How to Schedule Your First Visit at Michael Unit: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Scheduling your first visit at Michael Unit happens mostly online. You'll create a scheduler account, add your loved one using their inmate number, wait for the unit to approve your request, then pick an available time slot.
Before booking anything, confirm the person you're visiting is currently housed at Michael Unit and that their visitation privileges are active. Regular visiting days are Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Schedules can shift unexpectedly - if you're planning a trip soon or something looks off, call the unit to double-check. It could save you a wasted drive.
Timing tip: Each visit lasts two hours, but the clock doesn't start until both you and the inmate are present. Time spent checking in or waiting doesn't count toward your visit.
- Create your own scheduler account - Visitors must set up their own TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler accounts; TDCJ staff can’t create visitor accounts for you.
- Submit your email and watch for the validation message - After you enter your email during registration, the system sends an email with a 7-digit validation code and a link to finish setting up your account.
- Finish registration carefully (your email is permanent) - Once an account is created for an email address, it can’t be deleted, and the email address on the account can’t be changed. Use an email you can reliably access before you complete the rest of the setup.
Once your account is set up, add the inmate to your profile using their 8-digit TDCJ or SID number. Enter the number, select your relationship, and click Request Approval to submit a Relationship Request. That request goes to Michael Unit, where staff verify your connection before you can schedule visits.
When scheduling, you may see different visit types - including one labeled "Video/Tablet." If you were expecting a Securus remote video visit, pause. The scheduler's Video/Tablet option is not the same as the Securus Video program.
- Make sure your account setup is complete - You’ll need to have registered through the email link and used the 7-digit validation code before you can move forward with booking.
- Look for open dates and time slots - Michael Unit’s regular visiting days are Saturday and Sunday, with public hours listed as 8:00 AM–5:30 PM, so that’s the window you’ll typically be working within.
- Confirm your visit window with the two-hour period in mind - A regular visit is two hours long and begins when both you and the inmate are present, so pick a slot you can realistically make after travel and check-in time.
If your Relationship Request shows as pending - or you don't see a "Schedule Visit" option - your approval is likely still in the verification stage. Staff at the unit need to confirm your relationship before visits can be booked. One other thing: visitor accounts must be created by the visitor, not TDCJ staff. If you're waiting on someone else to set it up for you, that will delay things.
Troubleshooting Tips
- ✓ Double-check the inmate number you entered: the TDCJ or SID number must be 8 digits.
- ✓ Use an email address you can keep long-term; once the account is created, it can’t be deleted and the email can’t be changed.
- ✓ If you didn’t get the registration email, look for the message with the 7-digit validation code and the link to complete registration (you’ll need both to finish setup).
Heads-up: The scheduler's "Video/Tablet" option isn't the same as the Securus Video program. Double-check you're selecting the right visit type before locking in your time.
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