GettingOut
Video visitation and messaging for county jails nationwide
- 45+
- States Covered
- 2,200+
- Facilities Supported
- 5 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
GettingOut Inmate Communication Overview
GettingOut is a communication platform operated by Telmate, a subsidiary of GTL (Global Tel Link) and part of the broader ViaPath Technologies family. The platform is designed primarily for county jails and serves more than 2,200 facilities across 45 states. GettingOut is particularly well known for its video visitation functionality, which allows families to connect with incarcerated loved ones remotely through a smartphone, tablet, or computer — eliminating the need to travel to the facility for every visit. The platform has become one of the most widely used video visitation tools at the county jail level in the United States.
In addition to video visits, GettingOut supports electronic messaging, photo sharing, phone calls, and money transfers at participating facilities. Families create a single account that covers all these services at any GettingOut-served facility. This is a meaningful advantage when a loved one is transferred between county facilities in the same system — the same account and contact history carries over. Phone calls are inmate-initiated, and families fund a prepaid account through the platform to receive calls. Messaging is delivered electronically within the facility, and money transfers are credited to the inmate's commissary account.
One important distinction between GettingOut and state-level providers like JPay is that GettingOut is primarily a county jail tool. Most state prisons use different provider contracts — typically JPay or Securus — and GettingOut accounts generally do not carry over to a state facility if someone is transferred after sentencing. Confirming the specific facility type and its provider arrangement before setting up an account remains the most reliable way to avoid spending time and money on a platform that no longer applies once a transfer occurs.
GettingOut Services
Communication services offered by GettingOut and what each one includes.
Messaging
Send electronic messages to incarcerated individuals at participating county jails. Messages are delivered digitally and reviewed by facility staff.
Per-message pricing applies. Messaging availability varies by facility contract.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Schedule and conduct remote video visits from any device with a camera. GettingOut's video platform is optimized for both mobile and desktop.
Per-minute or session pricing. Must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Send digital photos through GettingOut's photo service. Photos are reviewed for content compliance before delivery.
Per-photo pricing. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
Fund a prepaid account to receive inmate-initiated phone calls. Manage call history and account balance through the GettingOut app.
Rates vary by facility. Interstate rates are FCC-regulated.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Deposit funds to inmate commissary accounts via debit card, credit card, or cash at participating locations.
Processing fees apply. Typical credit within one business day.
Set Up Money TransferGettingOut Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
45 states, primarily county jails and local detention facilities
Coverage Notes
GettingOut's strength is county jail coverage. It is not the primary platform for state prisons or federal facilities. If a loved one is transferred from a county jail to a state prison after sentencing, a different provider account will likely be required.
GettingOut Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
GettingOut Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Video Visit
- Flat per-minute rate at most facilities.
- $0.49/min
- Phone Calls
- Per-minute rate regulated for interstate calls.
- Varies
- Photo
- Per photo sent.
- $0.49–$0.99
- Money Transfer Fee
- Depends on transfer amount and method.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the GettingOut website before use.
GettingOut — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of GettingOut.
Strengths
- Best-in-class video visitation platform with a highly rated mobile app.
- Serves 2,200+ county jails, the largest county jail network of any provider.
- Single account covers video, messaging, phone, and money transfer.
- Remote video eliminates travel for families who live far from the facility.
- Intuitive app interface frequently cited as easier to use than competitors.
Limitations
- Primarily a county jail provider. Does not serve most state prisons.
- Accounts typically do not carry over when an inmate transfers to a state facility.
- Video visit pricing can add up with frequent use.
- Photo sharing not as widely available as messaging and video.
- Customer service responsiveness varies by facility region.
Frequently Asked Questions: GettingOut
Common questions from families about using GettingOut.
- What types of facilities does GettingOut serve?
- GettingOut primarily serves county jails and local detention centers across 45 states. It is one of the most widely used platforms at the county level. It generally does not serve state prisons or federal Bureau of Prisons facilities — those institutions typically use JPay, Securus, or CorrLinks.
- How do I schedule a video visit through GettingOut?
- Download the GettingOut app on iOS or Android, or visit gettingout.com. Create a free account, search for the facility, and select an available time slot. You must be on the inmate's approved contact list. A device with a working camera is required for the visit.
- Does GettingOut work if my loved one is transferred to a state prison?
- Generally no. GettingOut is a county jail platform. If your loved one is transferred to a state prison after sentencing, that facility likely uses a different provider — typically JPay for messaging and Securus or GTL for phone. You will need to set up accounts on the new provider platform for the state facility.
- Can I use GettingOut for messaging as well as video?
- Yes, GettingOut supports electronic messaging at participating facilities. However, not all county jails that use GettingOut for video also use it for messaging — availability varies by facility contract. Check the facility's specific services within your GettingOut account.
- Is GettingOut available for federal prisons?
- No. Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities use CorrLinks for messaging and ConnectNetwork/GTL for phone and video. GettingOut does not serve federal institutions.
Compare GettingOut With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
Get Started with GettingOut
Visit the official GettingOut website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.