What to Do If You’re Missing Calls From Prison (And How to Fix It)

When a loved one is in prison, every phone call matters. It’s not just a chance to talk—it’s a lifeline of comfort, reassurance, and connection. That’s why missing a call can feel so stressful. Unlike in the outside world, you can’t simply ring back or send a quick message. Calls from prison are one-way only, and once missed, that opportunity may not come around again for hours—or even days.

The frustration of waiting by the phone, only to realise you’ve missed the call, is something many families know all too well. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, understand what’s going wrong, and fix the issue so you don’t miss out on those precious moments.

In this article, we’ll look at the most common reasons calls are missed, practical ways to prevent it from happening, and how services like Call From Prison can help ensure you never miss a call again.

Why Staying Connected is So Important

When someone is serving a sentence, it may be tempting to step back from them emotionally, but research shows that family contact plays a vital role in rehabilitation. Prisoners who maintain strong family connections are more likely to reintegrate successfully into society, find work upon release, and avoid reoffending.

For families, regular contact helps soften the pain of separation. It reassures partners, parents, and especially children that their loved one is still part of their lives. In some cases, it even strengthens relationships, as the effort to communicate brings more intentional conversations and emotional honesty.

Children are the most vulnerable in these situations. They may struggle with unanswered questions, feel a sense of shame, or worry that their parent no longer cares for them. Consistent communication provides reassurance that they are still loved and valued, no matter what has happened.

Why Missed Calls Are Such a Big Deal

For most people in prison, phone calls are one of the few freedoms they still have. Calls allow them to feel connected to home, to hear their children’s voices, and to know they’re not forgotten. For families, those conversations provide reassurance, an update on their loved one’s wellbeing, and a way to share daily life. Understanding why calls are being missed is the first step towards fixing the problem.

Common Reasons Calls Are Missed

There are a number of practical and technical reasons why you might be missing calls from prison. Knowing what to look out for can help you identify and solve the problem quickly.

1. Mobile phone settings
Many smartphones automatically block or silence calls from withheld numbers, and most calls from prison appear as “no caller ID” or “private number.” If your phone rejects these calls, you’ll never even see them ring through.

2. Network issues
Poor signal, dropped connections, or a temporary outage with your provider can all mean calls don’t come through properly.

3. Phone turned off or on silent
It sounds obvious, but missed calls often come down to a phone being switched off, muted, or set to “Do Not Disturb” mode.

4. Time restrictions in prison
Prisoners can only make calls during specific hours, usually early morning until the evening. If you’re unavailable during those times, you could miss calls without realising.

5. Blocked or barred numbers
Sometimes the prison system may block calls to certain numbers if there’s a technical issue, or if the number hasn’t been approved on the prisoner’s call list.

6. Costs of calling mobiles
If your loved one is trying to call your mobile but runs out of credit quickly, the call may not connect—or it might cut out before you even answer.

Practical Steps to Stop Missing Calls

Thankfully, there are many practical solutions to these issues. By taking a few preventative steps, you can significantly reduce the chance of missing important calls.

Adjust your phone settings
Check that your mobile is set to allow withheld or private numbers. On iPhones, this means disabling “Silence Unknown Callers.” On Android, it may mean turning off “Block Unknown Numbers.”Make sure “Do Not Disturb” isn’t silencing your phone during calling hours.

Keep your phone close and charged
It may sound simple, but missed calls often come down to a flat battery or leaving your phone in another room. Keeping your mobile charged and within reach—especially during likely calling times—makes a huge difference.

Know the prison’s calling hours
Each prison sets its own timetable for phone use. Understanding when your loved one is most likely to call helps you plan your day around those windows.

Double-check number approval
If you’ve recently changed your number or suspect there’s an issue, ask your loved one to confirm that your phone number has been approved on their call list.

Use a landline where possible
Landlines are often more reliable for prison calls, with fewer issues around network coverage or blocked numbers.

Coping Emotionally When Calls Are Missed

Even with preparation, missed calls sometimes happen. When they do, it is natural to feel disappointed, but it is important not to let frustration take over.

Remind yourself that it is often beyond your control—technical issues and restrictions in prison can interrupt communication without warning. Try to stay calm and positive for the next call.It can also help to use other forms of contact.

Letters, visits, and video calls all provide alternative ways to stay connected if calls are missed. Talking through your feelings with friends, family, or support groups may also ease the stress.

How Call From Prison Helps

One of the biggest reasons calls are missed is the reliance on mobiles, which are often expensive and unreliable. This is where Call From Prison can make a huge difference.We provide families with a virtual landline number that your loved one can call from prison at a local rate. The call is then forwarded directly to your mobile or home phone.

This means:
- Calls are far more reliable and less likely to be blocked.
- Costs are kept low, so your loved one’s credit lasts longer.
- You have the flexibility to answer calls wherever you are.

This simple solution reduces the chances of missed calls and ensures families can focus on the conversation, not the cost or technical barriers.

Helping Children When Calls Are Missed

For children, the disappointment of missing a parent’s call can be especially difficult. They may not fully understand why the call did not come through, and it may leave them upset or angry.

The best approach is to offer reassurance. Remind them that their parent still loves them and will try again soon. Be honest about the fact that prison phones can be unreliable and that sometimes things happen beyond your control.

Encouraging children to write a letter, draw a picture, or prepare something to share during the next call can also turn disappointment into something positive.

Creating Reliable Routines

Consistency makes communication smoother and reduces the stress of missed calls. Try to create family routines around call times.

Agree on likely times when your loved one will ring and make sure the household is ready. Reduce background noise where possible so you can focus on the call. If children are involved, make it a family moment—something to look forward to together.

Missing a call from prison can be upsetting, but it doesn’t have to be a regular problem. By adjusting your phone settings, keeping your phone charged, and planning around prison call times, you can reduce the risk.

And for families who want the most reliable and affordable option, Call From Prison offers a simple solution with virtual landlines that ensure you never miss a precious call again.

Because in the end, these conversations aren’t just about words—they are about love, reassurance, and keeping families strong through even the hardest times.