HomeWAV is a video-first inmate communication platform with one defining feature: visits are usually inmate-initiated. When you're logged in and showing as "available," your incarcerated loved one starts the video or voice call from their tablet or a facility kiosk — no rigid appointment slot required.
What HomeWAV offers
- Video calls from your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Voice calls through its VoIP system.
- eMessaging — text, images, GIFs, and video messages where the facility allows.
- Onsite visit scheduling via its ByPAS system at participating facilities.
How to create and verify your account
- Sign up at homewav.com or in the free HomeWAV app (iOS/Android).
- Upload a clear, head-on profile photo (no filters) and a valid government-issued ID. The facility reviews and approves your account — usually within 24 hours, rarely more than two days.
- Select the detention facility and add your loved one as a contact.
- Add "Talk to Me" funds by credit, debit, or prepaid card (Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted), or via a PayNearMe kiosk or the automated phone line.
Once approved, you'll get a notification whenever your loved one logs into a HomeWAV kiosk or tablet. Keep the app open so you show as online — and keep enough funds on the account, or the call won't connect.
What it costs
Fees are set independently by each facility, but video and voice rates commonly fall in the range of about 10 to 30 cents per minute, with eMessaging often under a penny per character. Unlike traditional collect calls, you fund the account in advance. The FCC's Martha Wright-Reed rate caps that took effect April 6, 2026 also reach video calling, so confirm the current per-minute price for your facility.
Why families like the model
Because visits are inmate-initiated and don't require scheduling far in advance or traveling to a lobby, HomeWAV can be a flexible way to stay in touch — especially helpful for kids and for families who live far away. The trade-off is that you're dependent on your loved one's tablet/kiosk access and your own internet connection.
Round out your communication plan
Video is wonderful for seeing a face, but pair it with affordable voice calls and written mail. Our discounted phone calls service lowers per-minute costs, and you can compare every communication company in our inmate service provider directory.
Other phone & video call providers
- Securus Technologies — One of the two largest prison-telecom companies. Here's what Securus runs, what it costs under the new FCC caps, and how to set up an account.
- ViaPath Technologies (GTL) — The company formerly called GTL. How ViaPath's ConnectNetwork and GettingOut platforms work, and what they cost your family.
- ICSolutions — A TKC Holdings company behind 'The Visitor' video visitation. How to register, schedule, and fund a visit.
- NCIC Inmate Communications — A Texas-based provider known for lower county-jail call rates. What NCIC charges and how to open a prepaid account.
- Pay Tel Communications — A jail-focused provider behind the Pay Tel Connect app and inteleVISIT. How to set up an account and stay connected.
See the full directory of inmate service providers for every phone, video, money, messaging, and care-package company.