How to Change the Time on an Avaya Phone (Partner ACS, IP Office, Merlin Magix, Vantage)

If your Avaya phone is showing the wrong time, the fix depends on which Avaya system you’re using. Some systems let you change the time right from the phone, while others pull time automatically from a server (SNTP/NTP) or require admin access through Avaya management software.

Important note for older Avaya systems: you often must complete time changes from Extension 10 or 11 (the primary “programming” extensions). If you try from another extension, you may not see the right menus or the change won’t save.

Quick Answer (Most Common Scenario)

• Avaya IP Office (J100 / 9600 / 1600 series): Time is usually controlled by system settings (admin permissions required).

• Avaya Partner ACS: Change time from Extension 10 using feature codes.

• Merlin Magix: Change time from the system programming menu.

• Avaya Vantage: Change time in the device’s Settings (unless managed automatically).

If you’re unsure which system you have, jump to How to Identify Your Avaya System below.

Avaya Partner Systems (ACS): Change Time (Extension 10 Required)

Use this method when you have an Avaya Partner ACS system and the phone time is incorrect.

1. Go to Extension 10 (this is required on most Partner systems).

2. Press the Feature button and dial 00.

3. Press the Left Intercom button two times.

4. Press # and dial 103.

5. Enter the time in 24-hour (military) format:

   • Example: 2:00 PM = 1400

6. Press Feature and dial 00 again to save and exit.

Tip: If the display doesn’t change after saving, wait 30–60 seconds or check if the system is set to auto-adjust for Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Avaya IP Office (J100, 9600, 1600 Series): Change Time from the Phone

On many IP Office setups, the time is controlled centrally and only appears if your user has administrator rights.

1. Press the Features soft key

   • On some models, press Phone first.

2. Navigate to Phone User and select it.

3. Select System Administration

   • If you don’t see this option, you likely don’t have admin rights.

4. Enter your security PIN and press Done.

5. Select Time.

6. Enter the time in 24-hour format.

   • Use the  or # key to enter the colon on some models (example: 1430 for 2:30 PM).

7. Press Set or Done to save.

If you can’t change the time on IP Office

This is extremely common. Your system may be:

• Synchronizing automatically using an SNTP/NTP time server, or

• Locked behind admin-only access, or

• Managed through Avaya IP Office Manager on a PC

In those cases, you’ll need system-level access to correct the time source (see When You Can’t Change the Time: SNTP/NTP & Admin Control below).

Avaya Merlin Magix: Change Time via System Programming

Merlin Magix time changes are typically done from the system programming interface.

1. Press Menu.

2. Select System Program.

3. Press Exit or Start, then select System.

4. Select Time.

5. Enter the time in 24-hour format (HHMM) and press Enter.

6. Press Exit or Home to save.

Avaya Vantage Devices: Change Time in Settings

If you’re using an Avaya Vantage desk device, time is often configured directly on the device—unless your deployment is centrally managed.

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap System → Date & time.

3. Turn off Set time automatically (or Automatic date & time).

4. Tap Time and enter the correct time.

If you don’t see these options: your Vantage may be controlled by an MDM policy, your VoIP platform, or an NTP/SNTP time source.

When You Can’t Change the Time: SNTP/NTP, Permissions, and Daylight Saving Time

If the phone won’t let you edit the time, it’s usually one of these:

1) Your system uses an SNTP/NTP time server

Many Avaya IP Office environments pull time automatically from a configured time source. If that source is wrong—or blocked by a firewall—every phone can display the wrong time.

Common fixes (system-level):

• Verify the correct NTP server is set

• Confirm the PBX/voice server can reach it (UDP/123)

• Confirm the correct time zone and DST rules are configured

• Ensure internal DNS resolves the time server name (if used)

2) Your user profile lacks admin rights

On IP Office, the System Administration menu only appears for users with the right permissions. In that case, you’ll need an admin to make the change or adjust your profile.

3) Daylight Saving Time is misconfigured

Phones may show a one-hour offset even if the “time” is technically correct. This is usually a DST rule or time zone issue at the system level.

How to Identify Your Avaya System (So You Use the Right Steps)

Use these quick clues:

• Partner ACS: Often older setups; programming is commonly done from Ext 10/11 using feature codes.

• Merlin Magix: Older business phone systems with a System Program menu.

• IP Office (J100/9600/1600): Modern VoIP/hybrid systems; time often controlled centrally, sometimes via NTP.

• Avaya Vantage: Looks like a touchscreen smart desk device with Android-like settings.

If you’re still not sure, Extel can identify it quickly by model numbers and your controller/PBX details.

Best Practices (So the Time Stays Correct)

• Use a reliable NTP time source for IP Office environments.

• Confirm time zone + DST settings at the system level.

• Limit time changes to authorized admins to avoid recurring issues.

• If you have multiple sites, standardize time settings across locations.

FAQ: Changing Time on Avaya Phones

Do I have to use military time?Yes—most Avaya systems require 24-hour format when programming the time.

Why does it say I don’t have permission to change the time?On many Avaya IP Office phones, the time menu is admin-only. Your system may also be syncing time automatically.

Why are all phones wrong by exactly one hour?That almost always points to DST or time zone settings rather than the clock itself.

Can I change the time for one phone only?Usually no. In most environments, time is controlled at the system level, not per phone—especially with IP Office.

Need Extel to Fix It Fast?

If your Avaya phones keep drifting, won’t allow a time change, or are off by an hour after DST, Extel can help by:

• Identifying your Avaya platform (Partner, IP Office, Merlin Magix, Vantage)

• Correcting system time settings, time zone, and DST rules

• Validating or configuring SNTP/NTP time synchronization

• Ensuring phones receive the correct time consistently