---
title: "Texting An Inmate"
slug: "home"
description: "Texting An Inmate shows families how to text a loved one in prison. With InmateDB, federal inmates text real phones from CorrLinks, and on Full Access they get their own number anyone can text. Made by the team behind InmateDB."
canonical: "https://textinganinmate.com/"
markdown_url: "https://textinganinmate.com/index.md"
type: "home"
updated_at: "2026-04-10T13:11:44+00:00"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# Yes, you can text an inmate.

With InmateDB, your loved one in federal prison texts your real phone, and you reply like any other text. On Full Access they even get their own phone number you can text first, anytime.

For federal prisons. 3-day free trial, plans from $9.99/month. [Find your loved one](https://inmatedb.com/search).

## How it works in 30 seconds

1. They text from CorrLinks. Your phone number goes in the subject line.
2. You get a normal text. No app, no website login.
3. You reply like any text. It lands in their inbox.
4. Want to text first? On Full Access they get their own number.

## Where are they?

### Federal prison: CorrLinks (TRULINCS)

Your loved one writes from the CorrLinks inbox they already use. With InmateDB it arrives on your phone as a regular text, and your reply goes straight back to them.

### State prison: JPay, Securus, ViaPath or similar

Each state picks a provider. You create an account on that provider’s app or website, buy credits or stamps, and messages stay inside that app. The inmate reads them on a tablet or kiosk.

### County jail: Varies by county

Jails use the same kinds of providers as state prisons, but rules change county to county. Check the jail’s website for the messaging provider before you sign up for anything.

Texting An Inmate is made by the team behind InmateDB.

## FAQ

### Can you text an inmate?

Yes. With InmateDB, a federal inmate texts your real phone from their CorrLinks inbox and you reply like any other text. On Full Access they get their own phone number, so you can text them first anytime. State prisons and county jails use their own provider apps instead.

### Can I text an inmate first?

Yes, on InmateDB Full Access. Your loved one gets a personal phone number that works like a normal phone, so anyone can text it first. On the Texting and Texting + AI plans, you can reply once they have texted you.

### How much does it cost to text an inmate?

It depends on the system. State and jail providers usually charge per message with prepaid credits or stamps. For federal inmates, InmateDB plans are $9.99, $14.99 or $19.99 a month after a 3-day free trial.

### How do I find out which system their facility uses?

Check the facility's website or call the facility. For federal inmates, search the BOP inmate locator; every federal facility that has messaging uses CorrLinks.

### Why is my loved one not replying?

Usually it is access, not your message. Inmates can only check messages when they can get to a kiosk or tablet, and messages can be held for review. Give it a day or two before sending more.

### Who runs Texting An Inmate?

Texting An Inmate is a guide site made by the team behind InmateDB. We recommend InmateDB for federal prisons and explain the other systems honestly.