How to Call an Inmate — Complete Prison Phone Guide (2026)

How Prison Phone Systems Work

Understanding the fundamentals of the prison phone system saves you time, money, and frustration. The system is built around one key rule that surprises most first-time callers: you cannot call an inmate. They call you.

The Collect Call System

Correctional facilities do not allow inmates to receive incoming calls from the outside. Instead, all calls are outgoing calls placed by the inmate from designated phones within the facility. When an inmate wants to call you, they dial your number and the call is processed through the facility's contracted phone carrier. The call charges are billed to you — not the inmate — through your prepaid account with the carrier.

This is why you must set up an account before you can receive calls. Without a registered account, calls from the facility simply cannot connect to your number. The inmate may attempt to reach you, but if your number has no account, the call will fail.

How the Inmate Places a Call

Inmates access phones during designated calling periods — typically several hours per day, often broken into blocks by housing unit. To call a specific number, the inmate must have that number on their pre-approved contact list. Most facilities require inmates to submit phone numbers to their case manager or housing unit officer for approval before they can be dialed. This approval process can take a few days.

Once approved, the inmate picks up a facility phone, dials their PIN number (assigned at intake), then dials your number. The call is automatically connected through the carrier's system, and charges are deducted from your prepaid account in real time.

Understanding what daily life is like for your loved one inside makes every phone call more meaningful. Read our guide on what life inside prison really looks like for context on the environment your loved one is navigating.

The Major Prison Phone Carriers in the US

Four companies control the vast majority of the US correctional phone market. Each facility has a contract with one specific provider — you must use that provider to receive calls from that facility. Contact the facility directly or check the facility's page on AllJailSearch.us to confirm which provider they use before creating an account.

Step-by-Step Account Setup Guide

Setting up a prison phone account takes about 10–15 minutes online. All major carriers allow you to create and fund an account on their website or mobile app. Follow these steps — the process is nearly identical across all four major providers.

1. Identify the facility's phone carrier. Look up the facility on AllJailSearch.us or call the facility's main line to confirm which carrier they use. Using the wrong carrier means your account will not be linked to the correct facility.
2. Go to the carrier's website or download their app. GTL: connectnetwork.com | Securus: securustech.net | JPay: jpay.com | IC Solutions: icsolutions.com All four carriers have mobile apps available on iOS and Android.
3. Create your free account. Provide your full name, home address, valid email address, and the phone number you want the inmate to reach you on. Some carriers require a photo ID upload for identity verification — have a government-issued ID ready.
4. Add the inmate's information. Enter the inmate's full legal name, the facility name, and their inmate ID number. This links your account to the specific inmate. If you do not have the inmate ID, the inmate can provide it in a letter or during a brief call, or you can find it using the AllJailSearch.us inmate locator.
5. Fund your account. Add money using a debit card, credit card (Visa or Mastercard), or bank account. A typical starting balance of $20–$50 covers several weeks of calls depending on frequency and duration. Calls are billed per minute against your balance in real time.
6. Tell the inmate your account is ready. Inform the inmate (by letter, email, or through another contact) that your account is set up and your number is ready to receive calls. The inmate must also have your number on their approved call list.

How Much Do Prison Phone Calls Cost?

Prison phone calls have historically been extraordinarily expensive — often 10–20x the cost of standard phone calls. Following years of advocacy by families of incarcerated people, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now regulates prison phone rates:

While interstate rates are now federally capped, in-state and local jail call rates can still be significantly higher. Many states have enacted their own additional rate caps, but regulations vary widely. California, New York, and several other states have implemented stricter rate limits — in some cases making in-state calls free or nearly free.

Additional Fees to Watch For

• Account opening fees — some carriers charge a one-time fee to create an account (typically $2–$5)
• Payment processing fees — fees for adding money to your account by credit card (typically 3–7%)
• Inactivity fees — some carriers deduct a monthly maintenance fee if your account is inactive
• Minimum balance requirements — some accounts require a minimum balance to remain active

Do's and Don'ts on Every Prison Phone Call

Following these rules protects your loved one, protects you, and ensures your calling privileges are maintained. These are not optional guidelines — violations have real and serious consequences.

How to Reduce Your Prison Phone Bill

Prison phone bills can run $50–$300 per month for families who communicate frequently. Here are legitimate, effective strategies to lower costs without violating any rules.

• Advocate for state-level rate caps. If you live in a state with high in-state prison call rates, contact your state representatives. Dozens of states have passed rate reform legislation in recent years, and advocacy continues to push rates lower.
• Use email as a supplement. JPay, CorrLinks, and GTL Messages charge per email (typically $0.25–$0.50 per message) — far less than a 15-minute phone call. Use email for longer or less urgent communication and save calls for conversations that benefit from real-time voice interaction.
• Use video visits when available. Home-based video visits at facilities that offer them are often priced similarly to or lower than voice calls per minute, and they allow visual connection which calls cannot provide.
• Add money via ACH bank transfer. Depositing via ACH (direct bank transfer) instead of credit card typically reduces payment processing fees from 5–7% to 1–2%.
• Check for subsidized calling programs. Organizations like The Worth Rises have lobbied for and helped secure free or reduced-rate calling in several states and counties, including California and New York City. Confirm with the specific facility whether any subsidy programs apply.
• Keep calls focused and efficient. A 10-minute call on key topics costs roughly $2 at the FCC interstate cap rate. More frequent, shorter calls are often more meaningful than long calls and more cost-effective on a per-minute basis.

Video Calling as an Alternative or Supplement

Video visitation has expanded significantly at US correctional facilities since 2020 and is now available at many county jails, state prisons, and federal BOP facilities. Video calls provide a visual connection that voice calls cannot replace — seeing a loved one's face and body language carries emotional weight that makes a profound difference for both the inmate and the family.

Home-Based vs. On-Site Video Visits

• Home-based video visits — conducted from your smartphone, tablet, or computer using the carrier's app. No travel required. Available at many facilities. Schedule in advance through your carrier account (GTL's GetSmart, Securus Video Connect, or JPay Video Grams).
• On-site video kiosks — conducted at the facility itself or at a remote kiosk location, using the facility's equipment. More structured but does not replace in-person contact visits.

Other Ways to Stay Connected

Phone calls are the most commonly used communication method, but they are not the only one. A well-rounded communication strategy — using multiple methods — keeps your connection strong while spreading the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prison Phone Calls