Polycom VVX Phone Headset Programming Guide
Complete step-by-step programming guide for Polycom VVX and Poly Edge E phones. Learn how to enable EHS cable functionality, configure headset settings, and connect wireless headsets for remote call control.
Why Polycom VVX Programming is Essential
Programming or configuration is necessary to make your phone compatible with the type of headset you will be using. Without configuration, the headset controls will not work with the Polycom phone. By configuration, you can enable the remote call features supported by the EHS cable and set the phone for making automatic calls.
In this programming guide, we are going to learn how to program the Polycom VVX phone headset and Edge E phones. For complete headset compatibility information across different phone systems, explore our guides for Polycom, Nortel, Panasonic, Cisco, and Avaya phones.
Key Takeaways
- Programming is required to enable EHS cable remote call features
- Must configure Hook Switch Mode for Poly, Jabra, or Sennheiser headsets
- Phone reboot necessary after programming for settings to take effect
- APP-51 or Jabra 14201-17 EHS cables enable remote answer/hang-up
- Poly 85638-01 cable required when using sidecar with VVX phones
- SIP application 3.1.2 Rev B or higher needed for newer Poly headsets
Guide Navigation
How to Program Your VVX and Edge E Phones?
To program your VVX and Edge E phones, you need to follow these steps:
Programming your Polycom VVX or Edge E phone is essential for enabling headset functionality. This process activates the headset port and configures the phone to work with your specific brand of headset.
▲ Important: Before You Begin
While programming, ensure that your EHS cable is not plugged into your Poly phone.
Programming Steps
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: From your phone, select Menu/Home > Settings > Basic > Preferences > Headset > Hook Switch Mode (or Analog Headset Mode).
Step 2: Now scroll down to choose the brand for the headset (Jabra, Poly/Plantronics, or Sennheiser) and then press Select.
Step 3: Now, you have to press the Menu option to return to the idle display screen.
Step 4: Once the port is activated, you can plug the EHS cable into your phone's headset jack and serial port to make it work.
Step 5: Reboot the phone so that the settings take effect.
● Quick Reference Path
Menu/Home → Settings → Basic → Preferences → Headset → Hook Switch Mode
Then select your headset brand (Jabra, Poly, or Sennheiser) and reboot.
After completing these programming steps and rebooting your phone, you're ready to connect your EHS cable and begin using your headset with remote call capabilities.
How to Connect the Headset's EHS Cable to Poly VVX and Poly Edge Phones?
After programming your phone, when the changes take effect, it's time to plug the EHS cable into the phone's headset port and serial port.
We will be using either the Poly APP-51 or Jabra Link 14201-17 EHS cable. Let's see how to connect the EHS cable to the phone.
Connection
One end of the Poly APP-51 / Jabra Link 14201-17 EHS cable will be plugged into your phone headset port and serial port. The other end will be plugged into the Poly/Jabra wireless headset.
Connection Points:
• Phone Side: Headset port + Serial port
• Headset Side: Wireless headset base
• Cable Options: Poly APP-51 or Jabra 14201-17
Test the Remote Call Answer/End Functions
After connecting the EHS cable, check if it supports the remote call functions or not.
Testing Steps:
To Answer a Call: Simply press the call control button on the side of the headset.
To End a Call: Once you have finished the call, again press the Call control on/off button. Your call will end.
● Note 1: Additional Phone Functions
You have to perform functions like placing callers on hold/park, establishing conference calls, transferring, and dialing calls on the phone.
● Note 2: Mute Button Functionality
The mute button on your headset will serve as a hold button for many users. But otherwise, it will function the same way as a cordless basic handset.
For more guidance on wireless headset options and setup, explore our wireless headset collection or check out Bluetooth alternatives for your office environment.
What are the Compatible Poly VVX and Poly Edge E Phones for EHS Cable Use?
Many Poly VVX and Poly Edge E phone models are compatible with the EHS cable.
The following models support EHS cable functionality for remote answer and hang-up capabilities:
Compatible Polycom VVX Models
Compatible Poly Edge E Series
All Poly Edge E Series Models
The complete Edge E series lineup supports EHS cable functionality.
▲ Note 1: Polycom VVX 201 is NOT Compatible
Polycom VVX 201 is not compatible with the EHS cable.
● Note 2: Need Poly 85638-01 for Using the Sidecar
The Polycom phones, including Polycom VVX 101, VVX 150, VVX 250, VVX 300, VVX 310, VVX 350, VVX 400, VVX 410, VVX 450, VVX 500, VVX 600, VVX 1500, and Poly Edge E Series, need Poly 85638-01 to use the sidecar with. Without this, the EHS cable will not reach the sidecar.
