How to Receive Calls from Prison in The UK

If someone you care about is in prison, staying in touch becomes one of the most important ways to maintain connection, provide emotional support, and keep relationships strong. Yet many families across the UK quickly discover that regular prison phone calls come with a surprisingly high price tag. What should be a simple conversation can become a recurring expense that places strain on already stretched household budgets.

Can Prisoners Make Phone Calls in the UK?

Yes. Prisoners in the UK are allowed to make phone calls to approved contacts. Maintaining family contact is considered an important part of rehabilitation and emotional wellbeing, so most prisons encourage regular communication where possible.

However, prisoners cannot make unrestricted calls. All outgoing calls must follow strict security procedures and are limited to pre-approved numbers.

How the Prison Phone System Works

Prisons in England and Wales use secure telephone systems that allow prisoners to call numbers stored on their personal contact list. These systems are monitored and recorded for safety and compliance purposes.

Before a call can be made, the number must be approved and added to the prisoner’s account. Once approved, the prisoner can use phone credit to call that number during permitted times. Because calls are made from within a secure system, families cannot call prisoners directly.

How to Receive Calls from Prison

The process of receiving prison calls is straightforward once you understand the steps involved.First, the prisoner must add your phone number to their approved contact list. This may require submitting the number to prison staff for verification.

Next, the number may be checked to confirm the identity of the contact and ensure it complies with prison regulations. Once approved, the prisoner can use their phone credit to call you during designated phone access times.You simply answer the call like any other incoming call.

Do You Need to Approve Your Number?

In some cases, prisons may contact you to confirm that you consent to receiving calls. This process helps prevent harassment and ensures that all communication is authorised. If you are contacted, responding promptly can help avoid delays in being added to the approved list.

Can Prisoners Call Mobile Phones?

Yes, prisoners can call mobile phones in the UK. However, calls to mobiles are significantly more expensive than calls to landlines. Because of this, many families choose to use a landline number or a virtual landline service to reduce costs.

What Times Can Prisoners Make Calls?

Call times vary depending on the prison, wing routines, and the prisoner’s daily schedule. Typically, prisoners can access phones during association periods, evenings, and weekends. Access may be limited by regime schedules, staffing levels, or disciplinary restrictions. Because phone access is shared, calls may be brief and made at unpredictable times. Keeping your phone nearby during expected hours can help ensure you don’t miss important calls.

How Much Do Prison Calls Cost?

Prison call costs depend on the number dialled and the telecom provider used by the prison. Calls to landlines are cheaper, while calls to mobile phones can cost up to 25p per minute. This means a 15-minute call could cost several pounds, and regular contact can become expensive over time.

How to Make Receiving Prison Calls More Affordable

One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of receiving prison calls is to use a landline number. If you do not have a landline, a virtual landline service allows you to receive calls on your mobile while benefiting from lower landline rates.This simple switch can significantly reduce call costs and make it easier to stay in regular contact.

Reasons You Might Not Receive Calls

If you are not receiving calls, several factors could be responsible. The number may not yet be approved, the prisoner may not have sufficient phone credit, or access to phones may be temporarily restricted. Technical issues, regime lockdowns, or high demand for shared phones can also affect call availability. If calls stop unexpectedly, checking with the prisoner via letter or through prison contact channels can help identify the cause.

Regular communication helps maintain relationships, supports emotional wellbeing, and strengthens family bonds during imprisonment. Understanding how the prison phone system works ensures you can stay connected and avoid unnecessary delays or costs. If you are looking for ways to receive prison calls in the UK, reduce costs, or make communication easier, setting up an approved number and using a landline-rate solution can make a significant difference.