How to Call Someone in Jail: Step-by-Step Guide to Inmate Communication

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over 2.1 million people are incarcerated in the U.S., and more than 500 million calls are made from U.S. correctional facilities each year. However, high rates and strict rules make it difficult for families to stay connected. The FCC recently capped the cost of out-of-state jail calls at $0.21 per minute for debit/prepaid calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls.

What Type of Facility They’re In?

To call someone in jail, you need to know where they are — and no, all jails aren’t the same.

🔹 County Jail

Short-term facility for those awaiting trial or serving sentences under a year. Calls are handled by third-party services like Securus, GTL, or ICSolutions.

🔹 State Prison

Long-term incarceration for felony convictions. Phone access is more structured and scheduled.

🔹 Federal Prison

Run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Inmates have a set number of minutes each month (usually 300 minutes). Calls are made via Trulincs or Corrlinks.

Search their facility using:

• VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday)

Get on Their Approved Calling List

In most jails, inmates can’t just call anyone. They must submit your name and number to a call approval list.

Here’s How It Works:

• The inmate fills out a form with your phone number
• Jail staff review and approve the request
• You may need to accept the first call to verify your number
• Some facilities require written consent or a copy of your ID

This process can take anywhere from 2 to 10 days depending on the jail’s workload.

Choose the Right Call Type: Prepaid vs Collect

Once you’re approved, the jail’s phone provider determines how calls are handled. There are usually two types of calls:

🔹 Collect Calls

• Inmate calls you, and you’re charged per minute
• Available only on landlines (most cell carriers block collect calls)
• Can cost $0.25–$0.50 per minute

🔹 Prepaid or Debit Calls

• You or the inmate add funds to a prepaid account
• Often cheaper than collect
• Works on cell phones too
• Can be set up online or by phone

Learn More: Bank Robbery Prison Sentence: Federal Charges & Penalties

Top Inmate Phone Providers:

How Much Does It Cost to Call Someone in Jail?

Call rates vary based on location and provider. As of 2023:

Money-Saving Tip:

Use the inmate’s phone provider’s app or website to set up a prepaid account. It’s usually cheaper than collect calls.

When Can You Receive a Jail Call?

Inmates can only call during approved hours, and calls are usually limited to 15–30 minutes.

Typical Jail Call Hours:

• Weekdays: 7 AM to 9 PM
• Weekends: Varies by facility
• Lockdowns or holidays: No calls allowed

Each facility has a maximum call limit per day or week — usually 5 to 15 calls.

What NOT to Do on a Jail Call

All inmate calls are recorded and monitored. So, it’s critical to follow these do’s and don’ts:

Don’t Say:

• Anything about the inmate’s case or charges
• Details about victims, lawyers, or police
• Plans to escape, fight, or smuggle items

Do Say:

• Supportive, encouraging messages
• Ask how they’re doing mentally and emotionally
• Updates about family and friends

If you violate the rules, the call can be terminated immediately, and you may be banned from future calls.

Can You Use a Cell Phone to Receive Jail Calls?

Yes — but only if:

• The call is prepaid (collect calls often don’t work on mobile)
• Your carrier allows jail calls (check with your provider)

Jail Call Phone Apps:

Some providers offer mobile apps to manage jail calls:

• GTL ConnectNetwork
• Securus Mobile
• ICSolutions App

What About Calling from or to Another Country?

In most U.S. facilities, inmates cannot make international calls unless the provider offers that service — and it’s pricey.

You can, however:

• Set up an international prepaid account
• Use a VoIP number (like Skype or Google Voice) — if allowed
• Email or write letters through services like JPay or Corrlinks

How to Call Someone in Jail?

1. Find out which jail or prison they’re in
2. Wait for the inmate to add you to their approved call list
3. Create a prepaid account with the jail’s phone provider
4. Fund the account and accept the call when it comes in
5. Follow the rules during the call (no talk of cases or escape)
6. Track your balance and manage call times

Final Thoughts

Maintaining communication with a loved one in jail is tough — but it’s doable when you know the rules. The key is patience, planning, and following the jail’s protocols to avoid surprises. While the system isn’t perfect (and calls can get expensive), every conversation counts when someone you care about is behind bars.

FAQs