AT&T CL4940-BK
AT&T CL4940-BK Corded Phone User Manual
Comprehensive instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance of your AT&T CL4940-BK Corded Phone with Digital Answering Machine.
1. Setup
1.1 Package Contents
Before you begin, ensure all items are present in your package:
- Telephone Base
- Handset
- Curly Cord (for handset)
- A/C Adapter
- Telephone Line Cord
- Wall Mount Bracket (if applicable)
1.2 Connecting the Phone
Follow these steps to connect your AT&T CL4940-BK corded phone:
- Connect the curly cord to the handset and the handset jack on the telephone base.
- Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the TEL LINE jack on the base and the other end to a telephone wall jack.
- Connect the A/C adapter to the POWER jack on the base and plug the other end into a standard electrical outlet. Note that A/C power is required for all features to function, though basic call/receive will work with line power only.
- For wall mounting, attach the included wall mount bracket to the base and secure it to a wall plate.

Figure 1: Overview of the AT&T CL4940-BK Corded Phone, showing the main unit with handset and display.
1.3 Initial Setup
Upon first power-up or after a power outage, you may need to set the date, time, and language:
- Press MENU/SELECT to access the menu.
- Navigate using the DIR ▲ or CID ▼ buttons to find "Set Date/Time" or "Language".
- Press MENU/SELECT to confirm your selection.
- Use the keypad to enter the correct date and time, and the navigation buttons to select your preferred language (English, Spanish, or French).
- Press MENU/SELECT to save changes.
2. Operating Your Phone
2.1 Making and Receiving Calls
- To make a call: Lift the handset or press SPEAKER, then dial the number.
- To receive a call: Lift the handset or press SPEAKER when the phone rings.
- To end a call: Place the handset back on the base or press SPEAKER if on speakerphone.
2.2 Using the Speakerphone
The built-in speakerphone allows for hands-free conversations:
- To activate: Press the SPEAKER button during a call or before dialing.
- To switch back to handset: Lift the handset.
- To adjust speaker volume: Use the VOLUME ▲/▼ buttons.
2.3 Audio Assist Feature
The Audio Assist feature temporarily boosts the volume for clearer listening during conversations, especially useful for hard-to-hear calls:
- During a call, press the AUDIO ASSIST button.
- Press it again to deactivate the boost.
2.4 Digital Answering System
The integrated digital answering system can record up to 25 minutes of messages and applies a time/day stamp to each. An audible message alert will notify you of new messages.

Figure 2: Front view of the phone, highlighting the large keypad and backlit tilt display for easy operation.
2.4.1 Recording a Greeting
- Press MENU/SELECT.
- Navigate to "Answering System" and then "Record Greeting".
- Follow the voice prompts to record your personalized outgoing message.
2.4.2 Playing Messages
- Press the PLAY/STOP ■ button to listen to new messages.
- Press REPEAT ◄◄ to repeat the current message or go back to the previous message.
- Press SKIP ►► to skip to the next message.
2.4.3 Deleting Messages
- During message playback, press DELETE X to delete the current message.
- To delete all old messages, press DELETE X twice when the answering system is idle.
2.5 Caller ID
The phone stores a 50 name/number caller ID history (requires subscription with your telephone provider):
- Press CID ▼ to scroll through the caller ID log.
- To redial a number from the log, press SPEAKER or lift the handset when the desired entry is displayed.
2.6 Phonebook and Speed Dial
Store up to 25 names and numbers in the phonebook and assign 10 numbers to speed dial for quick access:
- To add a phonebook entry: Press MENU/SELECT, navigate to "Phonebook", then "Add New Entry". Follow prompts to enter name and number.
- To use speed dial: Press the assigned speed dial number (0-9) and then SPEED DIAL, or simply press the number while on-hook and then lift the handset or press SPEAKER.
3. Maintenance
3.1 Cleaning Your Phone
To keep your phone in good condition:
- Wipe the phone's surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Do not use cleaning sprays or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the finish or electronic components.
- Avoid getting moisture into any openings.
3.2 Power Considerations
The AT&T CL4940-BK requires A/C power for all advanced features, including the digital answering machine, display backlight, and speakerphone. Basic call/receive functionality may work during a power outage if the phone line remains active.
- The Message Guard Memory feature saves recorded messages even during a power failure.
- However, settings such as date, time, and potentially speed dial numbers may need to be reset after a power outage.
4. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your phone, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions. For more detailed troubleshooting, consult the full user manual available online.
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| No dial tone. |
|
| Static or poor sound quality. |
|
| Answering machine not recording messages. |
|
| Display is blank or not lit. |
|
| Date/Time resets after power outage. |
|
For a comprehensive guide and additional troubleshooting steps, you can download the full user manual from the manufacturer's website. A user review mentioned the following link: AT&T CL4940 Full User Manual (PDF).
5. Product Specifications
Key technical specifications for the AT&T CL4940-BK Corded Phone:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | CL4940-BK |
| Brand | AT&T |
| Telephone Type | Corded |
| Answering System Type | Digital |
| Recording Capacity | Up to 25 minutes |
| Phonebook Directory | 25 names/numbers |
| Caller ID History | 50 names/numbers |
| Display | Backlit Tilt Display |
| Keypad | Large Big Button Keypad |
| Special Features | Audio Assist, Speakerphone, 10-number Speed Dial, Volume Control, Redial, Flash, Mute, Equalizer, Hearing Aid Compatible |
| Mounting Type | Desktop or Wall Mountable |
| Power Source | Corded Electric (A/C adapter included) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10.16 x 25.4 x 22.86 cm (4 x 10 x 9 inches) |
| Weight | 1.13 kg (2.49 lbs) |
| Compatible Devices | PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) |
6. Warranty and Support
This AT&T product is manufactured by VTech Communications, Inc. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official AT&T or VTech support website.
Typically, warranty coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For direct assistance, you may contact AT&T customer support or VTech Canada, the manufacturer, for your region. Contact details are usually provided in the product packaging or on their official websites.
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