Ashe County Detention Center Phone Calls. Paytel Setup & Rates

How to Set Up Your Paytel Account

You need a Paytel account before you can receive calls. The process is straightforward and free.

Step 1. Go to paytel.com. Click “Sign Up” or “Create Account.” Enter your name, email address, and a password. Verify your email when prompted.

Step 2. Add your phone number. In your account settings, add the phone number you want to receive calls on. The person inside will select your number from a list of approved contacts when they place a call. Make sure the number you enter is the one you actually answer.

Step 3. Fund your account. Paytel requires a prepaid balance to connect calls. Add funds using a debit or credit card through your Paytel account. The cost per call depends on the facility’s rate. Paytel shows the rate in your account. Add enough to cover several calls so you are not scrambling to top up after each one.

Step 4. Tell the person inside. Let the person know your phone number is set up in Paytel. They will need to add it through the phone system at the facility. Depending on how Paytel is configured at Ashe County, the facility may need to approve new numbers before the first call can connect.

Step 5. Wait for the call. When the person calls you from the facility, your phone will ring and you will hear a prompt asking you to accept the call. Follow the prompts to connect.

Call Hours

Calls are available every day of the week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. local time. Calls placed outside these hours will not go through. The facility may restrict calls during certain periods such as count time, lockdowns, or facility emergencies. If the person is unable to reach you during normal hours, it may be a temporary restriction. Try again after some time has passed.

How Billing Works

Paytel uses a prepaid model. Funds are drawn from your account balance each time a call connects. The per-minute rate depends on the facility’s pricing tier, which Paytel sets for each jail. Log in to your Paytel account and look at the pricing for Ashe County Detention Center to see the current rate before adding funds.

Calls charge against your balance in real time. If your balance runs out during a call, the call will disconnect. Keep enough in your account to cover the full length of a typical call. You can set up auto-refill in your Paytel account so your balance replenishes automatically when it drops below a set amount.

Call Length

The maximum call length at Ashe County Detention Center has not been published. County jail calls typically run 15 to 20 minutes before the system disconnects and the person must call back. Ask the person inside what the call time limit is so you can plan your conversations.

What You Cannot Do During a Call

All calls through Paytel at Ashe County Detention Center are monitored and recorded by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office. This is standard practice at county jails. Keep these things in mind:

• Do not discuss anything related to a pending criminal case, legal strategy, or evidence. This information can be used against the person in court.
• Do not share personal financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords.
• Do not attempt to three-way call to add another person to the line. Three-way calling is prohibited and can result in the call being terminated and call privileges suspended.
• Do not arrange anything that could be construed as facilitating a crime.

Attorney-client calls are confidential and handled differently. If someone needs to speak privately with their attorney, that call should go through the facility’s legal call process, not through the standard Paytel phone system.

Adding Phone Numbers to the Approved List

The person inside may need to submit your phone number for approval before the first call can go through. This process varies by facility. Ask them to add your number through whatever request process the facility uses. If a number was added but calls are not connecting, call (336) 846-5633 to ask whether the number has been approved.

Some facilities use an automated system where the person inside types the phone number they want to call, and the call is placed immediately if the number is in the system. Others require advance approval of each number. Paytel’s system at Ashe County Detention Center follows the rules set by the Sheriff’s Office.

If a Call Is Not Connecting

If you are not receiving calls:

• Confirm your phone number is correctly entered in your Paytel account (no typos, correct area code).
• Check your Paytel account balance to make sure there are funds to cover a call.
• Ask the person inside whether your number has been added and approved in the facility’s phone system.
• Check whether your phone is set to block unknown or automated numbers, which can prevent Paytel calls from ringing through.
• Call (336) 846-5633 to ask whether there are any restrictions on the inmate’s calling privileges.

Video Visits Through Paytel

Paytel also handles video visitation at Ashe County Detention Center. If you want to see the person face to face, not just hear them, video visits are the option. The same Paytel account you use for phone calls works for video visits. See the visitation guide for how to schedule a video visit.

International Calls

If you need to receive calls from outside the United States, check your Paytel account to see whether international numbers are accepted for the Ashe County Detention Center facility. Call (336) 846-5633 to confirm before adding an international number to your account.

Messaging and Other Communication

Some jail phone systems include secure messaging or email features through the same platform. Log in to your Paytel account to see whether text-based messaging is available at Ashe County Detention Center. If not, direct mail letters are the other reliable way to stay in touch. See the mail guide for the mailing address and rules.