TextBehind
TextBehind: What It Is, How It Works and How to Send Letters to Any Inmate
- 25+
- States Covered
- 600+
- Facilities Supported
- 2 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
TextBehind Inmate Communication Overview
What is TextBehind and how does it work? TextBehind is a print-and-mail service for families of incarcerated people. You type your message and upload photos through the TextBehind website or app. TextBehind prints your message on physical paper and mails it to the facility on your behalf. Because TextBehind delivers as standard postal mail rather than through a provider platform, it works at virtually any facility that accepts incoming mail including federal prisons, state prisons, and county jails. You do not need the facility to have a contract with any specific messaging provider.
How much does TextBehind cost? TextBehind charges approximately $0.49 per page. A standard letter page is one side of an 8.5 by 11 inch page. Photos count as one page each. There is no monthly fee or subscription required. You pay only for what you send. TextBehind is particularly useful at facilities that do not have JPay, ConnectNetwork, or CorrLinks contracts, and for sending color photos to facilities where digital platforms only deliver black and white images.
What is TextBehind used for? TextBehind is used for three main purposes. First, sending letters to inmates at facilities without electronic messaging contracts. Second, sending color photos to facilities where JPay or other digital platforms print in black and white. Third, sending longer, more detailed letters without stamp limits or character limits that electronic messaging platforms impose. TextBehind also handles addressing and mailing on your behalf, reducing the risk of mail rejection due to formatting errors.
How do I use the TextBehind app? Download the TextBehind app for iOS or Android or visit textbehind.com. Create a free account, search for the facility, and add the inmate by name and ID number. Type your message, attach photos if desired, and submit your order. TextBehind handles printing and mailing. Delivery typically takes three to seven business days after TextBehind processes the order. For customer service contact TextBehind through textbehind.com.
TextBehind Services
Communication services offered by TextBehind and what each one includes.
Messaging
Send messages from your phone or computer. Messages are converted to printed letters and delivered through the facility mail system.
Per-message pricing. Some facilities support digital delivery; others receive printed letters. Delivery times depend on facility mail processing.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
TextBehind does not offer video visitation services.
For video visits, consider GettingOut, ConnectNetwork, or Securus depending on the facility.
Photo Sharing
Send digital photos that are printed and mailed to the inmate as physical photo prints.
Per-photo pricing. Photos are printed on quality paper and delivered through facility mail. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
TextBehind does not provide phone call services.
For phone services, set up an account with the facility's contracted phone provider (Securus, GTL, or ConnectNetwork).
Money Transfer
TextBehind does not handle commissary deposits or money transfers.
For money transfers, use JPay, ConnectNetwork, or the facility's contracted money transfer provider.
TextBehind Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
25+ states, covering both state and county facilities
Coverage Notes
TextBehind's coverage is more limited than full-service providers like JPay or GettingOut. Families should confirm TextBehind serves the specific facility before using the service.
TextBehind Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
TextBehind Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- No account required for basic features.
- Free
- Message
- Per message sent.
- $0.49
- Photo
- Per printed photo delivered.
- $0.99–$1.49
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the TextBehind website before use.
TextBehind — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of TextBehind.
Strengths
- Simple and accessible, with minimal setup required for basic messaging.
- Physical print delivery works at virtually any facility, including those without digital kiosks.
- Good for occasional contact without committing to a full-service provider account.
- Clean mobile app that is easy for first-time users.
- No account required for some services, lowering the barrier to first contact.
Limitations
- Messaging and photos only. No phone, video, or money transfer.
- Print-based delivery is slower than digital delivery at platforms like JPay.
- Coverage limited to 25 states, smaller than JPay or GettingOut.
- Not a complete communication solution for ongoing, multi-channel contact.
- Per-message pricing without a subscription option for frequent users.
Frequently Asked Questions: TextBehind
Common questions from families about using TextBehind.
- What is TextBehind?
- TextBehind is a print-and-mail service that converts digital messages and photos into physical printed letters delivered to inmates. You type your message online or in the TextBehind app, pay per page, and TextBehind prints and mails the letter to the facility. TextBehind works at any facility that accepts standard postal mail.
- How does TextBehind work?
- Create a free account at textbehind.com or on the TextBehind app for iOS or Android. Search for the facility and add the inmate. Type your message and attach photos if desired. Pay per page at approximately $0.49 per page. TextBehind prints your message and mails it to the facility address. Delivery typically takes three to seven business days after processing.
- How much does TextBehind cost?
- TextBehind charges approximately $0.49 per page. A standard letter page is one side of an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet. Photos count as one page each. There is no monthly fee or subscription. You pay only for what you send. Compare this to JPay stamps which cost $0.33 to $0.47 per message at facilities that have JPay contracts.
- What is TextBehind used for?
- TextBehind is used for sending letters to inmates at facilities without JPay or other electronic messaging contracts, sending color photos to facilities where digital platforms only print in black and white, and sending longer letters without the character limits or stamp costs of electronic messaging platforms. TextBehind works at any facility that accepts postal mail.
- Does TextBehind work at federal prisons?
- Yes. TextBehind works at federal Bureau of Prisons facilities because it delivers as standard postal mail. CorrLinks is the only electronic messaging platform for federal prisons, but CorrLinks does not support photo attachments. TextBehind is the main option for sending photos to federal prison inmates since it prints and mails physical copies.
- Does TextBehind work at county jails?
- Yes. TextBehind works at virtually any county jail that accepts standard postal mail. This makes it useful at county jails that do not have GettingOut, Securus, or other electronic messaging contracts. Always check the specific county jail's mail rules before sending to ensure your letter meets content and format requirements.
- Is there a TextBehind app?
- Yes. The TextBehind app is available for iOS and Android. Search for TextBehind in the App Store or Google Play. The app allows you to type messages, attach photos, and submit orders from your smartphone. You can also use TextBehind through the website at textbehind.com.
- How long does TextBehind delivery take?
- TextBehind delivery typically takes three to seven business days after TextBehind processes and mails your order. This includes printing time and standard postal delivery. Delivery may take longer around holidays or due to postal delays. TextBehind is slower than electronic messaging platforms like JPay but works at more facilities.
- What is TextBehind customer service?
- TextBehind customer service is available through the textbehind.com website. Contact them through the website if a letter was not delivered or if there are billing issues. Include the order confirmation number when contacting support. TextBehind does not have a published customer service phone number and handles support through the website.
- What is the difference between TextBehind and Pigeonly?
- TextBehind and Pigeonly both convert digital messages to physical printed letters. TextBehind charges approximately $0.49 per page with no subscription required. Pigeonly offers a free plan with limited monthly letters and paid unlimited plans. Pigeonly maintains facility-specific compliance rules for over 4,000 facilities and shows restrictions at upload. Both services are good alternatives when electronic messaging is unavailable.
- What does processed mean for my TextBehind order status?
- Processed means TextBehind has received your order, printed your letter, and prepared it for mailing. It does not mean the inmate has received it. Delivery typically takes three to seven business days after processing, and the facility mailroom inspection can add more days. If the status stays at processed well beyond that window, contact TextBehind support through textbehind.com with your order confirmation number.
Compare TextBehind With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
JPay
35+ states
JPay: What It Is, How Stamps Work and How to Send Money to State Prison Inmates
View GuideSmartInmate
20+ states
SmartInmate by Smart Communications: What It Is and How to Set Up Video Visits and Messaging
View GuideGet Started with TextBehind
Visit the official TextBehind website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.