What Length Of Call Time Is Typical In UK Prisons?

When you’ve got a loved one inside, every phone call matters. It’s the main way many families keep in touch, ease anxiety, and maintain the bonds that make release and rebuilding life on the outside smoother. But if you’re new to navigating the prison system, you might wonder: how long can a prisoner actually spend on the phone? Are there time limits?

‍The answer depends on the prison, the prisoner’s privileges, security category, and even the time of day. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical length of calls in UK prisons, what rules and restrictions apply, and how you can help make the most of these precious minutes.

How do phone calls work in UK prisons?

UK prisons use a PIN phone system. Each prisoner is assigned a unique PIN number linked to their account. Before they can make a call, they enter this number, which ensures:

- Calls are linked to them personally
- Only approved numbers on their PIN list can be dialled
- Calls can be monitored and recorded for security reasons

Prisoners pay for calls using money from their prison spends account. This is topped up through low-paid prison work or money sent in by family and friends.

Set phone times

Prisoners generally don’t have phones in their cells. They access phones in communal areas during association (free time outside their cells) or other designated periods.

This means:
- Phone access is limited by daily routines and staff availability
- Not everyone on the wing can use the phone at once, they often have to queue

Because of this, there’s usually informal pressure to keep calls reasonably short, so others can use the phone too.

So what’s the typical call length?

Most prisons allow individual phone calls to last between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on internal policies, how busy the wing is, and the prisoner’s privilege level.

Standard category B or C prison
5–10 minutes (unless they have a phone in there cell)

High-security (category A)
Often capped at 5-10 minutes

Open prisons (category D)
May allow longer calls

Remand wings (awaiting trial)
Similar to sentenced, but may vary by jail

What determines how long calls can be?

What determines how long calls can be?
Prison policy and security levelHigher security prisons tend to be stricter, with shorter maximum call lengths and closer monitoring. Lower security or open conditions might offer more flexibility.

The number of phones and people on the wing
If 50 men are sharing two phones during a 45-minute association period, they’re each realistically going to have time for 5–7 minute calls. It’s partly just maths.

Incentive schemes and earned privileges
In the UK, most prisons run an IEP (Incentives and Earned Privileges) scheme. Prisoners on the “basic” level may get less time out of their cell and fewer opportunities to make calls. Those on “standard” or “enhanced” levels have more association, meaning more chances to use the phone and potentially longer calls.

Staff and regime changes
Lockdowns, staff shortages, or unexpected incidents can reduce out-of-cell time dramatically, cutting down phone opportunities to very short windows. Many families experience sudden drops in call length or frequency during these periods.

How costs affect call time

Calls to solicitors
Under UK law, prisoners must be able to communicate confidentially with their legal representatives. These calls are usually arranged separately, sometimes through special phones that aren’t timed the same way as social calls. They’re also not monitored or recorded (to protect legal privilege).

Emergency welfare calls
In rare situations — for example, if there’s been a bereavement or serious family illness — prison staff may allow a longer or unscheduled welfare call. This is usually arranged through the safer custody or family liaison team and does not count towards normal call credit.

How to make the most of short calls

Plan ahead
Before the call, think about key updates or questions so you don’t forget anything important. Some families keep a little notebook near the phone with things they want to mention.

Keep calm and supportive
It’s easy for precious minutes to be eaten up by stress or arguments. Try to stay calm and keep the conversation positive — that way, both of you hang up feeling better.

Send letters or emails too
Use letters, emails (like the Email a Prisoner service), or cards to share news and feelings that don’t fit in a rushed call. This way, calls can be more about real-time connection and less about catching up on logistics.

Use a virtual landline
Because call credit runs out fast, many families rely on virtual landline services like Prison Call. This means:

- You’re given a local landline number.
- The prisoner adds it to their approved list.
- They call this number and pay the low landline rate.
- It rings straight through to your mobile.

This can more than halve the cost of each call, turning £10 of credit into twice as many minutes. It means shorter calls don’t have to be so short — and your loved one can call more often without constantly running out of funds.

The typical phone call from a UK prison might only last five or ten minutes, but it can mean everything keeping relationships steady, giving children vital contact, and helping prisoners stay hopeful about building a better life outside.Because costs and limited time slots often cut these calls short, many families look for ways to stretch phone credit further. With tools like Prison Call’s virtual landline, your loved one’s £10 of credit can last far longer — so those five-minute conversations can turn into daily check-ins that strengthen your bond.