Do You Need a Securus Account? Setting Up Calls, Video, and Messages for CDCR Families
If your loved one is in a CDCR facility, Securus handles phone calls, video visits, and electronic messages. You don't need an online Securus account to receive free telephone calls—but you will need one for video calls and electronic messaging once those options become available.
Securus is the communications provider for CDCR facilities. Here's the quick answer: you can receive free telephone calls without setting up an online account. But if you want video calls or electronic messaging, you'll need to create a Securus account once those services go live.
Securus is the vendor CDCR uses for communication between incarcerated people and their families. Their CDCR-specific information page lists telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messages as available services - so expect to see the Securus name attached to each option as they roll out.
Whether you need a Securus account depends on how you plan to stay in touch. Receiving free telephone calls? No account required. Want video calls or electronic messaging? You'll need to create an online account when those services become available.
- Create your Securus account - Sign up through the Securus website or the Securus mobile app.
- Keep your login handy - Once video calls and electronic messaging become available, you’ll use this same account to get set up.
Planning ahead for prepaid video calls? Securus describes a two-step setup inside the app. First, use AdvanceConnect to add funds for prepaid video. Then use Video Connect to register and enable video calls so you can receive them.
- ✓ Create a Securus account (website or mobile app)
- ✓ In the app, use AdvanceConnect to set up and add funds for prepaid video calls
- ✓ In the app, use Video Connect to register and enable video calls (look for the option to allow videocalls)
- ✓ Double-check the current CDCR guidance for any implementation details and costs before you add money
Tip: Before you add funds, confirm you’re following the current Securus instructions for CDCR and any CDCR guidance on how video calling is being implemented.
According to the CDCR-specific Securus page, the rollout for telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messages begins in September. For implementation schedules and tablet-related pricing - the details families care about most - Securus directs you to CDCR's tablets information page.
Heads up: Rollout timing and costs can be easy to mix up during a changeover - verify dates and pricing on CDCR’s tablets information page before you plan around them.
If you expect to use video calls or electronic messaging, set up your Securus account now so you're not scrambling later. Then keep an eye on Securus updates and check CDCR's tablets information page to confirm rollout schedules and costs before making plans around a specific start date.
- ✓ Create your Securus account (website or mobile app)
- ✓ If you’ll use video calling, set up prepaid video funding in AdvanceConnect
- ✓ Register and enable video calling in Video Connect
- ✓ Use CDCR’s tablets information page to confirm implementation timing and costs before you add funds
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