The WP856 is a rugged, high-end mobile computing device designed for enterprise environments that require powerful communication, barcode scanning, SIP telephony, and advanced Wi-Fi roaming. Running Android 13 with high durability (IP65, 1.5m drop-safe), it integrates Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, barcode scanning, and full SIP telephony features, making it ideal for healthcare, retail, logistics, and security deployments.
This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about the WP856 device.
General Information
The WP856 is a high-end mobile computing device built for users who need reliable mobile scanning, SIP telephony, and communication features. With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, a 20-hour talk time, a 5.5-inch touchscreen, and IP65 ruggedization, it is designed for environments like healthcare facilities, retail, building security, and logistics, where mobility and durability are essential.
It features a 2.2 GHz octa-core processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, dual microphones, an HD speakerphone, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, NFC, a 5000 mAh removable battery, a rear 13 MP camera, a front 5 MP camera, multiple sensors, and a Type-C OTG interface.
The device is IP65-rated for dust and water resistance and is drop-safe from up to 1.5 meters. It also supports static discharge protection and can operate in temperatures ranging from −20°C to 50°C.
The packaging includes the handset unit, power adapter, protective shell, three plug adapters, a lithium battery, USB cable, hand rope, and the Quick Installation Guide. Users are advised to verify all contents before installation.
You should fully charge the battery using the included AC adapter before first use. The device emits warning tones at 15% and 5% battery. If the battery is too low or removed unexpectedly, the device auto-boots when placed on the charger.
To install, unlock and remove the back cover, align the battery contacts, and press down. To remove, shut down the device via the power key, open the back cover, and lift out the battery.
The device provides up to 20 hours of talk time, ensuring reliable performance throughout long work shifts or all-day mobile operation.
The WP856 is ideal for healthcare, retail, building security, logistics, and other environments requiring mobile scanning, real-time data access, and durable equipment.
From the home screen, simply swipe up to open the full list of preinstalled applications, including Camera, Clock, Contacts, DebugLogging, Diagnostics, and more.
The WP856 launcher is a customizable home screen that allows users to add and configure widgets tailored to different use cases, while displaying installed applications by default.
- For audio, the WP856 supports G.711μ/a, G.729A/B, G.722, iLBC, Opus, DTMF (in-audio, RFC2833, SIP INFO), VAD, CNG, AEC, PLC, AJB, AGC, and ANS.
- For video, it supports H.264 BP/MP/HP, with resolutions up to 1080p, 30 FPS, and 3-way video conferencing.
Network & Connectivity
Navigate to GsSettings → Network Settings → Wi-Fi, turn Wi-Fi on, open Wi-Fi Settings, choose a network, and enter the password. A Wi-Fi icon appears on the LCD when successfully connected.
The device can act as a master to configure multiple WP856 units automatically. The master enables hotspot deployment using **800*, fills in Wi-Fi details, then slave devices join using **801*, download the configuration, and apply it automatically.
Swipe up to open the menu, then go to GsSettings → Device Information → Network Status. Both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are displayed.
The WP856 supports integrated dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, along with advanced antenna design, roaming support, and Bluetooth for pairing with headsets and mobile devices.
The WP856 supports four roaming modes:
- Default mode: general use with good battery life.
- Enhanced mode: for frequent movement.
- Fast roaming: supports 802.11k/v/r.
- Custom mode: allows manual adjustment of signal thresholds and scan intervals.
Go to GS Settings → Device Connection and enable Wi-Fi Display. This feature allows the device to cast its screen to supported display devices over Wi-Fi.
Navigate to GS Settings → Device Connection, select Pair a new device, search for nearby Bluetooth devices, and pair with the desired headset or gadget.
Yes. Under Scan Settings → Profile, enable Recognition WiFi Automatically. When the device scans a Wi-Fi QR code, it will automatically detect the SSID, password, and encryption method and prompt the user to connect.
Web GUI & System Management
First ensure Disable Web Login is set to No. Then retrieve the device’s IP address, enter it in a browser, and log in using the admin username and password printed in the battery compartment. The PC must be on the same subnet as the phone.
There are two levels:
- Administrator – full configuration access.
Passwords can be changed in System Settings → Security Settings. - End User – limited access to Status, Phone Settings, Network, System, and Application settings.
Go to System Settings → Security Settings, select the protocol, modify the Web Port field, then save and apply. The GUI will log out and redirect to the new port automatically.
Go to GS Settings → About Phone to view basic info, regulatory details, device identifiers, account status for up to 6 SIP accounts, and system information such as OS version and hardware details.
To install a TF card, locate the TF card slot on the left side of the device, pull out the cardholder, place the TF card into it, and slide the cardholder back into the slot.
