A method and system for registering wireless devices with a base unit that is configured to communicate wirelessly with multiple wireless devices. In one example, the wireless devices are cordless handsets of cordless telephone systems. When placed in a charging cradle, an unregistered handset displays a message indicating that the handset should be registered. A user provides local input to the base unit to activate a registration sequence. A three-way handshake is initiated at the base station, wherein a sequence of three wireless messages are passed between the base and unregistered handset. The handset displays a message indicating successful registration.