If you’re searching for “inmatedb.com/">texting an inmate how to,” you probably just realized that texting isn’t as simple as pulling up a contact and typing. Maybe you’ve heard conflicting advice from a forum or a friend of a friend. Here’s the short version: the only way to text an inmate is through an approved digital messaging service, and the one that works best for you depends on the facility and what you want to send. Let’s compare your options side by side.
Why you can’t just text their old number
Inmates don’t have personal phones in most facilities. When someone is incarcerated, their cell number is gone, and they can only use monitored communication systems. If you try texting an old number, it goes nowhere. Even if the inmate has access to a tablet, it’s a locked-down device that only runs approved apps. So the first step is accepting that you need a middleman: a service that the facility allows.
Option 1: Facility-approved apps
Most U.S. and Canadian prisons and jails have contracts with companies like GTL, JPay, or Securus. These apps let you send messages, sometimes with photos, from your phone. You download the app, create an account, link your payment method, and then find the inmate by their ID number. The catch: you have to use the exact service your facility uses. If you’re not sure, you can call the facility or look on their website. The app will tell you if the inmate is available.
What’s good: the official app is the only way to guarantee your message gets through. What’s not: these apps often charge per message or per photo, and the fees add up. You also have to navigate a clunky interface that looks like it hasn’t been updated in a decade. And replies can take hours or even days, because the inmate only gets to use the tablet during certain times of day.
Option 2: Email-to-print services
Some facilities use a service where you send an email online, and it gets printed out and delivered to the inmate. JPay and other companies offer this. It’s cheaper than the app sometimes, but it’s not really texting. The inmate can’t reply instantly. They might send a letter or use the tablet to respond, but it’s not a back-and-forth conversation. If you’re looking for a quick message, this can feel like waiting for a letter.
Option 3: InmateDB — the independent option
There’s a third route that works a bit differently. InmateDB is an independent service that lets families send messages, photos, and letters online. The key difference: inmates on InmateDB can actually text phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada. So you’re not just sending a message into a void—you’re sending a text that lands on a real phone number, and they can reply from their tablet. It also includes AI chat, email, news, lessons, trivia, and a private journal for the inmate. It’s $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial for every new inmate.
What’s good: the pricing is flat, so you know what you’re paying. The free trial lets you test it before you commit. And the ability to text phone numbers is a big deal if you want a more natural conversation. What’s not: it’s not available at every facility, so you’ll need to check if your loved one’s facility supports it. And it’s a subscription, not a per-message fee, so if you only send one message a month, it’s not the cheapest.
What usually goes wrong the first time
You sign up, you send a message, and then you wait. And wait. The inmate doesn’t reply for hours. You start to panic: did they get it? Is it working? Here’s the thing: the inmate doesn’t have a phone in their pocket. They have to use a shared tablet during specific times, and there might be a line. So a reply that comes in three hours is actually fast. A reply that comes the next day is normal.
Another common hiccup: you type the wrong ID number. You’re sure you’ve got it right, but the app says “inmate not found.” Double-check the number on the facility’s website or the inmate’s paperwork. Also, some facilities require you to be on the inmate’s approved contact list before you can message them. If you’re not, your message gets held or returned. So ask the inmate to add you, or follow the facility’s instructions for getting approved.
Costs: what you’ll actually pay
Facility apps typically charge per message—anywhere from $0.25 to $1.00 each, and photos can cost more. If you send a few messages a day, that adds up to $30–$60 a month. Email-to-print services might charge a flat rate per page, but you’re limited in length. InmateDB’s $19.99 flat rate includes unlimited messages, which can be a relief if you’re a frequent texter. But if you only send a couple of messages a week, the per-message apps might be cheaper.
Also, watch out for hidden fees. Some apps charge a fee to add funds, and some charge for read receipts. Read the fine print before you enter your card.
How to know if it’s legit
Scams are real. If a service asks for your inmate’s social security number or your bank password, run. Legit services only need the inmate’s ID number and your email and payment info. They won’t ask for anything that could be used to access your bank account. Check that the service is mentioned on the facility’s official website, or ask a caseworker. If you’re using InmateDB, the free trial is a good way to see if it works before you pay.
Where to start
If you’re still not sure which option to use, here’s my honest advice: find out your facility’s rules first. Call the facility or check their website for the approved vendors. If InmateDB is available, the free trial is worth trying—it gives you a realistic look at how the messages flow, and the unlimited texting is a plus. If not, go with the facility’s official app and accept that it will cost a bit per message. The most important thing is to set expectations: replies will not be instant, and that’s okay. You’re still connected.
For a direct way to start, you can check out InmateDB and see if your loved one’s facility is supported. It’s the option I’d try first, just because the pricing is clear and the texting feature is something most services don’t offer.