Prison Voicemail is a small but brilliant service that has changed the way thousands of UK families stay in touch with someone in custody. You record a 60-second message on your phone, the prisoner rings a freephone number from the wing payphone, listens to it, and can record a reply. No more missed calls. No more sitting by the landline at 6pm hoping today is the day.
This guide explains how the service works, what it costs, which prisons it covers, and the practical tips that experienced families use to make the most of it.
What is Prison Voicemail?
Prison Voicemail is an independent service launched in 2014 and now used in every public-sector prison in England, Wales and Scotland, plus most private establishments. It gives you a personal mailbox tied to the prisoner's PIN phone account. When you record a message, the prisoner is notified via a free system call the next time they pick up the phone.
The prisoner does not need a tablet, an internet connection or any special equipment. All they need is the wing phone — which every prisoner in mainstream conditions has access to several times a day.
How It Works in Practice
The whole loop typically completes within hours, not days.
What It Costs
Pricing as of early 2026:
There are no setup fees and no contract. You can cancel any time.
> **Insider tip:** If you are messaging someone more than twice a week, the £20 unlimited plan pays for itself almost immediately. Most regular users are on the subscription.
Which Prisons Offer Prison Voicemail?
Every Cat A, B, C and D prison in England and Wales is covered, plus all Scottish prisons and the women's estate. The full list is on the Prison Voicemail website. The only prisons not yet covered in 2026 are a handful of immigration removal centres run separately from HMPPS.
Why It Matters
Phone calls from prison are difficult for families to manage:
Prison Voicemail flips this. You leave the message when it suits you. They pick it up when they get to the phone. No missed connection, no wasted credit.
Setting Up
You will start being able to leave messages as soon as your number is approved on the prisoner's PIN list.
Recording a Good Message
Sixty seconds is shorter than you think. Practical tips:
> **Insider tip:** Time of day matters. Record messages in the morning so they land before evening association — when the prisoner is most likely to use the phone.
How Replies Reach You
When the prisoner records a reply, you get a push notification (if you have the app) or a text message with a link. You tap to listen. The audio is stored in your account for 30 days.
You can save messages indefinitely by downloading them as MP3 files — many families do this to keep a record for children.
What You Cannot Do
Privacy and Monitoring
All messages are recorded and may be reviewed by prison security under the same rules that apply to PIN phone calls. Treat content accordingly. Prison Voicemail itself encrypts messages in transit and stores them on UK servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a prisoner to hear my message?
Usually within hours, depending on when they next pick up the wing phone. Most messages are heard within the same day they are sent.
Can I leave a message for someone on remand?
Yes, as soon as they have been processed at the prison and added you to their PIN list — usually within the first week.
Is Prison Voicemail free for the prisoner?
Yes. Listening to and replying to messages costs the prisoner nothing.
Can I cancel my subscription any time?
Yes. There is no minimum term. You can switch between subscription and pay-as-you-go through your account.
What happens if my loved one is transferred?
Update the prison details in your account. The service follows the prisoner provided they re-add your number at the new establishment.
Does Prison Voicemail work in Scottish prisons?
Yes. Every Scottish Prison Service establishment is covered, including HMP Edinburgh, Barlinnie and Cornton Vale.
Can children use Prison Voicemail to message a parent?
A parent or guardian must hold the account, but children can record messages from the household phone. Many families use this for goodnight messages.
*Last updated: April 2026.*