HomeWAV
HomeWAV: What It Is, How Video Visits Work and How to Add General Funds
- 30+
- States Covered
- 350+
- Facilities Supported
- 3 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
HomeWAV Inmate Communication Overview
What is the HomeWAV app and what is it used for? HomeWAV is an all-in-one inmate communication platform for county jails and detention centers. HomeWAV is used for remote video visits from home, voice phone calls, eMessaging, mail scanning, commissary deposits, and tablet services. HomeWAV is available at facilities across the country including Johnson County jails in Missouri, Okaloosa County jail in Florida, and hundreds of other county facilities. Create a free account at homewav.com or download the HomeWAV app for iOS or Android. Use Chrome or Firefox for the best browser experience.
How do HomeWAV video visits work and how do I add funds? Create a free HomeWAV account at homewav.com. Upload a head-on profile photo from the shoulders up with no filters, and a clear photo of your government-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Search for the facility and add the inmate. Once your account is approved by the detention facility you receive a notification when your incarcerated loved one is logged in and available. The inmate initiates the call from their end. No advance scheduling is required for remote video visits. To add funds log in and click Add Talk to Me Funds. You pay only for the minutes you use with no plans or packages.
What are HomeWAV General Funds? HomeWAV General Funds are the funds you add to your HomeWAV account to pay for video visits and voice calls. To add General Funds log in to your HomeWAV account at homewav.com or on the HomeWAV app and click Add Talk to Me Funds. Add your credit or debit card and enter the amount. Funds are used at a per-minute rate as calls and visits occur. You only pay for the minutes you use. There are no monthly plans, packages, or subscriptions required.
How is HomeWAV different from GettingOut and Securus? HomeWAV, GettingOut, and Securus all provide video visitation at county jails but with different facility coverage. HomeWAV serves a regional network of county jails and detention centers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. GettingOut by Telmate serves over 2,200 county jails nationwide. Securus serves over 1,200 facilities. HomeWAV uses an inmate-initiated system where the inmate sees that you are online and calls you, eliminating the need for advance scheduling. HomeWAV charges per minute with no plans required.
HomeWAV Services
Communication services offered by HomeWAV and what each one includes.
Messaging
Send electronic messages to incarcerated individuals at HomeWAV-contracted facilities. Messages are reviewed before delivery.
Per-message pricing applies. Messaging delivery is digital at HomeWAV-equipped facilities.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Schedule and conduct remote video visits through the HomeWAV app or web browser. No special facility hardware required.
Per-minute or session pricing. Requires a device with a working camera. Must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Send digital photos through HomeWAV. Photos are reviewed for content compliance before delivery.
Per-photo pricing. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
HomeWAV does not handle phone call services.
For phone calls, use the facility's contracted phone provider, typically Securus, ICSolutions, or a regional provider.
Money Transfer
HomeWAV does not process commissary deposits or money transfers.
For commissary deposits, use Access Corrections, TouchPay, or the facility's designated deposit platform.
HomeWAV Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
30 states, primarily smaller county jails in the South, Midwest, and Mountain West
Coverage Notes
HomeWAV specializes in county jails that have not adopted larger provider platforms. If your loved one is in a smaller county jail and other major providers do not show it in their searches, HomeWAV is worth checking.
HomeWAV Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
HomeWAV Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Video Visit
- Approximate per-minute rate. Varies by facility.
- $0.50/min
- Messaging
- Per-message pricing.
- Varies
- Photo
- Per-photo pricing.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the HomeWAV website before use.
HomeWAV — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of HomeWAV.
Strengths
- Software-only platform means more county jails can adopt it without expensive hardware upgrades.
- Single account covers video, messaging, and photos.
- Good option for smaller county jails not served by the major national providers.
- Well-rated mobile app for both iOS and Android.
- Growing network with expanding facility coverage across 30 states.
Limitations
- No phone calls or money transfers. Families need additional platforms for those services.
- Smaller facility network than Securus or GettingOut.
