High Point Detention Center Phone Calls. Pay Tel Setup and Rates

How Calls Work at High Point

The High Point Detention Center uses Pay Tel Communications as its phone service provider. Inmates use tablets in their housing units to place calls. The tablet system also supports secure text messaging.

Calls are placed by the inmate and charged to a Pay Tel account. You need to set up an account and fund it before the person can reach you. If your account is not set up or has no funds, the call will not go through.

How to Set Up a Pay Tel Account

Setting up an account takes a few minutes and can be done online or by phone:

1. Go to paytel.com and click “Sign Up” or “Create Account”
2. Enter your name, email address, and create a password
3. Add the phone number you want to receive calls on
4. Fund the account with a debit or credit card
5. Confirm your account through the verification email Pay Tel sends

You can also call Pay Tel support at 1-800-729-8355 (1-800-PAYTELL) to set up an account or get help with an existing one.

Once your account is active, the person at the High Point Detention Center can select your number from the Pay Tel system on their tablet and place a call.

Adding Your Phone Number

Your phone number must be added to the approved contact list in your Pay Tel account before calls can come through. When you create your account, enter the number you want to receive calls on. If you want to add or change a number later, log in to paytel.com and update your contact settings.

Funding Your Account

You need money in your Pay Tel account before calls can connect. Fund your account:

• Online: Log in to paytel.com and use a debit or credit card
• By phone: Call 1-800-729-8355 and follow the prompts
• Recurring deposits: Pay Tel allows automatic reloads so your account doesn’t run out

Check paytel.com for current rates. Rates depend on the call type (in-state, out-of-state, and local calls may be priced differently). The call connects to the facility’s system, which deducts from the account in real time.

Commissary account money and Pay Tel call money are separate accounts at the High Point Detention Center. Funding through InmateCanteen goes toward commissary and tablet messaging; Pay Tel account funding is separate and handled through paytel.com.

Secure Messaging Through Tablets

In addition to phone calls, the tablet system at the High Point Detention Center supports secure text-style messaging. This is separate from the phone call system. Messaging through the tablet may require a Pay Tel account or a separate messaging account depending on how the system is configured at this facility.

Contact Pay Tel support at 1-800-729-8355 to ask whether your account covers messaging or whether a separate setup is needed.

Call Monitoring

All calls at the High Point Detention Center are monitored and recorded by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Legal calls to a verified attorney line may be handled differently, but all standard calls should be treated as non-private. Do not discuss sensitive legal matters on a standard inmate call.

What Numbers Can Be Called

Inmates can call numbers that have been added to their approved contact list. Phone numbers must be verified in the Pay Tel system. If a number is blocked or not on the approved list, the call will not connect.

Pay Tel does not typically allow calls to toll-free numbers, 900 numbers, or international numbers without special setup. If you have an international number, contact Pay Tel support at 1-800-729-8355 to ask about options.

Troubleshooting Failed Calls

If a call is not going through:

1. Check your account balance. If the Pay Tel account has no funds, calls cannot connect. Log in to paytel.com to check.
2. Check that your number is approved. Log in to your Pay Tel account and confirm your number is on the approved contact list.
3. Check the person’s status. Inmates in disciplinary segregation or restricted housing may have phone access suspended. Call (336) 641-7900 to ask about restrictions.
4. Check the time. Phone access is typically tied to the housing unit schedule. Call times are set by staff.
5. Contact Pay Tel support at 1-800-729-8355 if the account and number look correct but calls are still not connecting.

Blocking a Number

If you need to block a phone number from receiving calls, log in to your Pay Tel account and remove the number from your contact list. You can also call Pay Tel support at 1-800-729-8355 for help managing contacts and blocking settings.

Alternatives to Phone Calls

If phone calls are not an option, the tablet system at the High Point Detention Center supports secure messaging. You can also write a physical letter. See the mail and photos guide for the mailing address and rules. In-person visits run Tuesday through Friday and are free. See the visitation guide for the full schedule.