Search facilities by name or state to find which inmate texting app, phone service, or video visit platform your loved one uses. Compare JPay, CorrLinks, GettingOut, ConnectNetwork, and more. Free directory covering all 50 states.
Discover every way families stay connected across correctional facilities.
Send and receive electronic messages with incarcerated loved ones through approved providers.
Learn moreSchedule face-to-face video visits from home through facility-approved platforms.
Learn moreSend and receive approved photos digitally through inmate communication services.
Learn moreMake and receive voice calls through facility phone systems and approved providers.
Learn moreSend funds to inmate accounts for commissary and communication credits.
Learn moreCompare the platforms your facility uses to find the right service for your family.
Messaging, photos, video visits, and money transfer for state and federal facilities across the US.
View JPay DetailsThe Federal Bureau of Prisons email and messaging system for federal inmates nationwide.
View CorrLinks DetailsVideo visitation and messaging services for county jails and local detention centers.
View ConnectNetwork DetailsVideo calls and messaging across hundreds of county and city correctional facilities.
View GettingOut DetailsTablet-based communication platform offering messaging, education, and entertainment.
View SmartInmate DetailsConverts digital messages into physical letters for facilities without electronic access.
View TextBehind DetailsNot sure which platform to use? See how top providers compare before you sign up.
JPay offers significantly more services, though CorrLinks is mandatory for federal inmates.
View ComparisonDepends on your facility type, JPay leads on messaging, ConnectNetwork leads on phone and coverage.
View ComparisonJPay is right for state prisons; GettingOut is right for county jails. Facility type decides.
View ComparisonBrowse facilities to see which providers and services are available.
Find correctional facilities, providers, and communication options for any state.
Find communication options at county detention facilities across the United States.
Finding inmate communication options takes three simple steps.
Step 01
Search by facility name, state, county, or zip code to locate the specific prison, jail, or correctional center.
Step 02
See which providers serve that facility, what services are available: messaging, video, phone, photos, and money transfer.
Step 03
Follow our direct links to the correct provider, create an account, and start communicating with your loved one in minutes.
Plain-language guides written for families with no prior experience navigating prison communication.
A full overview of every way to communicate with an incarcerated loved one, including messaging, phone calls, video visits, photos, and mail.
Read GuideLearn how digital messaging to incarcerated loved ones works, which platforms are used, how messages are reviewed, and what it costs.
Read GuideA step-by-step guide to sending money to an incarcerated person, covering accepted methods, per-provider steps, real fee examples, federal rules, and common mistakes to avoid.
Read GuideWe exist to reduce confusion and make prison communication discovery simple.
All facility and provider data is structured in one place. No more searching across multiple sites to find who serves your facility.
Browse facilitiesCompare messaging platforms side by side. See features, availability, and how each provider differs before making a decision.
Compare providersStep-by-step guides for every provider and service type. Written clearly for family members with no prior experience.
Browse guidesSearch 200+ correctional facilities nationwide. Find federal prisons, state prisons, county jails, and local detention centers with detailed communication guides.
Find a facilityCommon questions from families navigating prison communication.
JPay is a leading inmate communication platform that allows family members to send messages, photos, and money to incarcerated loved ones. JPay is contracted with dozens of state correctional systems and serves facilities across the US. Read our JPay overview for more detail.
Inmate messaging services let you send and receive electronic messages through a secure platform approved by the facility. Both the sender and recipient need accounts with the same provider. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery. Our full messaging guide explains the process step by step.
Many facilities allow digital photo sharing through approved providers such as JPay and others. Photos are reviewed before delivery and must meet the facility's content guidelines. Use our facility search to find out which photo services are available at a specific location.
Video visits are scheduled through the facility's approved provider. You book a time slot online, and both parties connect through a secure video platform during the scheduled window. Some facilities offer on-site video rooms; others allow visits from home. Learn more about video visitation.
Each facility contracts with one or more communication providers. Use our facility search to find the specific prison or jail by name or state, then view the full list of available providers and which services each one offers.
Yes, but not through regular SMS text messages. Inmates use approved platforms like JPay, CorrLinks, GettingOut, and ConnectNetwork for electronic messaging. The platform depends on which facility your loved one is in. Each facility contracts with a specific provider. Create a free account on the correct platform, and the inmate can then exchange messages with you after staff review.
The best inmate text app depends on which facility your loved one is in. JPay is the most widely used for state prisons, serving over 35 states. CorrLinks is the only approved platform for all federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. GettingOut by Telmate serves 2,200 plus county jails. ConnectNetwork by GTL covers both state prisons and county jails. You cannot choose your preferred app because the facility determines which platform to use.
Search our facility directory by the facility name or browse by state. Each facility page lists which providers are available for messaging, phone calls, video visits, and money transfers. You can also call the facility directly and ask which provider they use for each type of communication.
Yes. InmateTextApp.com is completely free. We do not charge for any information on this site. No account or registration is required. Creating accounts on communication providers like JPay, CorrLinks, or ConnectNetwork is also free, though the services themselves charge per message or per call.
Free inmate texting depends on the facility. Several states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York have eliminated messaging costs at state facilities. Some county jails in Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York City also offer free communication. For facilities that still charge, electronic messages typically cost $0.25 to $0.50 each. Physical mail through services like TextBehind or Pigeonly converts your digital message to a printed letter and is often the most affordable option.
JPay serves most state prisons and handles messaging, photos, video visits, and money transfers. CorrLinks is the only approved platform for all federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. GettingOut by Telmate serves 2,200 plus county jails and focuses on video visits. ConnectNetwork by GTL handles phone calls and messaging at both state prisons and county jails. The platform you need depends entirely on which specific facility your loved one is in.
Under FCC rules effective April 6, 2026, prison phone call rates are capped at $0.11 per minute for large prisons and large jails. Smaller facilities have higher caps up to $0.18 per minute for the smallest jails. Several states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York now offer free calls at state facilities. Check the specific facility page to find the current rate.
Most platforms allow you to add multiple inmates to one account as long as they are at facilities served by the same provider. If your contacts are at facilities using different providers, you will need separate accounts on each platform. For example, a JPay account works for state prison contacts but you need a separate CorrLinks account for any federal prison contacts.
Most electronic messages are delivered within a few hours to one business day after submission. Messages go through a staff review process before delivery. Physical letters sent through services like TextBehind or Pigeonly typically arrive within three to seven business days after printing and mailing.
Find out which money transfer provider the facility uses through our facility directory. Common providers include JPay, Access Corrections, TouchPay, and ConnectNetwork. Create a free account on the correct platform, find the inmate by their ID number, and add funds by credit or debit card. Always confirm the inmate ID number and facility name before sending funds to avoid sending to the wrong account.
Search our directory of 200+ correctional facilities across all 50 states. Discover which providers serve your facility and get connected in minutes, free with no account required.
Or read our communication guides