- Less name recognition makes it harder for families to discover when searching for their facility's provider.
- Coverage is concentrated in smaller markets, so not useful for families at major urban facilities.
- Not available at state prisons or federal facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions: HomeWAV
Common questions from families about using HomeWAV.
- What is the HomeWAV app?
- HomeWAV is an all-in-one inmate communication app for county jails and detention centers. HomeWAV provides video visits, voice calls, eMessaging, and commissary services. The app is available free for iOS and Android. Create a free account at homewav.com. You pay only for the minutes you use with no plans or packages required.
- What is the HomeWAV app used for?
- HomeWAV is used for remote video visits from home, voice phone calls, eMessaging, mail scanning, commissary deposits, and tablet services at county jails and detention centers. Facilities using HomeWAV include Johnson County jails in Missouri, Okaloosa County jail in Florida, and hundreds of other county facilities across the Midwest and Southeast.
- How do I add HomeWAV General Funds?
- Log in to your HomeWAV account at homewav.com or on the HomeWAV app. Click Add Talk to Me Funds. Add your credit or debit card and enter the amount you want to deposit. Funds are used at a per-minute rate as calls and visits occur. There are no monthly plans or packages. You only pay for the minutes you use.
- How do I set up a HomeWAV account?
- Go to homewav.com or download the HomeWAV app for iOS or Android. Click Sign Up and create a free account. Upload a head-on profile photo from the shoulders up with no filters and a clear photo of your government-issued ID. Search for the facility and add the inmate. Some accounts require facility approval which can take up to 24 hours. Once approved you receive notifications when your loved one is online.
- What facilities use HomeWAV?
- HomeWAV serves county jails and detention centers across the United States. Known HomeWAV facilities include Johnson County jails in Missouri, Okaloosa County jail in Florida, Christian County Sheriff's Office in Missouri, Phelps County Sheriff's Department in Missouri, and Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office in Florida. Search homewav.com for your specific facility.
- Does HomeWAV require advance scheduling for video visits?
- No advance scheduling is required for remote video visits. HomeWAV uses an inmate-initiated system where the inmate sees that you are online and available, and initiates the call from their end. You receive a notification when your loved one is logged in. For on-site visitation at the facility, scheduling 24 hours in advance is typically required.
- What is HomeWAV customer service?
- HomeWAV customer service is available through homewav.com. The HomeWAV Field Service Team offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For account questions, billing issues, or technical problems visit homewav.com and use the support options. Tutorial videos are also available on the HomeWAV website.
- Is HomeWAV the same as GettingOut?
- No. HomeWAV and GettingOut are separate platforms serving different county jail facilities. HomeWAV is headquartered in St. Louis and serves a regional network of county jails. GettingOut by Telmate serves over 2,200 county jails nationwide. The facility contract determines which platform you use. Check whether your specific jail uses HomeWAV or GettingOut before creating an account.
- Can I do a HomeWAV video visit on my phone?
- Yes. The HomeWAV mobile app is available free for iOS and Android. Download the HomeWAV app from the App Store or Google Play. For best results use a WiFi connection and a headset. You can also visit homewav.com on a computer using Chrome or Firefox for the best browser experience. Safari may cause issues.
- What is HomeWAV commissary?
- HomeWAV offers commissary integration at some facilities allowing families to deposit funds directly to the inmate's commissary account through the HomeWAV platform. Commissary funds are used by the inmate to purchase food, hygiene items, and other approved products from the facility store. Check whether your specific facility has HomeWAV commissary enabled at homewav.com.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
GettingOut
45+ states
GettingOut App: What It Is, How Video Visits Work and How Much They Cost
View GuideSecurus Technologies
45+ states
Securus Technologies - Phone Calls, Video Visits and Messaging at 1,200+ County Jails and State Prisons
View GuideICSolutions
15+ states
ICSolutions - Inmate Phone Calls and Communication Services at State and Federal Facilities
View GuideGet Started with HomeWAV
Visit the official HomeWAV website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.