Do You Need a Securus Account? What Families Must Know About Calls, Video Visits, and Messages (CDCR)
If your loved one is in a CDCR prison, you'll see Securus mentioned constantly for communication services. Here's what actually requires a Securus account, what doesn't, and how to get set up before services go live.
Securus is CDCR's communications provider. When you're looking into calls, video visits, or electronic messages, the instructions and tools will almost always be Securus-branded.
Tip: Seeing Securus mentioned in CDCR materials? You're in the right place. Most setup steps go through Securus tools.
You don't need an online Securus account to receive free telephone calls. If you just want to answer the phone and stay connected, there's nothing to set up. The Securus account matters for newer, app-based communication. You'll need one for CDCR video calls and electronic messaging when those services become available. Want to be ready the moment video visits and messaging turn on for your loved one's location? Setting up the account ahead of time is the smartest move.
Quick clarity: Phone calls aren't the same as video and messaging. Free telephone calls don't require an online account, but video calls and electronic messages will.
- Create a Securus account: Use the Securus website or the Securus mobile app to register.
- Keep your login handy: Once your account is set up, you will be ready to use video calling and electronic messaging features as they become available through CDCR.
Opening your account now saves you last-minute stress. When services roll out and everyone rushes to register at once, you'll already be set up and can focus on scheduling visits.
Prepaid video calls use two pieces inside the Securus app. AdvanceConnect is where you add funds for prepaid video calls. Video Connect is where you register and enable video calls. Think of it as a two-part setup: funding and permission. AdvanceConnect handles the money side, and Video Connect tells the system you want video calls turned on.
- ✓ Install and open the Securus mobile app
- ✓ Use AdvanceConnect to set up your prepaid video calling account and add funds
- ✓ Use Video Connect to register and enable video calls (look for the option to allow video calls)
Securus states that CDCR's rollout for telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messages starts in September. That's vendor-level rollout messaging, not a promise that every feature goes live everywhere on the same day. Your best approach: get your Securus account ready now, then watch for updates confirming what's available at your loved one's specific CDCR location.
Timing note: "Starting in September" usually means a phased rollout. Availability can vary by location, so check for updates before assuming video or messaging is turned on.
For tablet implementation schedules and cost information, the Securus CDCR vendor page directs families to CDCR's tablets page. That's where you'll find official schedules and pricing details for the tablet program.
Next Steps
- ✓ Create your Securus account on the Securus website or in the Securus mobile app
- ✓ If you plan to use prepaid video calls, set up AdvanceConnect in the app and add funds
- ✓ Watch for rollout updates about telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messages starting in September
Reminder: Service availability can differ by location during a rollout. For tablet schedules and costs, check the CDCR tablets page referenced by Securus.
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