How to Register Your Phone and Get Calls (and Remote Video Visits) from Hobby Unit
Getting calls and remote video visits from Hobby Unit starts with phone registration. Here's how enrollment works, what you'll need, what to expect during calls, and how to schedule the $10 remote video visit option.
Your phone number must be registered before you can receive calls from someone at Hobby Unit. Registration happens through the Texas Inmate Telephone Friends & Family Enrollment online. Without it, calls won't connect - so handle this step first.
Have the inmate’s TDCJ ID number ready when you register - it's required. If you don’t know it, you can look it up using the online inmate search, or you can call TDCJ at (936) 295-6371 or (800) 535-0283 to get the number. If you need help with the phone registration process itself, there’s also a telephone help line at (866) 806-7804.
Required Confirmations
- ✓ Confirm you are the registered owner of the telephone number
- ✓ Confirm you are at least 18 years old
- ✓ Agree to allow the inmate to call that telephone number
- ✓ Agree you will not forward calls, make three-way calls, or use a speakerphone on calls received from the inmate
Inmate phones are generally available from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Conditions inside the unit can affect access, so calling availability may shift at times.
Each call is capped at 30 minutes. You’ll hear an automated warning one minute before the call is disconnected, which helps you wrap up instead of getting cut off mid-sentence.
Inmates have unlimited minutes per month. Each call still ends at the 30-minute limit, but there's no monthly cap stopping them from calling when they're able.
Privacy reminder: All calls are subject to monitoring and recording, except calls to the attorney of record.
Inmates at Hobby Unit can only call home landlines, post-paid cell phones, and pre-paid cell phones. Calls to internet services, 800 numbers, businesses, pay phones, or international numbers won't go through. If you're using a work number, VoIP line, or international number, expect it to fail.
Remote video visits through Securus are separate from in-person visiting. Each session runs 60 minutes and costs $10.00. Inmates are limited to one remote video visit per month.
- Go to the vendor website - remote video visits must be set up through the vendor (Securus) site.
- Schedule the visit time - you pick from the available options and book the visit through the vendor’s scheduling system.
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