How to Call Someone in Jail

Whether your friend or family member has just been booked or has been incarcerated for some time, keeping the lines of communication open is important, not just to determine their next steps, but for both your and the incarcerated individual’s mental health. However, getting in contact can seem complicated, especially if you are newer to having an incarcerated loved one. So how do you call someone who is in jail?

How to Call Someone in Jail

Phone calls always need to be made from the incarcerated individual to you. Even if you have the phone number of the facility where they are located, you will not be able to call and talk to them. However, they will be able to call you. 

Once they are booked, processed, and authorized to make calls, you will have more opportunities to have contact with them. HomeWAV makes it easier by allowing those incarcerated to initiate remote video and voice calls, as well as allowing them to eMessage you via text and video messaging. Additionally, you can schedule on-site visits directly through HomeWAV’s ByPAS™ system.

How an Incarcerated Individual Initiates a Phone Call from Jail

When an inmate has been cleared to make phone calls, they will be able to do so on a schedule dependent on the facility. While facility landline phones require collect calls and cannot be made to cell phones, HomeWAV’s VoIP phone system allows any compatible internet-enabled device with the appropriate software to make traditional jail phone calls to your cell phone, eliminating the barriers that more restrictive landlines present.

Additionally, inmate communication companies like HomeWAV allow for more features, including video calling, to encourage communication between inmates and their loved ones.

How to Use HomeWAV

When your incarcerated friend or family is logged into the HomeWAV kiosk or tablet, they will be able to see that you are available and initiate a call. This provides you with more opportunities to connect, the ability to talk to them wherever you are through your cell phone or tablet (as long as you have a strong internet connection), and video call with them. 

HomeWAV also makes it easy to communicate in other ways. If the facility allows eMessaging, you will be able to send text, video, gifs, and image messages if applicable. This helps you to communicate in different ways, sharing daily life events, photos of loved ones, and short notes.

Getting started with HomeWAV is easy. Simply:

1) Download the free app (available for Android and Apple) or go to the HomeWAV website.

2) Create an account. You will be prompted to send a photo and a valid ID card. Your information will be reviewed by the facility where your loved one is incarcerated.  It is up to the facility whether to accept or deny your account.

3) When your account has been accepted, you can now add money to your loved one’s account. Like a phone card, this will allow your loved one a specific amount they can use on the HomeWAV tablet or kiosk.

4) Communicate via eMessaging any time or video call when your loved one is available on the HomeWAV kiosk.

While it isn’t the same as being able to pick up the phone and call any time, HomeWAV gives you more freedom and helps relieve the burden to communicate. 

Although having friends or family in jail is a stressful and difficult time for everyone involved, with HomeWAV, we make staying connected much easier on you and your loved ones. To learn more about HomeWAV, please see our frequently asked questions.