Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your VTech CL6550 Corded and DECT Cordless Phone system. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your new phone to ensure proper functionality and to take full advantage of its features. Keep this manual for future reference.
Product Overview
The VTech CL6550 is a versatile communication system combining a corded desk phone with a DECT cordless handset. It is designed for ease of use with features catering to various user needs.
Key Features:
- Call Blocking for Nuisance and Unknown Calls: Block up to 100 unwanted numbers to ensure uninterrupted communication.
- Integrated Digital Answering Machine: Features slow playback and up to 30 minutes of recording time.
- Handset and Base Speakerphone: Enables hands-free conversations from both the corded base and the cordless handset.
- Large Buttons and Large Display: Designed for clear visibility and ease of use, especially for users who prefer a tactile interface.
- Photo Dial Keys for Quick Dialing: Program up to eight frequently dialed numbers with associated photos for easy identification and quick access.
- Talking Numbers: Announces dialed digits for confirmation.
- Visual Ring Indicator: A light indicator on the base signals incoming calls.
- Volume Booster: Enhances audio for clearer conversations.
- Equalizer: Adjust audio quality for personalized listening.
- Hearing Aid Compatible: Designed to work effectively with hearing aids.
Components:
- Corded Base Unit
- Corded Handset
- Cordless Handset
- Cordless Handset Charger
- Telephone Line Cord
- AC Power Adapter (for base)
- Rechargeable NiMH Batteries (for cordless handset)

Image: The VTech CL6550 phone system, showing both the corded base unit with its large keypad and photo dial buttons, and the cordless handset in its charging cradle.
Setup
- Connect the Corded Base Unit:
- Plug one end of the telephone line cord into the TEL LINE jack on the back of the corded base.
- Plug the other end of the telephone line cord into a telephone wall jack.
- Connect the AC power adapter to the POWER jack on the back of the corded base.
- Plug the AC power adapter into a standard electrical outlet.

Image: The corded phone base unit on a table, with a power outlet in the background. This model can operate basic corded phone functions using line power, but requires the AC adapter for full features like the answering machine and charging the cordless handset.
- Install Cordless Handset Batteries:
- Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the cordless handset.
- Insert the supplied NiMH batteries, observing the polarity markings (+ and -).
- Close the battery compartment cover.
- Charge the Cordless Handset:
- Place the cordless handset in its charging cradle.
- Ensure the "Charging" indicator on the handset or cradle illuminates.
- Allow the handset to charge for at least 16 hours before initial use.
- Set Date and Time:
- Follow the on-screen prompts on the cordless handset or refer to the menu options on the corded base to set the current date and time. This is important for accurate call logs and answering machine timestamps.
Operating Instructions
Making and Receiving Calls:
- To Make a Call:
- Pick up the corded handset or press TALK on the cordless handset.
- Dial the phone number. The numbers will be announced if the talking numbers feature is enabled.
- Alternatively, use a Photo Dial Key or a speed dial entry.

Image: An elderly woman using the corded phone, with a speech bubble showing "8..0..0..2..2.." indicating the talking numbers feature.
- To Answer a Call:
- Pick up the corded handset or press TALK on the cordless handset.
- The visual ring indicator on the base will flash during an incoming call.

Image: A close-up of the VTech CL6550 corded phone base, showing the red visual ring indicator bar above the VTech logo, illuminated.
- Using Speakerphone:
- During a call, press the SPEAKER button on the corded base or the cordless handset to activate the speakerphone.
- Press it again to switch back to the handset.

Image: A woman cooking in a kitchen, with the cordless phone on the counter, illustrating the hands-free speakerphone function.
Call Blocking:
- To Block a Number:
- During an incoming call, press the CALL BLOCK button on the corded base or cordless handset.
- Alternatively, access the call block menu through the phone's settings and manually add numbers to the blacklist (up to 100 entries).

Image: A family relaxing in a living room, with the corded phone in the foreground. An overlay graphic shows a "Call Blocking" icon, emphasizing the feature.
Answering Machine:
- Playing Messages: Press the PLAY/STOP button on the corded base.
- Slow Playback: During message playback, press the SLOW button to activate slow playback for better comprehension.
- Recording Time: The answering machine can record up to 30 minutes of messages.

Image: A close-up of the corded phone's answering machine control panel, highlighting the play/pause and slow playback buttons, with a speech bubble indicating a message being played.
Photo Dial Keys:
- Programming:
- Lift the corded handset or press TALK on the cordless handset.
- Press the STORE button.
- Dial the phone number you wish to save.
- Press the desired Photo Dial Key (1-8).
- You can insert a small photo under the clear cover of each key for visual identification.

Image: A finger pressing one of the photo dial keys on the VTech CL6550 corded phone, demonstrating the ease of use for quick dialing.
- Making a Call with Photo Dial: Simply press the desired Photo Dial Key (1-8) to automatically dial the stored number.
Volume and Audio Settings:
- Volume Booster: Press the VOL+ button on the side of the corded base or the cordless handset during a call to increase the listening volume.
- Equalizer: Access the menu on the cordless handset or corded base to adjust equalizer settings for preferred audio quality.

Image: A close-up of the VTech CL6550 corded phone, highlighting the volume booster button on the side.

Image: A woman holding the cordless phone, with a graphic overlay of an audio equalizer, illustrating the audio quality adjustment feature.

Image: An elderly woman smiling while using the cordless phone, with a hearing aid visible, demonstrating the phone's compatibility with hearing assistance devices.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the phone surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Battery Care: Replace the cordless handset batteries when they no longer hold a charge effectively. Use only approved NiMH replacement batteries.
- Storage: If storing the phone for an extended period, remove the batteries from the cordless handset.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No dial tone. |
|
| Cordless handset not charging. |
|
| Cannot hear caller / Caller cannot hear me. |
|
| Answering machine not recording. |
|
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | VTech |
| Model Number | CL6550 |
| Color | Black |
| Phone Type | Corded and DECT Cordless |
| Compatible Devices | Standard DECT PSTN, ISDN wireless devices |
| Answering System Type | Digital |
| Answering Machine Recording Time | Up to 30 minutes |
| Call Blocking Capacity | Up to 100 numbers |
| Photo Dial Keys | 8 programmable keys |
| Batteries | 3 AA NiMH (included for cordless handset) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.8 x 13.7 x 20.5 centimeters |
| Country of Origin | China |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official VTech website. You may also contact VTech customer service directly for assistance with your CL6550 phone system.
Note: Information regarding software updates and spare parts availability was not provided at the time of this manual's creation. Please check the manufacturer's website for the most current information.





