Purple Visits Guide: Book Prison Video Calls UK 2026

Purple Visits is the secure video-call platform used across every public prison in England and Wales, plus most private and Scottish establishments. It lets you have a 30-minute face-to-face video call with a prisoner from your phone, tablet or laptop — without travelling, without sitting in a visits hall, and at a time that suits both of you.

The service is free. The kit you need is whatever device you already have. The booking process, however, is tighter than most family services and trips up first-time users. This guide covers everything: how to register, how to book, what to wear, what to say, what gets a call cut off, and how to fix the most common problems.

What is a Purple Visit?

A Purple Visit is a 30-minute one-to-one video call between a prisoner and approved family or friends. It runs through the official Purple Visits app, which uses facial-recognition checks at both ends of the call to make sure the right people are on screen.

It does not replace face-to-face visits. It sits alongside them. Most prisons allow each prisoner two Purple Visits per month in addition to their normal visiting allowance. Some allow more, some allow fewer — local rules vary.

Who Can Use It?

**Family** named on the prisoner's approved visits list.

**Friends** approved by the prison after the prisoner adds them.

**Children** can take part but must be supervised by an approved adult on the call.

Up to **four people** can be on the same call from the same household, as long as all faces are visible.

Setting Up Your Purple Visits Account

Download the **Purple Visits** app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. There is no desktop browser version that works for the call itself, though you can manage bookings on the web.

Open the app and tap *Sign Up*.

Enter your name, date of birth and email, then verify your email.

Upload **photo ID** — passport, driving licence or government-issued ID card. The system reads it automatically.

Take a **selfie video** — the app uses this to build the facial recognition profile. Good lighting, plain background, no glasses.

Add the prisoner you want to call — you will need their full name, prisoner number and current establishment.

Wait for the prison to approve the link. Approval typically takes 1–3 working days, sometimes longer at busy establishments.

Until you have been approved by the specific prison, the booking screen will show as locked.

Booking a Call

Once approved:

Open the app and tap *Book a Visit*.

Choose the prisoner.

The available slots for the next 28 days appear. Slots are released in batches — usually one to two weeks ahead at most prisons.

Pick a slot. Add any additional household members joining the call.

Confirm. You will receive an email and in-app notification.

Slots get snapped up fast at the popular times — evenings and weekends. Set a reminder for the day new slots release at your prison and book the moment they appear.

> **Insider tip:** Most prisons release new slots at midnight or 8am on a fixed day of the week. Check with your prison or watch the app for a few cycles to find the pattern.

Joining the Call on the Day

Open the app **15 minutes before** your slot.

Go through the facial-recognition check. The app compares your live face to your enrolment selfie.

All household members on the call must check in individually. If a face is not recognised, the call will not start.

Wait. The prisoner is brought to the video booth on the wing.

The 30-minute clock starts the moment both ends connect.

If you are running late, you lose the slot. There is no grace period.

What You Can and Cannot Do on Camera

Allowed:

Normal conversation.

Holding up a child to wave hello.

Showing a drawing, school report, or photograph briefly to camera.

Singing happy birthday, blowing out a candle, opening a present together.

Not allowed (call will be terminated immediately):

Leaving the camera frame.

Switching to another room or covering the camera.

Anyone else walking into the room who has not been checked in.

Showing nudity, drugs, weapons, or anything that looks like one.

Discussing offences, other prisoners, or anything that looks like trafficking.

If the call is cut for a rule breach, you may lose Purple Visit privileges temporarily — typically 28 days for a first breach, longer for repeat issues.

What to Wear and Set Up

**Plain background.** A blank wall behind you helps the facial check.

**Good lighting.** Sit facing a window or lamp, not with light behind you.

**Avoid hoods, hats or sunglasses.** They will trigger an identity check.

**Headphones recommended.** Keeps the audio private and clear.

**Wired internet or strong Wi-Fi.** Mobile data works but drops more often.

> **Insider tip:** Do a test call with a friend on FaceTime or WhatsApp from the same spot before your first Purple Visit, so you know lighting and angle work.

Children on the Call

Children of any age can join. Practical tips:

**Under 5s:** keep the call short and have a toy ready. Thirty minutes is a long time for a toddler on camera.

**School-age children:** prepare them with two or three things to share — a drawing, a book they are reading, a school photo.

**Teenagers:** privacy matters. Let them have part of the call alone with their parent if they want.

When Things Go Wrong

**Face not recognised at check-in.** Re-do the enrolment selfie under better lighting. Contact Purple Visits support if it keeps failing.

**Slot booked but cancelled by prison.** Usually a staffing issue. The slot is automatically refunded and you can rebook.

**Frozen video.** Hang up and rejoin from the app. The call timer keeps running, so move fast.

**Prisoner does not appear.** They may have been on a job, in healthcare, or simply forgotten. Ring the prison the next day and ask why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Purple Visits free?

Yes. The app is free, the calls are free, and there is no subscription. The only cost is your data and device.

How many Purple Visits can a prisoner have per month?

The standard allowance is two per month, in addition to face-to-face visits, but it varies by prison. Check with your specific establishment.

Can I take a screenshot of the call?

No. The app blocks all screenshots and screen recordings. Attempts can result in your account being suspended.

What if I don't have photo ID?

You cannot use Purple Visits without government-issued photo ID. Provisional driving licences are accepted. If you have no ID, contact the prison about alternative video-visit arrangements through the social work or chaplaincy team.

Do Purple Visits replace normal in-person visits?

No. They are in addition to your normal visiting entitlement.

Can I record the call myself?

No. Recording is forbidden and the app actively blocks it. The prison records every call for security purposes.

How far in advance can I book?

Typically up to 28 days ahead. New slots are released on a rolling basis — set a regular check time.

*Last updated: April 2026.*

Purple Visits Secure Video Calls: Booking and Tips