SIP Accounts & Telephony
The device supports up to 6 SIP accounts, each configurable in the Web GUI under Account Settings. This includes SIP server, authentication, outbound proxy, NAT traversal, codecs, and call settings.
Supported audio codecs include G.711μ/a, G.729A/B, G.722, Opus, iLBC, and G.726 variants. Supported video codec is H.264 up to 1080p at 30 FPS. Forward error correction (FEC), echo cancellation, AGC, PLC, and DTMF modes are also supported.
NAT modes include STUN, Keep-Alive, and VPN. With STUN, the phone uses public IP/ports in SIP/SDP when compatible NAT types are detected. Keep-alive sends empty packets to maintain NAT bindings. STUN cannot be used with symmetric NAT.
The WP856 supports auto-answer, intercom, call waiting, blind/attended transfer, call forwarding (multiple modes), call logs, DND, anonymous call, preview for incoming video calls, conference calls, paging, PTT, and hot desking.
The phone supports up to 6-line audio conferencing and 3-way 1080p video conferencing. Auto-conference mode can place multiple lines into a conference automatically when enabled. Options exist to hold callers before adding new participants.
The phone includes Noise Shield (handset and headset options), AI or classic noise suppression, local in-call DTMF playback, and noise block for reducing background sound in transmitted audio.
- From the device (LCD Settings): Go to GS Settings → Account Settings → SIP Account, select an account slot, and fill in the SIP Server, SIP User ID, Authentication ID, Password, Outbound Proxy, and Voicemail Password. Activate the account and tap Save to complete registration.
- From the WebUI: Log into the device’s WebUI, navigate to Account Settings → SIP Account, select the desired account, and enter the same SIP details (SIP server, credentials, proxy, etc.). Save and apply the configuration to register the account.
Yes. When Scan Settings → Profile → Configure Account Auto is enabled, you can scan a UCM-generated QR code. The WP856 will automatically detect and fill in the SIP server, backup server, user ID, authentication ID, and password.
One-Click Configuration allows users to deploy a SIP account by entering a 6-digit identity code generated by the GCC60xx device. After entering the code, the WP856 automatically assigns the SIP account to the first empty slot or replaces the last account if all are in use.
To answer a call, tap the green answer icon; to reject it, tap the red decline icon.
To place a call, open the dial pad, enter a number, and choose either the audio or video call icon.
Barcode & NFC
The WP856 supports scanning both 1D and 2D barcodes using its integrated infrared scanner. Scan profiles can be customized under GS Settings → Advanced Settings → Scan Options, including decoding parameters for each barcode type.
The WP856 supports NFC for Android Beam sharing, NFC network sharing, reading NFC router tags, and a built-in NFC Demo app for reading and writing NFC tags — including read-only protection.
Point the scan window at the center of the barcode, adjust the distance until the scanner captures it, and ensure the angles fall within recommended ranges: skew <45°, pitch <45° (ideally 5°–20°), and roll 0°–360°.
You can define the Output Mode in the Scan Profile. Available modes include keyboard input emulation, file output, broadcasting, USB HID, Bluetooth HID, and network output, depending on how you want scanned data to be processed.
Bluetooth HID output sends scanned barcode data as if it were typed on a Bluetooth keyboard.
To enable it:
GS Settings → Scan Settings → Profile → Output Mode → Bluetooth HID Output
You must then select a pairable Bluetooth device and connect it. The notification bar will show the current output mode and device.
Errors appear when:
- Bluetooth is turned off, or
- No Bluetooth device is connected, or
- The connected Bluetooth device does not support HID input.
In these cases, the WP856 will display toast messages such as “Bluetooth is not turned on” or “The current Bluetooth device cannot be output.”
Go to Scan Settings → Profile → Output Mode → USB HID Output, then connect a USB device. The phone will prompt you to switch the USB mode to HID. When unplugged, it automatically restores the previous USB mode. The notification bar also indicates that USB HID mode is active.
When enabled, the WP856 automatically sends an Enter key press immediately after transmitting scanned data. This works for keyboard simulation, USB HID, and Bluetooth HID modes, useful for workflows where each scan should “submit” automatically.
The WP856 supports four scanning modes: Single Scanning, Timeout Scanning (default), Continuous Scanning, and Delayed Scanning. These modes define how the scanner behaves when the scan buttons are pressed and can be changed inside the Scan Demo app.
A Scan Profile defines how scanned barcode data is processed (output mode, encoding, prefixes/suffixes, barcode types, decoding prompts, etc.). The WP856 allows creating up to 10 scan profiles, but only one profile can be active at a time.
