---
title: "Trulincs Messaging Explained: How It Works and What to Expect"
slug: "trulincs-messaging-explained"
description: "A clear walkthrough of Trulincs messaging for families, covering setup, costs, and practical tips."
canonical: "https://parakeetinmate.com/trulincs-messaging-explained/"
markdown_url: "https://parakeetinmate.com/trulincs-messaging-explained.md"
type: "blog"
category: "Blog"
published_at: "2026-05-31T23:04:58+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-08T16:44:08+00:00"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# Trulincs Messaging Explained: How It Works and What to Expect

Trulincs is a messaging platform used by many jails and prisons to let incarcerated people communicate with family and friends via text, photos, and video messages. If someone you care about is inside and has access to Trulincs, here is how it works and what you need to know to get started.

## What Is Trulincs?

Trulincs is a digital communication service that replaces traditional mail or phone calls in many facilities. You send messages, photos, or videos from your phone or computer, and the inmate reads them on a tablet or kiosk inside. The system is similar to other inmate messaging apps, but each facility has its own rules and pricing.

## How to Set Up a Trulincs Account

First, you need to know whether your loved one's facility uses Trulincs. Federal prisons do; state prisons and county jails don't. Once confirmed, your loved one adds you as a contact in Trulincs, and you get an email inviting you to create an account on CorrLinks, the outside side of the system. After you accept, you can start sending messages.

## Sending Messages: What Works and What Doesn’t

You can send text messages, photos, and sometimes short videos. Messages are not instant; they are reviewed by facility staff before delivery, which can take anywhere from minutes to hours. Character limits vary but are often around 500–1000 characters per message. Photos must meet size and content restrictions—no nudity, gang signs, or anything staff deems inappropriate. Once approved, the inmate sees it on their tablet or kiosk.

## Costs and Payment

Trulincs is not free for either party. You typically buy credits or a subscription to send messages. Prices vary by facility, but common plans include a monthly fee or per-message cost. For example, some facilities charge around $10–$20 per month for unlimited messaging, while others charge per message (often $0.10–$0.25 each). The inmate may also have to pay a small fee to view photos or videos. Always check the facility’s specific pricing before you commit.

## Common Frustrations and Tips

One of the biggest pain points is message delays. If a message seems stuck, it may be under review or rejected. Rejected messages do not always tell you why. To avoid problems, keep messages simple and avoid slang that could be flagged. Also, be aware that some facilities limit the number of messages per day or the length of messages. If you are sending photos, keep them clear and appropriate.

## Alternatives to Trulincs

If you want more from Trulincs, or if you find the pricing too high, look into a service like InmateDB, which works through Trulincs in federal prisons that use CorrLinks. InmateDB lets families send messages, photos, and letters online, and inmates can reply to U.S. and Canada phone numbers. Inmates also get access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. Plans run $9.99, $14.99 or $19.99 per month, with a 3-day free trial. You can check it out at [InmateDB](https://inmatedb.com) to see if it fits your situation.

## Final Thoughts

Trulincs can be a reliable way to stay in touch, but it helps to go in with realistic expectations. Delays happen, costs add up, and each facility has its own quirks. If plain Trulincs email isn't enough for you, [InmateDB](https://inmatedb.com) works through Trulincs and lets your loved one text your real phone number, with a free trial to start. The most important thing is to find a communication method that keeps your connection strong without breaking the bank.