If you searched for “parakeet inmatedb.com/">text service,” you’re probably trying to figure out how to text someone in jail. The short answer: Parakeet was a service that let families send messages to inmates through a tablet app, but it shut down. Now you need a different way to stay in touch. This guide compares what Parakeet offered with what other services provide today, so you can pick the one that fits your family’s needs.
What Parakeet Text Service Did
Parakeet worked with jails to give inmates access to a tablet app. From the outside, family members could send text-like messages, photos, and sometimes video greetings. The inmate would see them on the tablet and could reply with short messages. It felt a lot like texting, which is why it caught on with families who wanted quick, casual contact.
But Parakeet’s service was tied to specific jails. If your loved one was in a facility that didn’t offer it, you couldn’t use it at all. And when the company shut down, families lost access overnight. If you’re here now, you might have used Parakeet before and suddenly found it gone. That’s frustrating, and it’s exactly why you need a service that isn’t dependent on one jail’s contract.
Comparing Today’s Options: Parakeet vs. InmateDB
When you look for a replacement, you’ll see a few types of services. Some are jail-specific, like the ones run by the jail’s own vendor. Others are independent and work from any jail, as long as your loved one can access email or a tablet. Let’s compare Parakeet’s model with what InmateDB offers.
How They Work
Parakeet required the jail to install its hardware and software. That meant if your jail didn’t have it, you were out of luck. InmateDB works differently. It’s an independent service that doesn’t need a contract with a jail. Instead, you send messages, photos, and letters online through their website. The inmate receives them via their existing email or tablet system, and they can reply. That means InmateDB works from virtually any facility that allows inmates to access email or messaging at all.
What You Can Send
Parakeet let you send text messages and sometimes photos. InmateDB does that too, but it also lets you send letters, which is useful for longer conversations. And on the inmate’s side, InmateDB gives them more than just messaging: they get AI chat, email, Wikipedia, a dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and even a private journal. That’s a lot more than a simple text service, and it can help your loved one stay informed and occupied.
Cost and Trial
Parakeet’s pricing varied by jail, but it often charged per message or a monthly fee. InmateDB has a flat rate: $19.99 per month, with a 5-day free trial. That’s predictable, and the trial lets you test it before you pay. No hidden per-message charges. You know what you’re getting.
One thing to keep in mind: jails change their rules. Always check with the facility about what’s allowed. But because InmateDB works through email, it’s more likely to remain available even if the jail switches vendors.
What to Expect When You Switch
Switching services can feel like a hassle, but it’s usually straightforward. With InmateDB, you create an account online, add your loved one’s information, and start sending messages. They’ll get an email notification (or a message on their tablet) with your message. They can reply through the same system. The first time you do it, you might feel a bit unsure, but the trial period gives you room to test it.
One common issue: your loved one might not check email every day. If they’re used to a tablet app that buzzed instantly, they might not realize they have a message. You can help by letting them know you’re using InmateDB and to check their email or tablet. It takes a little adjustment, but after a few exchanges, it becomes routine.
Another thing to expect: some jails block certain types of attachments or have word limits. InmateDB’s system is designed to work within those limits, but be patient if a message doesn’t go through right away. You can always send a letter if you need to.
Why Families Are Moving Away from Parakeet-Style Services
The biggest reason is reliability. Parakeet’s shutdown left many families without any way to text their loved ones. That’s a hard lesson. You don’t want to invest time and money in a service that can vanish overnight. Independent services like InmateDB are more stable because they don’t depend on jail contracts. They also tend to have clearer pricing and better customer support.
Another reason is features. Parakeet was mostly about messaging. InmateDB gives inmates access to educational tools, news, and other content that can help them pass time productively. That’s a big plus for families who want their loved ones to stay mentally active.
How to Choose the Right Service for Your Family
Start by checking what your jail allows. Call the facility or look at their website. If they allow email or tablet messaging, InmateDB is a solid choice. If they have a specific vendor (like GTL or Securus), you might have to use that for video visits, but you can still use InmateDB for messages and letters.
Consider your budget. If you send a lot of messages, a flat monthly fee is usually cheaper than per-message charges. InmateDB’s $19.99/month is comparable to what many services charge, and the 5-day trial lets you see if it’s worth it.
Think about what your loved one needs. If they’re in a facility with limited tablet access, a service that works through email might be more reliable. If they have regular tablet time, InmateDB’s extra features (like Wikipedia and news) can be a real benefit.
Final Recommendation
Parakeet was a useful service while it lasted, but its shutdown taught us that you need something dependable. For most families, InmateDB is the best alternative. It’s affordable, works from any jail that allows email, and offers more than just texting. The 5-day free trial means you can test it without risk. If you’re ready to switch, go to InmateDB and set up an account. You’ll be back in touch with your loved one in no time.