
- ✓ want to keep your existing phone
- ✓ have cordless DECT handsets
- ✓ prefer familiar equipment
- ✓ need large-button or specialist phones
- ✓ want a simple home setup
How to set up the VoIP Adapter
It connects to your Broadband Router and mains electricity. When your Landline Number is live with us, your landline handset plugs into it. Then your calls are routed through your Broadband connection.
A quick guide comes with the VoIP Adapter to help set it up.
Important things to note:
- Please leave your landline handset plugged in to your existing Landline service (if it is still live and working). Your landline number will continue to work until it ports across to us as long as your account is still live and active.
- We will email you to let you know the date your Landline Number is due to port across.
- We will email you to let you know that your Landline Number has ported across, and your service is live with us.
- On the day, you may notice you can no longer make/receive any calls with your Landline Handset plugged into your existing socket. This means your Landline Number has ported. It is then time to plug your landline Handset into the VoIP Adapter to make and receive a test call
- The number port can take up to 8 pm on the day; in rare cases, it can be delayed.
- Feel free to unbox and plug the VoIP Adapter into your Router and electrical mains (using the cables provided in the box), so you’re ready for the Number Port date, or use it straight away if you have requested a new Landline Number.
- The VoIP Adapter can work in conjunction with the VoIP App if you have both.
Video guide
Power Your VoIP Adapter from Your Broadband Router
Many VoIP adapters can be powered directly from your broadband router using a USB cable, instead of a standard plug socket.
This can be useful if you have limited power sockets or want a cleaner, simpler setup with fewer cables.
- Reduces the number of power adapters needed
- Keeps your setup neat and organised
- Uses the router’s USB port for power
Note: Not all routers or VoIP adapters support USB power. Always check compatibility before using this method.
VoIP Adapter Troubleshooting Guide
The VoIP Adapter is a robust and reliable bit of kit. If you ever find that your VoIP Adapter or VoIP Service is not working as normal, then it is very easy to fix.
A very common issue we come across is that the VoIP Adapter has become disconnected from the mains electricity, the broadband router or the landline handset has come out of the front.
We know wires can be messy and confusing, kind of like the Christmas lights when they come out of storage. Please ensure the VoIP Adapter is powered on, connected to the router and that your Broadband connection is working and that your landline handset is correctly plugged in.
Reach for the power button before the hammer!
If all of the cables are connected properly and your broadband seems to be working ok then we ask that you power off your Broadband Router, Full Fibre Modem (if you have one), Landline Handset and the VoIP Adapter.
Please ensure to power them off for at least 10 minutes.
Why 10 Minutes?
Great question, but let’s just say technology can be problematic, and it’s best to be thorough. If you are still experiencing problems after this, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can assist.
Does the VoIP Adapter still work if there is a Power cut?
No, the VoIP Adapter does not have a Battery Backup built into it, just like your Broadband Router and Full Fibre Modem (if you have one) do not have battery backup systems in them either.
If you experience frequent Power Cuts or are concerned about power cuts, then we would urge you to research and obtain an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which is a Battery source. MIH VoIP do not provide a UPS, nor can we offer any specific advice on them.
VoIP Adapter Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my existing landline phone with VoIP?
Yes — a VoIP adapter connects your phone to your broadband router.
Q: Do I need a special router?
No, any router with an ethernet port works.
Q: Will my phone work during a power cut?
No, unless you use a UPS backup.
Q: Is setup difficult?
No — plug into power, router, and phone.