Can Inmates Receive Incoming Phone Calls in Prison?

No. Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls. The phone system inside jails and prisons is outbound only. Your inmate initiates every call from their end, and there is no way to call them directly at the facility.

They also do not have access to the internet, so you cannot reach them through email or any online platform directly.

If you need to notify your inmate of a new phone number, the most reliable method is a letter. Write down the new number clearly, include any instructions they need such as getting it approved through their counselor, and send it as soon as possible. InmateAid's letter service is a fast and straightforward way to get that information to them, typically within a few business days.

If you have set up a new InmateAid discount phone line, getting that number to your inmate in writing is an important step before they can dial it. In the federal system they will need to submit it to their counselor for approval, so the sooner the letter reaches them the sooner that process can begin.