How To Unblock A Prison Call May 2026

Unblocking a prison call requires identifying whether the restriction is on the personal device, the phone carrier, or the facility's third-party vendor (such as Securus or GTL). Solutions range from adjusting smartphone spam settings to contacting vendor customer service and verifying the number on the facility's approved caller list. For a detailed guide on resolving these issues, visit JustAnswer.

How to Unblock a Jail or Correctional Facility Number - Expert Q&A

Quick checklist (one-page)

  • [ ] Inmate name & ID ready
  • [ ] Facility & vendor identified
  • [ ] Account/payment info available
  • [ ] Contacted vendor support (ticket #)
  • [ ] Contacted facility phone/accounts
  • [ ] Resolved billing/verification
  • [ ] Tested call successfully

If you want, tell me the facility and the vendor (or paste the error message) and I’ll draft the exact script to use when you call customer support.

To unblock a prison call, you must identify if the block is on your personal device , with your phone carrier , or through the facility's phone service provider

. Because correctional facilities use external automated systems, standard phone settings may not always be enough to restore communication. JustAnswer 1. Check Your Personal Device Settings

If you accidentally blocked the number on your phone, you can usually reverse this in your settings: Android Devices : Open the (three dots) > Blocked numbers . Find the facility's number and tap the or minus button to unblock. iPhone Devices Blocked Contacts . Swipe left on the number and tap Google Voice : If you use Google Voice , go to the

tab, find the inmate's number, tap the three dots, and select : Use the handset menu to find Call Blocking Block List , select the number, and choose Google Help 2. Contact the Third-Party Service Provider Most prison calls are managed by private companies like GTL (ViaPath) IC Solutions

. These companies often block numbers for billing issues or if a call was accidentally declined. how to unblock a prison call

IC Solutions > Friends Family Home > Support > Blocked Calls

Step 2: Ask the Inmate to Submit a “Remove Block” Request (24 Hours)

If your phone is not the issue, the block likely resides in the prison’s call control system. The incarcerated person can usually resolve this faster than you can. Instruct them to:

  • Request a “Calling List Update Form” from their case manager or correctional counselor.
  • Specifically ask to “remove block” for your phone number (including area code).
  • Some facilities require a notarized letter stating that you consent to receive calls. If so, get it done at a UPS Store or bank (usually $5–$15).

Once submitted, processing time ranges from 24 hours to 7 business days.

Case C: You Were Transferred to a “Disconnected Number” Recording

This means the prison’s system has flagged your number as invalid (maybe due to a ported number or VOIP line like Google Voice). Most prisons block all VOIP and virtual numbers for security verification. You must give the inmate a traditional landline or major carrier mobile number.

Final Takeaway

Start with the phone provider, not the prison. In 80% of cases, a call is blocked because of a failed payment or a mismatch in approved calling areas. Contact the specific prison call company (Securus, GTL, etc.) first. If they confirm the inmate’s end is clear, then work on getting the inmate to re-add you to their internal list.

Stay patient, keep records of your calls to customer service, and always double-check that the facility hasn’t changed its phone provider – that alone can trigger a mass block of all old numbers.

I understand you're looking for information on "how to unblock a prison call." However, it's important to clarify that individuals cannot "unblock" a prison call themselves in the way you might unblock a regular phone number. Unblocking a prison call requires identifying whether the

Here’s how it actually works and what “blocked” means in the prison phone system:

C. IC Solutions (ICSolutions)

  • Customer Service: 1-888-506-8407
  • Unblock process: Log into your ICSolutions account. Under “Manage Contacts,” look for a red “Blocked” icon next to the inmate’s name. Click to unblock. If not visible, call and ask for a “Pin Reset.”

What to have ready before calling:

  • Your full name and phone number (as registered)
  • Inmate’s full name and Department of Corrections (DOC) number
  • Facility name and address
  • Last four digits of the credit card used for the phone account

4) Contact the inmate phone service provider

  • Identify the vendor used by the facility (e.g., GTL, Securus, ICSolutions, CenturyLink, ViaPath). The facility website or inmate handbook usually lists it.
  • Call the provider’s customer support or use their website/account portal.
  • Ask specifically:
    • Why your number is blocked
    • What steps are required to restore calling privileges
    • Whether there are outstanding balances or verification steps
  • Follow their required steps (pay balance, confirm identity, complete registration, reset PIN).

Conclusion: Patience & Persistence Are Key

Unblocking a prison call is rarely a five-minute fix. It often requires a relay race between you, the inmate, the prison provider, and your mobile carrier. However, in most cases, the block is reversible.

Start with your own phone’s block list, then move to the inmate’s internal request, then escalate to the provider’s advanced support, and finally involve your carrier’s spam filter team. Document every call, get reference numbers, and be polite but firm.

That phone call matters. It might be the only thing keeping your loved one connected to hope, family news, and a plan for release. Don’t let a glitchy algorithm stand in the way.

Resources & Quick Reference:

  • FCC Prison Phone Complaint: fcc.gov/prison-phone
  • Prison Phone Justice Project: prisonphonejustice.org
  • National Helpline for Families of Incarcerated People: 1-800-391-8227 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm ET)

Article last updated for 2026 carrier policies. [ ] Inmate name & ID ready [

To unblock a prison call, you must first identify where the block is occurring: on your personal device, with the third-party service provider (like GTL or Securus), or at the correctional facility itself. 1. Check Your Personal Phone Settings

Often, a call is blocked simply because your phone’s internal settings or spam filters have flagged the prison’s automated number.

iPhone/Android: Open your Phone app, go to Settings, and select Blocked Numbers to see if the facility's number was accidentally added.

Carrier Spam Filters: Carriers like T-Mobile have active spam filters that may block inmate calls by default. You can use apps like T-Mobile Scam Shield to manually whitelist the facility's number.

Google Voice: If you use Google Voice, it is often blocked by prisons because it uses call forwarding. If you accidentally blocked a number within the app, go to Calls, find the number, tap the three dots, and select Unblock. 2. Contact the Third-Party Service Provider

Most prisons use specific vendors to handle inmate calling. If you accidentally pressed a digit (often "9" or "7") during a call to block future communication, you must contact these providers directly to remove the restriction.

Part 5: When All Else Fails – Alternative Communication

If you cannot unblock the phone line after 14 days of trying, consider these backup methods (subject to facility rules):

  • Securus Video Visitation – Many prisons now offer at-home video calls via an app. Video calls use a different technical pathway than phone calls and may not be blocked.
  • JPay Email & Stamps – You can send messages that the inmate reads on a tablet.
  • CorrLinks or TRULINCS – Secure email systems used by federal prisons (BOP).
  • Old-fashioned mail – Letters are never blocked (though they may be delayed).

Do NOT attempt to use a call forwarding service, Google Voice, or a second phone line to “trick” the system. That is a violation of prison telecom policy and can result in the inmate losing all phone privileges for 90 days or more.