Many jails and prisons let family visit by video, either from a terminal at the facility or from home on a phone or computer. Each facility picks a vendor and sets its own rules, so the first step is finding out which service it uses.
Find out which service the facility uses
Check the facility's website or call and ask. Two common vendors:
- GTL, now ViaPath Technologies: its family sites are ConnectNetwork and GettingOut. On GettingOut you pick the state and facility to see which services it offers, because services vary by facility. GettingOut says it is moving to a new name, myViaPath.
- Securus: the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, for example, lists video visits through Securus.
Setting up a video visit
- Create an account with the vendor, using your legal name. Some facilities verify your identity first.
- Add funds if visits are paid. GettingOut, for example, says you must register and fund your video visit account with ConnectNetwork before visiting.
- Schedule the visit, or use an on-demand option where the facility allows it.
- Join on time from a quiet, private place. Assume the visit is monitored and recorded, and that the facility's dress and conduct rules still apply.
What it costs and how often
Prices and limits are set facility by facility. As one example, TDCJ allows each inmate one 60-minute video visit per month, through Securus at $10 a visit or through tablet kiosks at no cost. Read our TDCJ visitation page for the full Texas rules.
Keep in mind that vendor accounts can expire. ViaPath says a friends and family account becomes inactive after 180 days without use, after which you have 90 days to ask for a refund of any balance.
Questions
Is GTL visitation the same as ViaPath?
Yes. GTL (Global Tel*Link) now does business as ViaPath Technologies. Its family services run through ConnectNetwork and GettingOut, which says it is moving to myViaPath.
Can I video visit from home?
Often, yes, from a phone, tablet or computer, if the facility allows remote visits. Some facilities only offer video visits from terminals in their own lobby.
Are inmate video visits recorded?
Assume they are monitored and recorded unless the facility tells you otherwise, and do not discuss the details of a case.
Sources
The pages below back up the main rules and definitions in this guide. We opened each link on October 14, 2026.
- GettingOut, Global Tel*Link Corporation d/b/a ViaPath Technologies. Video visits, deposits and messages at the facilities it serves, with services that vary by facility.
- ConnectNetwork, ViaPath Technologies (formerly GTL). ViaPath's family site for phone, video visit and message accounts.
- Visitation, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. One 60-minute video visit a month, through Securus at $10 or tablet kiosks at no cost.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and facility rules differ and change; confirm details with the facility, court or a lawyer.