Can Prisoners Call More Than One Person In The UK?

Maintaining communication with someone in prison can be a lifeline for prisoners and families. Yet many people wonder if it's possible to call more than one person from prison? Understanding how the UK prison PIN phone system works, along with the limits and process for adding numbers, helps families stay connected .

How the PIN Phone System Works

In England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, prison phone systems require prisoners to dial using a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). This code links each call to the individual, allows tracking of call duration and destination, and effectively ensures that only approved contacts can be dialled. Phones are located in communal areas and monitored for security reasons.

Number Limits for Prison Calls

Generally, prisoners are allowed up to 20 “social” phone numbers (e.g. family and friends) on their approved list. In addition, they can have up to 15 legal or confidential numbers (e.g. solicitors, approved helplines). While it’s possible under exceptional circumstances to apply for more, most prison policies uphold these limits to balance connection and security.

But why limit the amount of numbers? This cap exists to prevent misuse of the phone system and ensure manageable oversight. A limited number of pre-approved contacts helps prison authorities safeguard vulnerable parties, reduce risk, and keep administration workable. Less than 1% of prisoners ever request numbers beyond the standard lists.

Social vs Legal Contacts

Social contacts are typically friends and family. Legal or confidential contacts may include solicitors, social workers, or court-appointed advocates. These calls are generally exempt from monitoring in order to protect legal privilege. Prisoners must clearly separate these categories when submitting number requests to avoid delays.

What Happens When a Prisoner Transfers Prisons?

Approved numbers don’t automatically transfer if a prisoner is moved to another facility. A fresh PIN list must be submitted and vetted again, which often takes a few days or longer. This is one reason calls may stop suddenly after a transfer, even when the same numbers are intended to remain connected.

If your loved one needs to add or update a number—such as if you change phone numbers—they must fill out a request form. Processing takes time—typically several business days. Staff often verify the number, such as calling it to confirm consent. Using stable numbers helps reduce repeated approval delays.

Can You Have Two Numbers for the Same Person?

Yes—prisoners may add multiple numbers for one person (for instance, a partner’s home landline and mobile). However, each number occupies one slot in the twelve to twenty allowed. It’s best to prioritise: one or two core numbers per person to preserve space.

While holders can list up to 20 social numbers, in practice many prisoners maintain far fewer—one or two trusted contacts. Reasons include limited weekly call allowances, association (out-of-cell) time constraints, expenses related to phone calls, or restrictions from behavioural regimes.

How Prison Call Supports Families

By using a virtual landline number provided by Prison Call, your approved number runs through at standard landline rates (around 8p per minute). This helps stretch your loved one’s wallet further, offering twice as much calling time compared to normal mobile rates (often 19–25p per minute). It makes a meaningful difference when funds or weekly credit limits are tight.

Here's a few tips:
- Provide a stable phone number and keep it unchanged as much as possible.
- Limit duplicate numbers for the same person.
- Encourage adding critical numbers first.
- Support use of services like Prison Call to reduce call costs.
- Ask your loved one to submit updates promptly when numbers change.
- Be patient during vetting or transfer delays; numbers are often approved within days.

What to Do If Calls Stop?

If calling suddenly stops, don’t panic. This might be due to:
- A prison transferVetting delays or errors in number entry
- A change in the prisoner’s behavioural regime
- Temporary number suspension

Writing or sending a letter often helps clarify what’s happening, easing stress during silent periods.

If you have a Prison Call landline and your calls stop, contact us immediatly and one of the team will look into resolving any issue for you.

The short answer is yes, prisoners in the UK can call more than one person, but only within the limits of the PIN system: 20 social contacts and up to 15 legal contacts at most. Updates and transfers reset these lists. The key for families is ensuring contact numbers are well-managed—and helping your loved one make the most of their allowed minutes. With clear understanding and planning, phone contact can remain a bridge, not a barrier, through difficult times.