Unblock A Prison Call — How To

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

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.


For iPhone:

For Android:

Pro tip: Ask the inmate to call you again immediately after you clear your block list. Sometimes the system needs a fresh attempt to reset. how to unblock a prison call

  • Follow their required steps (pay balance, confirm identity, complete registration, reset PIN).
  • Have these ready before contacting anyone:

    Sometimes, the "block" is unintentional and self-inflicted. Modern smartphones have aggressive spam filters. If you cannot unblock the phone line after

    Prison calls often originate from a rotating bank of numbers. Major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T use automatic spam detection. If a prison number receives too many “spam reports,” the carrier may preemptively block all future calls from that range.

    What to have ready before calling:

    Receiving a call from an incarcerated loved one can be a lifeline. But when that call suddenly stops coming through, and you hear a message that your number has been “blocked” or “rejected,” it can be frustrating and isolating.

    The good news is that a block is often reversible. Here’s a practical guide to understanding why blocks happen and how to fix them. Do NOT attempt to use a call forwarding