If you’re searching for apps to talk to inmates, the short answer is: yes, a few services let you send messages, photos, and even letters online, and your loved one can reply right from their tablet or kiosk. But it’s not like texting a friend—there are rules, delays, and costs you need to understand before you pick one. Let’s sort through the confusion.
Wait, can I really text my loved one from my phone?
Yes, but only through specific services that the facility allows. Most jails and prisons have contracts with messaging providers, and the inmate’s tablet or kiosk will only have certain apps available. You can’t just download any messenger and expect it to work. The service has to connect to the facility’s system.
When you sign up for one of these apps, you’re not sending a direct SMS to their number. Instead, your message goes to the provider’s server, then to the facility, where it’s screened (often by software) before your loved one sees it. That’s why replies can take hours or even days.
What are my options for inmate messaging apps?
There are several national services, plus some regional ones. The big names include GTL (now ViaPath), Securus, and JPay. Each facility picks one or two, so you’ll need to check which one your specific jail or prison uses. You can usually find that on the facility’s website or by asking the inmate.
There’s also a newer option called InmateDB that works differently. InmateDB lets you send messages, photos, and letters online from any device, and it’s not tied to a single facility’s contract. Instead, your loved one gets a unique email-like address they can access through their tablet’s web browser (if the facility allows internet). That’s a big “if,” and we’ll talk about that below.
How do I know which app my loved one’s facility uses?
You can ask your loved one directly—they’ll see the available apps on their tablet. Or call the facility’s administrative line and ask which messaging provider they contract with. Some facilities post it on their official website under “Inmate Services” or “Family Resources.”
Don’t assume that because one app works in a nearby county, it will work at your facility. Contracts vary widely, and sometimes a facility uses different providers for phone calls versus messaging. Write down the exact name of the service, then visit that service’s website to set up an account.
What should I expect with costs and pricing?
Messaging apps usually charge per message or a monthly subscription. For example, InmateDB charges $19.99 per month and includes a 5-day free trial. Others might charge per message or per photo, and those add up fast.
Also, be aware that some services charge the inmate to read messages or to send replies. That means even if you’re paying a subscription on your end, your loved one might be paying per message on their side. Ask your loved one if they see any charges on their tablet. That can help you avoid surprises.
Compare the total costs: if you send 50 messages a month, a per-message fee might be more expensive than a flat subscription. And watch out for “convenience fees” that some services add to every transaction.
Are there any free ways to talk to an inmate?
No. Every messaging service has to cover costs for security, infrastructure, and the facility’s cut. You’ll never find a truly free option that’s reliable. Some facilities offer a limited number of free messages per week, but that’s rare and often only for indigent inmates.
Email is also not free in most places. Even if you use a service that says “email,” there’s usually a fee attached. And physical mail is still an option—stamps are cheap—but it’s slow and can be read by staff.
What about video calls or phone calls?
Many messaging apps also offer video calls. The setup is similar: you schedule a time, pay per minute or via a monthly plan, and you both see each other on a screen. Video calls are often more expensive than messages, but they’re more personal.
Phone calls are usually separate from messaging apps, though some providers bundle them. If you want to keep costs down, stick to messaging for everyday contact and save video calls for special occasions.
Our honest take: which app should you choose?
First, check what your facility supports. If they only work with GTL or Securus, then that’s your only choice for direct integration. But those services can be clunky and expensive, and their apps often have low ratings on app stores.
If your facility allows general internet access on tablets (some jails do for education or communication), then a service like InmateDB might be a better fit. It’s a flat $19.99/month with a 5-day free trial, so you can test it without a huge commitment. InmateDB also includes extras like AI chat, email, Wikipedia, dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal, which can help your loved one stay occupied and informed.
But remember: InmateDB only works if the inmate can access a web browser on their tablet. That’s not guaranteed. So before you sign up, ask your loved one to try visiting the InmateDB website on their tablet. If they can’t, then you’ll need to use the facility’s mandated service.
No matter which app you pick, the most important thing is to stay patient. Messages aren’t instant, and technical glitches happen. Keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll find a rhythm that works for both of you.