How to Get More Time on Prison Phone Calls – Expert Tips

 

Staying in touch with a loved one in prison can be tough, but phone calls are one of the most important ways to maintain that connection. Unfortunately, phone calls from prison or jail often come with time limits, high costs, and confusing rules. However, there are ways you can make the most of these calls and get more time with your incarcerated loved one. In this blog, we’ll give you some simple, expert tips that can help you extend your time on prison phone calls while also keeping costs down.

Understanding how prison phone calls work can make a big difference. Whether it’s knowing how the jail telephone system operates or finding ways to lower the cost, there are things you can do to improve your phone call experience. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to make the most out of every phone call and stay connected with the person you care about.

1. Learn How the Jail Telephone System Works

To get more time on a prison or jail phone call, it’s important to first understand how the jail’s phone system works. Many facilities use third-party companies to manage phone calls, and each one has different rules. For example, some facilities only allow inmates to call approved numbers, so if you want to talk to your loved one, you must be on their list of approved contacts. Be sure to check and make sure your number is added before trying to make a call.

Another important thing to know is that there are limits on how long calls can last, and some facilities may have restrictions on when calls can be made. Knowing the rules ahead of time can help you avoid surprises, like sudden disconnections or phone time being cut short.

2. Understand the Cost of Prison Calls

Prison phone calls can be expensive, and understanding the costs is the first step in reducing them. Many jail and prison calls are charged by the minute, so the longer you talk, the more you’ll have to pay. The cost of calls can vary, but they can often be more expensive than regular phone calls.

To save money, look for options to make cheap prison calls or cheap jail phone calls. Some facilities offer prepaid plans that let you buy a set amount of phone time, which can save you money compared to paying per minute. Many prison phone systems also allow you to set up an account to fund calls. Be sure to ask if your loved one’s facility offers this option, as it could help reduce your call costs.

Additionally, check if there are any discounts or special deals that could lower the price. Some services might offer better rates for prepaid accounts, or they may have programmes that help with the costs, especially for families who need financial assistance.

3. Consider Prepaid Phone Cards or Accounts

A great way to manage the cost of prison phone calls is to use prepaid phone cards or an account service. Prepaid phone cards let you pay for calls in advance, giving you control over your budget and ensuring that you don’t run out of minutes unexpectedly. These cards can be used at many prison facilities to make calls without worrying about being cut off.

If the prison or jail allows it, you can also fund an inmate’s phone account. By adding money to their account, you help ensure that they have enough credit for making calls. Some services, like Prison Connect, make it easy to add funds to an inmate’s phone account directly.

Prepaid cards and accounts are often cheaper and more flexible than regular billing systems, so they’re worth considering if you want to save money and get more phone time.

4. Pick the Right Time to Make the Call

Another way to get more time on the phone is by choosing the right time to make the call. Most jails and prisons have set hours during which phone calls are allowed, and sometimes these hours are very busy. If you try to call when the phone lines are crowded, you may face long wait times or shorter call durations.

To avoid this, try calling during off-peak hours when fewer people are likely to be making calls. Calling at less busy times can help you get through to your loved one more quickly and could allow for longer calls. If your loved one’s facility has a schedule for phone calls, ask them what times are less busy so you can plan your calls accordingly.

It’s also important to note that some facilities have strict rules about call durations. If you plan your calls for times when fewer people are trying to use the phones, you may have a better chance of getting more time on the phone without being rushed.

5. Understand the Uconnect Engine Number and Engine Numbers

Many prison phone systems use something called a Uconnect Engine Number or a similar tracking system to manage calls. These numbers are used to log calls and track billing, so understanding how they work can help prevent problems during your calls. If you know the Uconnect Engine Number for your account or your loved one’s calls, you can use this information to troubleshoot if there are any issues with call connections or billing.

In some cases, knowing the engine numbers can also help you manage your call times and accounts. These numbers might be used for tracking the available balance on an inmate’s account or checking whether calls have been correctly logged. Having this information at hand can make it easier to handle any problems that may arise, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time on the phone.

6. Look for Other Communication Options

If you’re looking for ways to stay connected, it’s also worth considering other communication options that may be available. Many prisons now offer video calling services, which can give you more time to talk and allow for a more personal connection compared to regular phone calls. Video calls are often not subject to the same strict time limits as traditional phone calls, so they can be a great way to extend your communication time.

Some jails and prisons also offer digital messaging or email systems, which can be a good supplement to phone calls. While these methods don’t offer the same instant communication as phone calls, they can help maintain the bond with your loved one differently.

If video calls or digital messaging are available at your loved one’s facility, check to see if they can be used to supplement or extend your phone communication. This could give you more opportunities to stay in touch and make the most of your time.

Conclusion

Staying connected with an incarcerated loved one can be challenging, especially when you’re limited by the cost and duration of phone calls. But by understanding how the phone systems work, managing the costs, and taking advantage of available resources, you can get more time to speak with them. From learning about Uconnect engine numbers to using Prison Connect services, you have options to make the most of each call.

By following these simple expert tips, you can stay in touch with your loved one and enjoy longer, more meaningful conversations. For additional help and resources, check out Prison Engine to make your phone call experience easier and more affordable.