SmartInmate
SmartInmate by Smart Communications: What It Is and How to Set Up Video Visits and Messaging
- 20+
- States Covered
- 400+
- Facilities Supported
- 5 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
SmartInmate Inmate Communication Overview
What is SmartInmate and what is it used for? SmartInmate is an online platform operated by Smart Communications that connects families with incarcerated loved ones at county jails and detention centers. SmartInmate is used for electronic messaging, video visits from home, phone calls, and photo sharing. Creating a SmartInmate account at smartinmate.com is free. You pay only when you use paid services such as remote video visits or phone calls. SmartInmate does not handle commissary orders. For commissary contact the detention facility directly.
How do SmartInmate video visits work? Log in to smartinmate.com and select Visits from the main menu. Choose the incarcerated person and select local on-site visit or remote home visit. Local on-site visits at facility kiosks may be free. Remote visits from home are billed per minute with costs varying by facility. Visits are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute time slots. You must use Google Chrome as your browser. Safari is not compatible with SmartInmate video visits even on Apple devices. Download Google Chrome from the App Store before your first visit. Visits can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance.
How do SmartInmate phone calls work? SmartInmate offers two types of phone accounts. A Prepaid Account is tied to your registered phone number and you deposit funds in advance to receive calls. A PIN Account is owned by the incarcerated person who pays for calls from their own account. Contact Smart Communications at 727-349-1561 to set up a phone account. Phone calls from San Diego County facilities using Smart Communications are free. Contact your specific facility to confirm whether calls are free or charged.
Is SmartInmate legitimate? Yes. SmartInmate is operated by Smart Communications Holding Inc, a legitimate corrections communications company. Smart Communications serves county jails and detention centers across the United States. The website is smartinmate.com and customer care is at 727-349-1561. Common user complaints include session timing issues and billing questions for remote video visits. Report problems immediately after a session with your confirmation number to request a credit.
SmartInmate Services
Communication services offered by SmartInmate and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging with digital or print delivery depending on facility capabilities.
Per-message or subscription pricing available.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Remote video visits scheduled through the SmartInmate app or website.
Requires a device with camera. Advance scheduling required.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Digital photos reviewed for content compliance and delivered to the inmate.
Per-photo pricing. Standard content guidelines apply.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
SmartInmate offers Prepaid Accounts tied to your phone number and PIN Accounts owned by the incarcerated person. Contact Smart Communications at 727-349-1561 to set up a phone account. San Diego County calls are free. Rates vary by facility.
SmartInmate offers both Prepaid and PIN phone accounts at contracted facilities. Call Smart Communications at 727-349-1561 to confirm phone availability at your specific facility.
Money Transfer
Deposit funds to inmate commissary accounts via debit or credit card.
Processing fees may apply. Credit within one to two business days.
Set Up Money TransferSmartInmate Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
20 states, with coverage expanding
Coverage Notes
SmartInmate has a smaller footprint than JPay or GettingOut. Coverage is expanding but currently limited to select state and county facilities across 20 states. Always confirm availability at the specific facility.
SmartInmate Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
SmartInmate Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Messaging
- Per-message or subscription plans available.
- Varies
- Video Visit
- Per-session pricing.
- Varies
- Photo
- Per-photo pricing.
- Varies
- Money Transfer
- Percentage or flat fee depending on transfer amount.
- Fee applies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the SmartInmate website before use.
SmartInmate — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of SmartInmate.
Strengths
- Modern, intuitive interface frequently praised in user feedback.
- Covers messaging, video, photos, and money transfer in one account.
- Responsive customer service compared to larger legacy providers.
- Clean mobile app designed for ease of use.
- Good option for families who find JPay or GTL interfaces frustrating.
Limitations
- Smaller coverage, serving 400 facilities across 20 states versus 1,000+ for JPay.
- Phone call availability varies by facility. Confirm with your specific detention center whether SmartInmate handles calls or a separate provider is used.
- Less established than JPay or GTL, with fewer years of operational history.
- Growing but currently limited coverage means not available at many facilities.
- Pricing details require account creation to view in full.
Frequently Asked Questions: SmartInmate
Common questions from families about using SmartInmate.
- What is SmartInmate?
- SmartInmate is an online communication platform operated by Smart Communications that connects families with people in county jails and detention centers. Services include electronic messaging, video visits from home, phone calls, and photo sharing. Create a free account at smartinmate.com. Customer care is available at 727-349-1561.
- Is SmartInmate legit or a scam?
- SmartInmate is a legitimate service operated by Smart Communications Holding Inc, a corrections communications company serving county jails across the United States. The website is smartinmate.com and customer care is at 727-349-1561. Some users report billing issues with remote video visits. Always report problems immediately with your confirmation number to request a credit.
- Does SmartInmate have an app?
- SmartInmate does not have a dedicated mobile app in the traditional sense. You access SmartInmate through a web browser at smartinmate.com. Google Chrome is required on all devices including iPhones and iPads. Safari is not compatible with SmartInmate and will cause problems with video visits and account access. Download Google Chrome from the App Store before your first visit on an Apple device.
- How do I set up a SmartInmate video visit?
- Create a free account at smartinmate.com using Google Chrome. Enter your name, email, and phone number. Search for the incarcerated person at the facility. Select Visits and choose between local on-site or remote home visit. Remote visits are billed per minute. Schedule up to 14 days in advance. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. Visitors under 17 must have a parent or guardian present during the visit.
- How much do SmartInmate video visits cost?
- Local on-site visits at facility kiosks may be free. Remote video visits from home are billed per minute with costs varying by facility. Polk County jail charges $0.17 per minute for 15-minute sessions. Costs vary by facility contract. Check the specific facility's SmartInmate page for current rates. All billing is handled by Smart Communications at 727-349-1561.
- What browser do I need for SmartInmate?
- Google Chrome is required for all SmartInmate features including video visits. Safari is not compatible with SmartInmate and will cause problems with video visits, account access, and other features. If you are on an iPhone or iPad you must download Google Chrome from the App Store and use it instead of Safari. SmartInmate does not work in Firefox, Edge, or other browsers.
- How do SmartInmate phone calls work?
- SmartInmate offers Prepaid Accounts tied to your phone number where you deposit funds in advance, and PIN Accounts owned by the incarcerated person. Contact Smart Communications at 727-349-1561 to set up a phone account. San Diego County jail phone calls through Smart Communications are free. Contact your specific facility to confirm whether calls are free or charged per minute.
- What is SmartInmate customer service phone number?
- Smart Communications customer care is available at 727-349-1561. You can also contact them through the Contact Us form at smartinmate.com. For facility-specific questions such as visit scheduling or inmate location, contact the detention facility directly. Smart Communications handles billing and technical issues only.
- Does SmartInmate handle commissary?
- No. Smart Communications provides communication services only. SmartInmate does not handle commissary orders, deposits to commissary accounts, or any commissary-related services. For commissary questions contact the detention facility directly.
- Can SmartInmate messaging reach any jail?
- No. SmartInmate only works at facilities where Smart Communications holds the contract. Not all jails use SmartInmate. Common SmartInmate facilities include San Diego County jails, Polk County Florida, Collier County Florida, Pinellas County Florida, and Washoe County Nevada. Always confirm that the specific facility uses Smart Communications before creating an account.
Compare SmartInmate With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
JPay
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JPay: What It Is, How Stamps Work and How to Send Money to State Prison Inmates
View GuideGettingOut
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GettingOut App: What It Is, How Video Visits Work and How Much They Cost
View GuideTextBehind
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View GuideGet Started with SmartInmate
Visit the official SmartInmate website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.