If you searched for “parakeet 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, like InmateDB, which works in federal prisons that use CorrLinks through the TRULINCS email system. 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 facility. Instead, it works through TRULINCS, the email system federal inmates already use. Your loved one texts your real phone number, and you reply from your normal texting app. That means InmateDB works in federal prisons, though not in state prisons or county jails.
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 flat monthly plans from $9.99, with a 3-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: facilities change their rules. Always check where your loved one is held, because InmateDB only works in federal prisons. But because it works through TRULINCS, the federal email system, it doesn’t depend on a jail’s vendor contract.
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, and your loved one adds one InmateDB contact in TRULINCS. Then they can text your phone, and you reply from your normal texting app. Your replies go to their TRULINCS inbox. 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 sees your replies when they get to a TRULINCS terminal, so they might not see them right away. You can help by letting them know you’re using InmateDB and that your replies will show up in their TRULINCS inbox. 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 where your loved one is held. If they’re in a federal prison, InmateDB is a solid choice: they add one contact in TRULINCS and can text your phone. If they’re in a state prison or county jail, use the facility’s vendor (like GTL or Securus) for messages and video visits, because InmateDB only works in federal facilities.
Consider your budget. If you send a lot of messages, a flat monthly fee is usually cheaper than per-message charges. InmateDB’s plans, from $9.99 to $19.99 a month, are comparable to what many services charge, and the 3-day trial lets you see if it’s worth it.
Think about what your loved one needs. If they mostly want to stay in touch with family, the Texting plan may be enough. If they’d use extras like AI chat, Wikipedia, and news, InmateDB’s higher plans can be a real benefit. All of it works from the TRULINCS terminals they already use.
Final Recommendation
Parakeet was a useful service while it lasted, but its shutdown taught us that you need something dependable. For families with someone in federal prison, InmateDB is the best alternative. It’s affordable, works through the TRULINCS system federal inmates already use, and offers more than just texting. The 3-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.