Video Calls for Inmates
Video visitation lets families see and speak with incarcerated loved ones from home. No travel required. Find facilities that offer video visits, compare providers, and learn what to expect before your first session.
8+
Approved providers
2,000+
Facilities with video
45
States covered
How Video Visitation Works
From signing up to connecting face-to-face, here is what to expect.
Check facility availability
Not every facility offers video visitation. Confirm that your loved one's specific institution allows video calls and identify which provider manages the service before signing up.
Create an account and get approved
Register with the provider and complete their identity verification process. You must also be on the inmate's approved visitor list. Approval can take a few days at some facilities.
Schedule a visit
Choose an available time slot through the provider's app or website. Most facilities require 24 to 48 hours of advance notice. Slots fill quickly on weekends.
Connect from home
At the scheduled time, join the video call from any device with a camera and a stable internet connection. Most providers support smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Video Call Providers
These platforms offer remote video visitation at correctional facilities across the United States.
Best-in-class video visitation for county jails
45 states, 2,200+ county jails
View guideVideo visits for county jails and state prisons
45 states, 1,200+ facilities
View guideVideo visits at federal and county facilities
All 50 states, 1,800+ facilities
View guideVideo visitation at select state prisons
35 states, 1,000+ facilities
View guideVideo visits at state prisons across 30+ states
30 states, 800+ facilities
View guideRemote video visits with an easy-to-use platform
20 states, 400+ facilities
View guideSoftware-only video visitation for county jails
30 states, 350+ facilities
View guideVideo calls for county jails and detention centers
15 states, 300+ facilities
View guideFacilities That Offer Video Visits
A selection of correctional facilities where video visitation is available.
Rikers Island
County Jail · NY
Cook County Jail
County Jail · IL
San Quentin State Prison
State Prison · CA
Harris County Jail
County Jail · TX
Miami-Dade Corrections Facility
County Jail · FL
Federal Correctional Complex Coleman
Federal Prison · FL
Attica Correctional Facility
State Prison · NY
Arizona State Prison Complex Florence
State Prison · AZ
Pelican Bay State Prison
State Prison · CA
Sing Sing Correctional Facility
State Prison · NY
What to Know Before Your First Video Visit
Video visits are scheduled in advance
Walk-in video visits do not exist. Every visit must be booked through the provider's platform at least 24 to 48 hours before the session.
You must be on the approved contact list
The inmate must add you to their approved visitor list before your first video visit. This approval process can take several days at some facilities.
All visits are recorded
Video visits at correctional facilities are recorded and monitored by facility staff. This is standard policy at all institutions.
Not all facilities have video
Smaller jails and some older state facilities have not yet adopted video visitation technology. Always confirm availability at the specific facility first.
County jails and state prisons use different providers
GettingOut is the leading county jail platform. JPay and GTL are more common at state prisons. Which provider you need depends on the facility type and contract.
Session time is limited
Most video visits are 20 to 30 minutes per session. Some facilities cap weekly visit frequency. Check the facility's rules for visit length and scheduling limits.
Common Questions About Video Visitation
What equipment do I need for a video visit?
You need a device with a working front-facing camera, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. A stable internet connection is required. Most providers support iOS and Android devices, as well as standard web browsers. Download the provider's app before your scheduled visit and test your camera in advance.
How much does a video visit cost?
Pricing varies by provider and facility. GettingOut typically charges $0.49 per minute. Securus pricing depends on the facility contract. Some facilities offer flat-rate session pricing. Always check the specific provider's rate for the facility your loved one is in before scheduling.
How do I schedule a video visit?
Log into your account with the facility's approved provider, find the video visitation section, and select an available time slot. Most facilities require at least 24 to 48 hours of advance notice. You must already be on the inmate's approved contact list. Time slots are limited, so book as early as possible.
Can I do a video visit at a federal prison?
Yes, but the process differs from state and county facilities. Video visits at federal Bureau of Prisons facilities are typically arranged through ConnectNetwork/GTL or scheduled directly with the institution. Contact the specific facility for their video visitation procedures, as policies vary between BOP institutions.
What happens if I miss a scheduled video visit?
Most providers charge for no-shows or have strict cancellation windows, typically 24 to 48 hours before the visit. If you miss a visit, you may lose the session fee. Some providers allow rescheduling, but this depends on the platform. Always cancel in advance if you cannot attend.
Are video visits recorded?
Yes. All video visits at correctional facilities are recorded. This is standard policy across all providers and facility types. You should not discuss anything during a video visit that you would not want facility staff to hear. Legal visits with attorneys may have different rules, depending on the facility.