Corrlinks and Trulincs are two names you’ll run into when you start researching how to send messages to someone in prison. They are both electronic messaging systems used by correctional facilities to let inmates communicate with the outside world through secure email. The short answer: Corrlinks is a company that provides email and tablet services to inmates, and Trulincs is one of their branded platforms. But the details matter, especially if you’re trying to figure out which service your loved one uses and how it actually works.
If you’ve searched for “what is corrlinks trulincs,” you’re probably not looking for a marketing brochure. You want to know: how do I sign up, what does it cost, and will my messages actually get through? Let’s walk through it.
Corrlinks and Trulincs: The Basics
Corrlinks is a private company that contracts with prisons and jails to provide electronic messaging. Inmates use tablets or kiosks inside the facility to send and receive emails, and sometimes to access limited internet features like news or legal research. Trulincs is one of their product names — it’s essentially the same system, but the name can vary depending on the facility or the specific contract.
If your loved one’s facility uses Corrlinks, you’ll create an account on their website, buy credits or a subscription, and then you can send messages that get delivered to the inmate’s device. The inmate can reply, and you’ll get a notification. It works like email, but it’s locked down: no attachments, no links, and every message is screened by facility staff or automated filters.
The confusion between “Corrlinks” and “Trulincs” usually comes from the fact that different facilities brand the same service differently. If you see one name on a facility’s website and the other on a login page, don’t worry — they’re the same company.
How to Sign Up and Send Messages
Signing up is straightforward, but you’ll need some information about the inmate. Here’s the general process:
- Go to the Corrlinks website (corrlinks.com) or the Trulincs portal if your facility uses that name.
- Create an account with your email address and personal details.
- Add the inmate using their inmate ID number and facility name. The system will verify the information against the facility’s roster.
- Choose a payment plan. Most facilities require you to buy credits or a subscription before you can send messages.
- Write your message. It can be a standard email, and you may also be able to include photos if the facility allows it.
- Hit send. The message goes into a queue for review and then appears on the inmate’s tablet or kiosk.
Inmates typically reply through the same system, and you’ll get an email notification when they do. You can log in to your account to read and reply.
What Families Usually Find Frustrating
Many families tell me the hardest part is not the technology — it’s the inconsistency. Each facility sets its own rules about what’s allowed, how long messages take to get through, and whether photos or attachments are permitted. You might be able to send a photo at one facility and not at another, even though they both use Corrlinks.
Another common frustration is cost. Corrlinks isn’t free. Pricing varies by facility, but you’ll typically pay per message or buy a monthly subscription. Some families report spending $20 to $40 per month just to send a few messages a week. And if the inmate wants to send messages back, they need credits on their end too.
There’s also the review delay. Every message is screened, so what you send at 9 AM might not reach the inmate until the next day. Urgent messages don’t exist in this system. If you need to communicate something time-sensitive, you’ll need to use the phone or visit in person.
Corrlinks vs. Other Inmate Messaging Options
Corrlinks is just one of several inmate messaging providers. Others include GTL (also known as ViaPath), Securus, and JPay. Each works similarly, but they don’t interconnect. If your loved one is in a facility that uses Corrlinks, you can’t use a JPay account to message them.
Some families also use third-party services like InmateDB, which allows you to send messages, photos, and letters online from a single dashboard. InmateDB can send to multiple facilities and providers, including Corrlinks facilities, so you don’t have to juggle separate accounts. It also offers features like AI chat, email, Wikipedia access, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal for the inmate. Pricing is $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial.
If you’re managing communication with someone in a facility that uses Corrlinks, you might find it easier to use a service that sends messages on your behalf, especially if you also have other family members or friends who want to write. But if you prefer to use the official system directly, Corrlinks works fine — just expect the quirks.
Tips for a Smoother Experience
- Keep messages short and to the point. Long messages take longer to review.
- Never include profanity, code words, or anything that could be flagged as suspicious.
- Don’t try to send links or attachments unless the facility explicitly allows them.
- Check your account regularly for replies — you might not get a separate notification.
- If a message doesn’t go through, contact the facility’s support, not Corrlinks. Each facility manages its own review process.
Honest Recommendation
If you’re just starting out, the simplest path is to ask the inmate what messaging system their facility uses. They’ll know the exact name and how to set it up. Then go to that provider’s website and create an account. For Corrlinks or Trulincs, that’s corrlinks.com.
If you find the official system too restrictive or expensive, consider a service like InmateDB, which can handle the sending for you and give the inmate access to more features. But don’t pay for anything until you’ve confirmed the facility allows it. Every prison is different, and the rules change without notice.
The bottom line: Corrlinks and Trulincs are the same thing — a secure email system for inmates. It works, but it has limits. Know what those limits are before you sign up, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.