The WP856 supports multiple output modes, including:
- Emulated Key Output
- Direct Text Input
- Broadcast Output
- USB HID
- Bluetooth HID
- Network Output (IP + port)
These modes allow the WP856 to behave like a keyboard, a network client, or a wireless data transmitter depending on the environment.
Yes. The WP856 supports an extensive list of 1D barcodes (Code39, Code128, UPC-A/E, EAN, ITF, GS1-128, etc.) and 2D barcodes (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, MaxiCode, etc.). Each barcode type can be enabled and configured within the selected Scan Profile.
The WP856 includes advanced options such as accurate scanning mode, noise reduction, exposure brightness control, multi-barcode decoding, fill-light control, OCR certificate recognition, and horizontal decoding optimization. These help improve scanning accuracy in difficult lighting or scanning environments.
Yes. Several automated behaviors are available, such as:
- Launching a browser for barcodes containing URLs.
- Recognizing and connecting to Wi-Fi networks from scanned QR codes.
- Automatically configuring user accounts from barcode data.
- These options can be enabled within the Scan Profile settings.
The WP856 uses a CMOS-based barcode scanner (≥5 mil) designed for short-range scanning. Reliable scanning from 1 meter is not expected. Scanning performance can also be affected by lighting conditions, barcode type and size, scanning angle, and print quality.
Upgrading & Provisioning
To upgrade via USB/TF card, place the firmware file (different from the current version) in the root directory of the USB/TF card. When connected, the WP856 will automatically detect the new version and display a pop-up asking whether to upgrade.
If removed during download, the upgrade will stop. You can reinsert the card and restart the process.
If removed during installation, the upgrade will still complete successfully.
The WP856 will not start the upgrade if the battery level is below 15%.
Go to GS Settings → Advanced Settings → System Upgrade → USB/TF Card Upgrade Configuration File.
The device will scan the card for a CFG file in the root directory. Once detected, confirm to apply it and reboot to activate the configuration.
Yes. Place wifiAutoConfig.zip in the card’s root directory, then go to
GS Settings → Network Settings → Configure Wi-Fi via USB/TF Card to automatically load the Wi-Fi configuration.
The WP856 can upgrade from TFTP, HTTP, or HTTPS servers. You can enter the server path as either an IP address or an FQDN.
Go to GS Settings → Advanced Settings → System Update and activate the Upgrade Detection method to let the device automatically check the configured server for new firmware or configuration files.
Yes. Through the Web GUI, click Upload under Maintenance → Upgrade → Firmware, select the firmware file from your PC, and the WP856 will begin upgrading immediately after upload.
Yes. Free Windows TFTP servers (SolarWinds, TFTPD64) can be used. Place all firmware files in the server’s root folder, set the server to Transmit Only, configure the WP856 firmware path to the TFTP server’s IP, then reboot.
Upon booting, the device requests cfgMAC.xml (e.g., cfgec74d700aabb.xml) from the configuration server. If unavailable, it tries cfg<MODEL>.xml, and then cfg.xml.
Security & Maintenance
Security includes TLS 1.2+, SRTP, certificate validation, domain certificate checking, SIP authentication, server certificate validation, unsolicited REFER controls, SIP challenge options, user-level vs admin-level separation, and encrypted XML configuration.
You can factory reset the WP856 through two methods:
- LCD Menu: GS Settings → Advanced Settings → Factory Reset, then confirm the reset.
- Web GUI: Maintenance → Upgrade → Advanced Settings, then click Reset and confirm.
Both methods erase all user data and restore default configurations.
A factory reset deletes all configuration information, including SIP accounts, Wi-Fi settings, call data, contacts, and custom profiles. It is recommended to back up all important settings before proceeding. Grandstream cannot recover lost parameters after the reset.
Yes. The WP856 runs on an Android-based OS and supports an SDK interface for third-party app development. Developers can refer to the “Android Framework Service Guide” for details on APIs and integration.
Security settings are found under System Settings → Security Settings.
You can:
- Enable or disable SSH access (default port 22).
- Choose HTTP or HTTPS for Web access.
- Customize web ports.
- Enable/disable user-level Web access.
- Set login timeout durations.
These options help secure remote administration of the device.
The WP856 supports:
- Trusted CA Certificates (Custom CA or built-in Phone CA)
- User Certificates in PEM, PFX, or P12 formats
- These certificates secure HTTPS access, authentication, and encrypted communication between the device and servers.
Under Maintenance → System Diagnosis, the WP856 provides tools including:
- Syslog configuration (UDP or TLS)
- One-click Debugging (collect system logs, pcap traces, ANR logs, tombstones)
- Core Dump generation
- Wi-Fi Monitor Mode for wireless packet capture
- Network tools such as Ping, Traceroute, and NSLookup
These tools help administrators troubleshoot issues and monitor device performance.