● Note 3: SIP application 3.1.2 Rev B or higher and BootROM 4.1.0
For using the newer headsets, the Poly Voyager and Savi Series headsets with the phone, the phone must be running on SIP application 3.1.2 Rev B or higher and BootROM 4.1.0 or later. It is necessary when you are using the Poly APP-51.
What are the Best Poly VVX and Edge E Compatible Telephone Headsets?
In the year 1998, Polycom entered the desktop phone market with its own lines of SoundPoint phones.
It continued the expansion in 2001 and introduced its own SoundPoint IP 500 line. With the movement of companies towards the cloud and VoIP, the Polycom VVX headsets have become more popular. Now, there is a wide variety of wired and wireless headset options for these phones.
Poly Edge Series
The Poly Edge E series consists of IP desk phones suitable for hybrid work environments. You can use them for both hot desking and home offices. The following features make them special:
Noise Reduction Technologies
The Poly Edge series phone integrates noise reduction technologies to ensure calls are crystal clear without any surrounding noise. The technologies include NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence. To enhance hygiene, Microbran® antimicrobial protection is used.
Wireless Connectivity Options
This series features a cutting-edge and slim design and offers wireless connectivity options: Bluetooth®, WiFi, and NFC. Moreover, you can easily deploy this series and use it with the Poly Lens app.
What Headsets are Worth Considering for Polycom VVX and Poly Edge E Phones?
The two major brands, Plantronics/Poly and Jabra, are worth considering for headsets for the Polycom VVX and Poly Edge E phones. Both are the top manufacturers for professional-grade headsets. For connection, you will need only a headset and a Direct Connect cable from the same manufacturer. You can choose either a Poly or Jabra headset that terminates with a quick disconnect plug and the direct connect cable from the same brand.
Wearing Styles
When you select a headset, you need to consider the wearing style you want for yourself. The more durable and perfect for wearing style is the over-the-head headset. You can have an over-an-ear headset if you want a smaller and lightweight design.
Convertible Headsets:
This is the most popular wearing style that can be converted into multiple wearing options, like on-ear and over-the-ear styles.
Direct Connect Cables
A direct connect cable is needed to connect the headset to your phone, whether you choose a Poly headset or a Jabra headset.
Direct Connect Cable From Plantronics/Poly
If you choose Poly as the headset manufacturer, you will get the U10 cable as the direct connect cable.
Direct Connect Cable From Jabra
On the other hand, if you choose Jabra as the headset manufacturer, you have to use the direct connect cable 8800-01-01. Alternatively, you can use the Jabra GN1200 CC, which is universally compatible with most phones.
These direct-connect cables are designed keeping in mind the Poly VVX phone and the headsets. So they give you a reach of 8 to 10 feet when plugged into the headset port. After this, you can simply press the headset button to answer and end the call.
Recommended Direct Connect Cable Options for Wired Headsets
The wired headsets need you to be at your desk to answer and hang up the calls. But they offer you excellent sound quality without breaking your bank.
Some recommended options for wired headsets with their compatible direct connect cable are:
| Desk Phone | Direct Connect Cable |
|---|---|
| Poly EncorePro HW540 Headset | Poly U10P Adapter Cable for H-Series headset |
| Jabra Biz 2400 II QD Mono 3-in-1 Headset | Jabra 8800-01-01 |
Recommended Direct Connect Cable Options for Wireless Headsets
If you have a good budget to afford wireless headsets, you can enjoy a tangle-free experience while roaming around your office. This increases your productivity as you can perform the other tasks, like asking co-workers questions and holding the files as well, without having to hang up the call. You can have different wearing styles like over-the-ear and headband styles.
The best thing about the headband wireless wearing style is the longer battery life, more durable design, and the best sound quality. If you prefer lighter versions and smaller sizes, you can opt for ear models with smaller batteries. But they are good for face-to-face conversations with the clients and customers without making your headsets noticeable.
Some recommended options for wireless headsets with their compatible EHS cable are:
| Desk Phone | EHS Cable |
|---|---|
| Poly CS540 Wireless Headset | Poly APP-51 EHS Cable |
| Jabra Engage 65 SE Mono Wireless Headset | Jabra Link 14201-17 EHS Adapter (Polycom) |
► Programming Required for Remote Capabilities
If you want to take calls and hang up remotely, you will need a Poly APP-52 or Jabra Link 14201-17 EHS cable. To make this possible, you will need to program your Poly VVX phone before connecting the Plantronics APP-51 or Jabra Link 14201-17 EHS cable. The programming procedure is stated at the start of the guide.
For more information on selecting the right headset for your needs, explore our comprehensive headset buying guide or browse our corded headset collection for additional options.
Need Help Programming Your Polycom VVX Phone?
Our certified headset experts are ready to help you with programming, setup, and headset selection. We provide support before, during, and after the sale.
Contact Our Experts