How to Schedule a Video Visit at Fairfax County ADC (and Fix Common Tech Issues)

Authorized visitors at Fairfax County ADC get one video visit per day. You can book in 15-minute or 30-minute increments, so it's easy to plan around a quick check-in or a longer conversation.

Cost depends on where you're visiting from. Remote video visits (from home or another location) run $0.10 per minute. If you use an on-site kiosk in the ADC lobby, there's no charge.

Fairfax County ADC launched video visiting for general population inmates in August 2021. The system runs on scheduled time slots, so booking your appointment early gives you the best selection.

1. Log in to Smart Communications - Fairfax County ADC video visits must be scheduled and paid for through Smart Communications.
2. Select the incarcerated person you want to visit - make sure you are choosing the correct person before you continue.
3. Choose a date, time, and visit length (15 or 30 minutes) - visits are offered in 15- or 30-minute increments.
4. Schedule at least 24 hours ahead - if you schedule with less than 24 hours’ notice, the inmate may not receive notification of the pending visit.
5. Pay to confirm the visit (for remote visits) - your visit is scheduled and paid through Smart Communications, so complete payment as directed in the system.

• ✓ 9–11 a.m.
• ✓ 12:30–4 p.m.
• ✓ 5–6 p.m.

Remote video visits cost $0.10 per minute. That works out to $1.50 for a 15-minute visit and $3.00 for a 30-minute visit.

• ✓ Use the on-site video visiting kiosk in the ADC lobby if you want to avoid remote per-minute fees (on-site visits are free).

The most common "tech issue" at Fairfax County ADC isn't actually a connection problem. The system uses face detection, and the video feed goes blank when it can't find a face. If that happens, adjust your lighting and camera position so your face is clearly visible. That alone usually fixes it.

• ✓ Sit in a well-lit area.
• ✓ Make sure the light is on your face (not behind you).
• ✓ Avoid bright backlighting, like a sunny window or strong lamp in the background.
• ✓ Keep your face centered and clearly visible on camera.

Your visit ends automatically when time runs out. You can click the End Visit button to wrap up early, but be sure you're truly done. Once you click it, you can't re-join.

Stuck on scheduling, payment, or a persistent technical problem? Direct your questions to Smart Communications. They handle all video visit scheduling and payments for Fairfax County ADC, and the Sheriff's Office asks that you not contact them for scheduling requests.