STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to Add Your Number to a UK Prison PIN List

Every UK prison maintains an approved call list — known as a PIN list — which must contain a number before a prisoner can dial it. This guide explains what a PIN list is, how to get your number added, and what to expect.

What Is a PIN List?

UK prisons operate a telephone system (ITS — Intelligent Technology Solutions — or Unilink at some establishments) where each prisoner has a personal identification number (PIN). When a prisoner picks up a prison phone, they enter their PIN to access their account. They can only call numbers that have been pre-approved and added to their list — this is the PIN list.

The PIN list exists for security and monitoring purposes. Prison staff check that contact numbers belong to legitimate contacts and screen out restricted parties.

Why Numbers Need Approval

Prison telephone systems are monitored. HMPPS and individual prisons have a legal duty to monitor calls for security purposes, and the PIN list ensures that only approved contacts are called. Numbers associated with crime, victims, or other restricted individuals will be rejected.

For family members, the process is straightforward — there is no reason a family landline or virtual number would be refused.

Step-by-Step Process

1

Get your UK number

Subscribe to BluePhone (or another virtual landline provider). You will receive a UK geographic number (01/02 prefix) by email, typically within a few hours. This is the number you will provide to the prisoner.

2

Pass the number to your loved one

Write the number in a letter or tell them during a visit. Give the full number in standard UK format (e.g. 020 1234 5678). Do not use international format (+44). Include your name as it should appear on the list.

3

Prisoner submits the request

The prisoner asks to have your number added to their PIN list. This can be done through their wing officer, the prison's digital kiosk (where available), or a written request. The prisoner must provide your name and phone number.

4

Processing time: 24–72 hours

Most prisons process PIN list additions within 24–72 hours on working days. The time varies by prison, by current workload, and by whether the request needs additional verification. Bank holidays and weekends may extend this.

5

What to do if it takes longer

If 5 working days have passed with no call, ask the prisoner to check with their wing officer that the request was received and processed. There is no direct way for family to follow up with the prison — all communication goes through the prisoner.

Tips by Prison Type

Get your BluePhone number ready before submitting

Subscribe to BluePhone and get your UK 01/02 number by email within hours. Then pass it to your loved one to add to their PIN list. While the approval processes, download the app and you will be ready to receive the first call.

Get Your UK Number →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prison PIN list?

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A PIN list is a prisoner's approved contact list. UK prisons operate a PIN-based telephone system (ITS or Unilink) where each prisoner has a personal PIN number. Before a prisoner can call any number, that number must be approved by prison staff and added to the prisoner's PIN list. Calls to numbers not on the list will not connect.

How many numbers can be on a prison PIN list?

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The number of approved contacts varies by prison and by the prisoner's category and regime. Most prisons allow between 10 and 20 approved contacts. Some prisons allow more. The prisoner or their personal officer can advise on the specific limit at their establishment.

How long does PIN list approval take?

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Processing times vary by prison and workload. Most prisons process new PIN list requests within 24–72 hours. Some prisons may take up to 7 days, particularly around bank holidays or staff changes. If a number is not approved after 5 working days, it is reasonable to ask the prisoner to follow up with their wing officer.

Can a virtual landline number be added to a prison PIN list?

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Yes. A UK virtual landline number (01/02 prefix) is treated identically to a physical landline by the prison telephone system. You give the prisoner your virtual number in the same format as any other UK phone number, and they request it to be added to their PIN list through the normal process.

What format should I give my phone number in for the PIN list?

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Give the full UK number in standard format, for example: 020 1234 5678 or 0161 234 5678. Do not use international format (+44). Prison telephone systems use UK domestic dialling format. BluePhone numbers follow standard UK geographic format.

What if the prisoner's PIN list is full?

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If the PIN list is at capacity, the prisoner must remove an existing number before adding a new one. They can request this through their wing officer or via the digital kiosk at the prison. There is no way for family members to manage the PIN list directly — only the prisoner can add or remove numbers.