prisoncheckPhone · 5 min read
How do I get on the phone list?
PIN, numbers, security checks, and why “they should have called by now” is often the wrong clock.
They submit. Security checks.
They submit names and numbers. Security checks them. Until that clears, they cannot call those numbers from their PIN phone — even if they already called once from reception.
A landline is cheaper
A landline is cheaper for them. HMPPS tells prisons to restrict numbers that divert or re-route — that is most of the cheap-call apps. A landline that lives on your own phone does not pass the call on. No app. No redirect. No forwarding.
100%approved
ringyardPartnerNot like other prison numbers.
WhatOthersringyardYour call✕Passed onRings your phoneYou need✕Some need an appJust your phoneMinutes✕Most are cappedUnlimitedGet your landline£20 a month. Stop any time.
The prison still checks each new number.Others: ringyard's check of 11 prison number services, Aug to Oct 2026.
Ask the right question
If nothing comes through, the useful question is “has the PIN been submitted?” not “why aren’t they calling?” No credit and no approved numbers look identical from the outside.
Family reports are the live picture
Family reports on prisoncheck are the live picture. Official pages will not tell you the current wait at Berwyn or Belmarsh. Other families will.