Yes, prisoners in England and Wales can generally call approved mobile phone numbers, provided the number is on their approved friends-and-family list and the relevant prison’s communication rules are followed.
However, prison phone calls do not work in quite the same way as ordinary calls between two people outside prison.
In most cases, the prisoner has to call you using the prison telephone system. You usually cannot simply ring the prison and ask to be connected directly to the prisoner. GOV.UK confirms that prisoners can call people named on their approved friends-and-family list, which is subject to security checks.
Can a prisoner call my mobile number?
In general, yes.
A prisoner can normally call a mobile number if:
- your number has been provided as an approved contact;
- the prison has completed any necessary security checks;
- the prisoner has access to the prison telephone system; and
- the call is permitted under the establishment’s current communication arrangements.
The exact process can vary between prisons.
For example, GOV.UK guidance for Manchester Prison states that prisoners can call people named on their friends-and-family list, and that the list is checked when they first arrive.
Does my mobile number have to be approved first?
Often, yes.
Prisoners normally have a list of approved contacts.
GOV.UK explains that this friends-and-family list is checked by prison security when someone first arrives, which means it can take a few days before the prisoner is able to call.
Some prisoners may also be subject to additional contact restrictions or enhanced communication controls depending on their circumstances. Current HMPPS policy includes procedures for communication controls and enhanced contact vetting where necessary.
So if a prisoner has recently entered custody and has not called your mobile yet, the delay may simply be part of the approval process.
Can I call the prisoner back from my mobile?
Normally, no.
Prison phone systems are generally designed so that the prisoner makes the outgoing call.
For example, GOV.UK guidance for Manchester Prison specifically states that its prison phones do not accept incoming calls, so prisoners have to call the person outside the prison.
This means that if you miss a prison call, you usually cannot simply call the number back and speak to the prisoner.
They may need to try again when they next have access to the telephone.
What happens if I miss the call?
Missing a prison call can be frustrating, particularly when you have been waiting to hear from someone.
Because the prisoner normally initiates the call, you may need to wait until they are next able to telephone.
There may be several reasons why another call does not arrive immediately, including:
- the prison’s daily routine;
- the prisoner’s access to the telephone;
- available phone credit;
- security arrangements;
- temporary restrictions; or
- the prisoner moving between establishments or wings.
Telephone access varies by prison.
For example, GOV.UK states that prisoners at Manchester Prison have phones in their cells that can be used during specified hours, while at other establishments, such as Cardiff Prison, prisoners do not have phones in their cells.
That is why it is always best to check the official information for the particular prison.
Can prisoners call any mobile number they want?
No.
Prisoners cannot simply use the prison telephone system like an unrestricted mobile phone.
The prison communication system is controlled.
HMPPS policy states that some prisoners are required to have numbers approved before a call can be made, and prison telephone accounts can contain approved social and legal contact numbers.
This is designed to balance the importance of family contact with prison security and public protection.
Can prisoners use their own mobile phones?
No.
Unauthorised mobile phones are prohibited in prisons.
GOV.UK states that mobile phones are banned items in prisons, and government guidance explains that prisoners are expected to use authorised communication systems such as the prison PIN-phone system instead.
So when people ask, “Can prisoners call mobiles?”, the answer refers to calling your mobile from an authorised prison phone, not prisoners using their own mobile devices.
Are prison calls to mobiles recorded?
Most ordinary prison calls can be monitored or recorded.
GOV.UK states that prison staff can listen to and record most telephone calls, although certain confidential calls, such as some calls to legal advisers, are treated differently.
Families should therefore assume that an ordinary social prison call may be monitored.
Does it cost more for a prisoner to call a mobile?
Call charges and prison telephone systems can change, so families should not rely on old forum posts or social-media advice for current pricing.
Some prison guidance states that prisoners have to buy phone credit before making calls.
The actual charge may depend on the telephone system being used and the type of number being called.
For current information, check the official GOV.UK page for the relevant prison.
Why do some families use a dedicated landline number?
Some families choose to use a dedicated UK landline number for prison calls rather than relying only on their everyday mobile number.
A separate number can make it easier to:
- keep prison-related calls separate from personal calls;
- recognise which calls relate to the prison contact;
- maintain one consistent contact number; and
- have calls forwarded to a nominated mobile.
This is where a service such as Unli Prison Call may be useful.
How does Unli Prison Call work?
Unli Prison Call provides customers with a dedicated UK landline number which can be used as part of their prison-call arrangements.
The service costs:
£6.99 per month
Setup is normally completed within:
1–2 business days
Once your number has been created, you receive the number and setup information.
The prisoner can then provide the number to the prison in accordance with that establishment’s approval procedures.
Once the prison has approved the number, calls made to the Unli Prison Call number can be forwarded to your nominated mobile according to your service setup.
Using Unli Prison Call does not bypass prison security, approval procedures or communication rules.
Unli Prison Call is an independent telephone service and is not affiliated with HM Prison and Probation Service, the Ministry of Justice or any individual prison.
Can I use Unli Prison Call instead of giving the prison my mobile number?
Depending on the prison’s approval procedures and your individual circumstances, you may choose to provide your dedicated Unli Prison Call number as the contact number you want the prisoner to submit.
The prison still decides whether that number can be added or approved.
Unli Prison Call cannot guarantee prison approval.
What if the person has just entered prison?
If someone has only recently entered custody, it may take time before they are able to call.
GOV.UK says that friends-and-family contact lists are checked when prisoners first arrive and that this can take several days. Its Find a Prisoner guidance also notes that it can take up to 72 hours before someone who has just arrived at prison is able to make their first phone call.
So if you have not heard from someone immediately, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Can prisoners call iPhones?
Yes, the brand of smartphone does not normally matter. What matters is whether the telephone number is permitted and approved under the relevant prison’s arrangements.
Can prisoners call Android phones?
Yes. Again, approval of the phone number and the prison’s communication rules are the relevant factors.
Can prisoners call WhatsApp?
Ordinary prison telephone calls are made through authorised prison communication systems, not through the prisoner using WhatsApp on a personal mobile device. Prisoners are not permitted to access ordinary social networking services while in custody.
Can prisoners call at any time?
Not necessarily. Telephone access varies between establishments and can depend on the prison’s regime and the prisoner’s circumstances. Some prisons have in-cell phones, while others do not.
Can I call the prison if I have not heard from someone?
You can contact the prison for general enquiries, but prison staff normally cannot simply connect you directly to the prisoner.
If you do not know where the person is being held, GOV.UK provides a Find a Prisoner service for prisons in England and Wales.
The key point
So, can prisoners call mobile phones in the UK?
Yes — generally they can.
But the mobile number usually needs to be part of the prisoner’s approved contact arrangements, and the prisoner normally has to make the outgoing call using the prison’s authorised telephone system.
The exact rules and availability vary between prisons.
If someone you care about has recently entered prison, check the official information for their particular establishment and make sure they have the correct number for you.
Need a dedicated UK number for prison calls?
Unli Prison Call provides a dedicated UK landline number for £6.99 per month, with setup normally completed within 1–2 business days.