If you’re looking for a clear answer on inmate communication methods, here it is: the main ways to stay in touch with someone in prison or jail are through postal mail, phone calls, video visits, and electronic messaging services. Each method comes with its own rules, costs, and quirks that can trip up even the most prepared family member. This guide walks through each option so you can pick what works best for you and your loved one.
Postal Mail
Postal mail is the oldest and most widely available method. Most facilities accept letters, photos, and sometimes printed materials like greeting cards. You write your letter, address it according to the facility’s guidelines, and mail it. The inmate receives it after it’s been screened by staff.
What families often don’t realize: mail can take a week or more to arrive, and some facilities reject envelopes with stickers, certain ink colors, or handwritten addresses that don’t match the return address. Always check the specific facility’s rules before mailing. Also, be prepared for the fact that your letters are read by staff—nothing is private with traditional mail.
Phone Calls
Inmates can make outgoing calls to pre-approved numbers. You’ll need to set up a phone account with the facility’s contracted provider. Calls are typically recorded and can be expensive, often costing several dollars for a 15-minute call. Many facilities limit call length and time of day.
A common frustration: the inmate can only call you, not the other way around. You cannot initiate a call to their housing unit. And if the inmate shares a phone with many others, wait times can be long. Some families set up a prepaid account to avoid surprise charges.
Video Visits
Video visitation has become more common, especially since the pandemic. You schedule a visit online, and at the appointed time you connect via a webcam or a facility-provided kiosk. Video visits can be free or low-cost, but some facilities charge per minute. They also often require you to register and be approved in advance.
The catch: many facilities limit the number of video visits per week, and scheduling slots can fill up fast. Also, the inmate may need to be available in a specific room at the right time, and if they miss it for any reason, you usually lose that visit.
Electronic Messaging Services
Electronic messaging—sometimes called inmate email or secure messaging—lets you send and receive digital messages, photos, and even video attachments through a web or mobile platform. The service prints and delivers the message to the inmate, or the inmate reads it on a tablet if the facility offers that. It’s much faster than postal mail, usually arriving within hours or a day.
These services are run by private companies, and each facility chooses which one they use. You’ll need to create an account, add funds, and follow the service’s rules. Some services charge per message, others a monthly fee. The inmate may also have to pay to send messages back.
One service that families use is InmateDB. With InmateDB, you can send messages, photos, and letters online, and inmates can text U.S. and Canada phone numbers. Inmates also get access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. Pricing is $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial. You can start at InmateDB.
Which Method Should You Choose?
The right method depends on your inmate’s facility, your budget, and how quickly you want your message to arrive. Postal mail is cheap but slow. Phone calls offer real-time voice but are expensive and one-way. Video visits are good for face-to-face connection but require scheduling. Electronic messaging is fast and convenient but costs money and may not be allowed in every facility.
Start by finding out what your loved one’s facility permits. Many facilities allow multiple methods, so you can mix and match. For example, send a quick message via an electronic service during the week and schedule a video visit on the weekend.
Closing Thoughts
Staying in touch with an incarcerated family member takes effort, but it matters. Each communication method has trade-offs, and what works for one family may not work for another. If you want a fast, convenient way to send messages and photos, consider trying a service like InmateDB. Their 5-day free trial lets you see if it fits your needs before committing. Whatever you choose, keep communicating—it makes a difference.