Securus messaging lets you send text messages, photos, and sometimes short videos to someone who is incarcerated. You do it through the Securus website or mobile app, and the inmate reads it on a tablet or kiosk inside the facility. To use Securus messaging, you need to create an account, add the inmate to your contact list, purchase credits or a messaging plan, and then send your first message. The process is straightforward but has a few common trouble spots that can trip people up.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you open the app or website, gather a few things. You will need the inmate’s full legal name and their facility’s name. You also need their offender ID number—this is usually a string of digits printed on any official correspondence they have sent you. Without the correct ID, you may not be able to find them in the system. Keep a credit card or debit card handy for payment. Securus does not bill you later; you pay before you send.
Setting Up Your Account
Go to the Securus website or download the Securus app from your phone’s app store. Tap or click “Sign Up” and enter your email address, create a password, and provide your phone number. You will receive a verification code by text or email—enter it to confirm your account. Once logged in, you will see a dashboard with options like “Send Message,” “Add Contact,” and “Account.”
Adding the Inmate to Your Contact List
Click “Add Contact” or a similar button. Search for the facility by state and name. Then search for the inmate by their ID number or full name. Double-check that the name and ID match the information you have. If the inmate appears, select them and confirm. You may need to wait a few minutes or up to 24 hours for the facility to approve the contact. Sometimes the approval is instant, but don’t panic if it isn’t.
Buying Credits or a Plan
Securus messaging is not free. You can buy individual message credits or a monthly plan. Plans vary by facility, but typical options include a set number of messages per month for a flat fee. Check your account’s “Plans” or “Store” section to see what is available for your specific facility. If you send a message without enough credits, it will be held until you add funds. Many families find it more economical to buy a plan if they send messages regularly.
Writing and Sending Your First Message
Click “Send Message” and select the inmate from your contact list. Type your message in the text box. Keep it within the character limit—usually around 500 to 1,000 characters. You can attach a photo by clicking the camera icon. Photos may be subject to review and can take longer to deliver. When you are ready, hit send. The message will appear as “pending” until the facility reviews and delivers it. That review can take minutes or hours, depending on the facility’s staffing.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Inmate not found: Double-check the spelling of the name and the offender ID. If it still doesn’t work, call the facility to confirm the correct ID.
- Contact not approved: Some facilities require a visitor approval form before you can message. Check the facility’s rules or ask the inmate.
- Message stuck as pending: This usually means it is being reviewed. If it stays pending for more than 24 hours, contact Securus support.
- Payment declined: Make sure your card allows online transactions and that you have entered the billing address correctly.
What the Inmate Sees on Their End
When the message is approved, the inmate can read it on their tablet or at a kiosk. They can reply to you, and that reply will appear in your account as a new message. Replies are also subject to review and may be delayed. Some facilities allow inmates to send photos or videos, but most restrict outgoing media to text only. If you send a photo, the inmate will see it on their tablet as long as the facility allows it.
Alternatives to Securus Messaging
Securus is one of the major providers, but it is not the only option. Some facilities use other services like GTL or ViaPath. If you find Securus confusing or too expensive, you might consider a third-party service like InmateDB, which offers a flat $19.99 monthly fee for unlimited messaging, photos, and letters, plus extras like AI chat, news, and educational content. InmateDB works with any facility and gives you a 5-day free trial to test it. It can be a simpler, more predictable alternative if you send messages often.
Get Started and Stay in Touch
The most important thing is to start. Create your Securus account, add the inmate, and send that first message. If you run into trouble, the facility’s visitor information page often has specific instructions. And if you want a less complicated experience with a flat rate, consider trying InmateDB. Keeping in touch matters, and finding a reliable way to do it makes all the difference.