Prison Communication Guides
Plain-language guides covering every aspect of inmate communication. Whether you are just getting started or trying to solve a specific problem, these guides are written for people with no prior experience.
All guides are written for beginners and assume no prior knowledge of the prison communication system.
Featured Guides
Complete Inmate Communication Guide
A full overview of every way to communicate with an incarcerated loved one, including messaging, phone calls, video visits, photos, and mail.
How Inmate Messaging Works
Learn how digital messaging to incarcerated loved ones works, which platforms are used, how messages are reviewed, and what it costs.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
A step-by-step guide to sending money to an incarcerated person, covering accepted methods, platforms, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.
How Video Visitation Works
Understand how video visitation works at prisons and jails, how to schedule a video call, what equipment you need, and how much it costs.
Popular Guides
Federal Prison vs State Prison
Understand the key differences between federal and state prisons, including how inmates end up there, communication rules, and provider differences.
How CorrLinks Works
Learn how CorrLinks works for messaging federal inmates, how to register, how the approval process works, and what the service costs.
How JPay Works
A complete guide to JPay, the most widely used inmate communication platform for state prisons, covering messaging, video, money transfer, and account setup.
How Prison Phone Calls Work
Understand how inmates make phone calls, how to set up an account to receive calls, which providers are used, and what calls cost.
How to Find an Inmate
Learn how to locate an incarcerated person using official inmate search tools, what information you need, and how to find their current facility.
Prison Visitation Rules
Learn the general rules for visiting someone in prison or jail, including how to get approved, what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect.
All Guides
20 guides
Complete Inmate Communication Guide
A full overview of every way to communicate with an incarcerated loved one, including messaging, phone calls, video visits, photos, and mail.
How Inmate Messaging Works
Learn how digital messaging to incarcerated loved ones works, which platforms are used, how messages are reviewed, and what it costs.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
A step-by-step guide to sending money to an incarcerated person, covering accepted methods, platforms, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.
How Video Visitation Works
Understand how video visitation works at prisons and jails, how to schedule a video call, what equipment you need, and how much it costs.
Federal Prison vs State Prison
Understand the key differences between federal and state prisons, including how inmates end up there, communication rules, and provider differences.
How CorrLinks Works
Learn how CorrLinks works for messaging federal inmates, how to register, how the approval process works, and what the service costs.
How JPay Works
A complete guide to JPay, the most widely used inmate communication platform for state prisons, covering messaging, video, money transfer, and account setup.
How Prison Phone Calls Work
Understand how inmates make phone calls, how to set up an account to receive calls, which providers are used, and what calls cost.
How to Find an Inmate
Learn how to locate an incarcerated person using official inmate search tools, what information you need, and how to find their current facility.
Prison Visitation Rules
Learn the general rules for visiting someone in prison or jail, including how to get approved, what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect.
Best Inmate Messaging Services
Compare the top inmate messaging platforms including JPay, CorrLinks, ConnectNetwork, and GettingOut to find the right option for your situation.
County Jail vs State Prison
Learn the differences between county jails and state prisons, who is held in each, how communication works, and which providers are typically used.
How ConnectNetwork Works
Learn how ConnectNetwork, operated by Global Tel Link, works for inmate communication across state prisons and county jails.
How Photo Sharing Works for Inmates
Learn how to send photos to an incarcerated loved one, which platforms handle photo sharing, how photos are reviewed, and what formats are accepted.
How to Set Up Inmate Email
A step-by-step guide to creating an inmate email account, finding the right platform, getting approved as a contact, and sending your first message.
Inmate Communication Rules by State
An overview of how inmate communication rules vary by state, what factors create the differences, and how to find the specific rules for any state's system.
Inmate Tablets Explained
Learn what inmate tablets are, which platforms offer them, what features they include, and how families can communicate through tablet-based messaging.
What to Do If Inmate Messages Are Blocked
Learn what causes inmate messages to be blocked, how to find out why, and what steps to take to restore communication with an incarcerated loved one.
What to Expect on Your First Prison Visit
A practical guide for first-time prison visitors. Covers what happens at each stage of the visit, how to prepare, and how to handle the emotional experience.
Why Prison Phone Calls Are So Expensive
Understand why prison phone calls cost more than regular calls, how FCC regulations have changed pricing, and how to reduce what you spend.