Yes, you can text someone in a federal prison. It’s not the same as texting a free person — there are delays, filters, and costs — but it’s real, and it’s been the most reliable way I’ve seen families stay in touch. This post covers the basics: what you need, what it costs, and what usually surprises people the first time.
Can I really text a federal inmate?
Yes. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) contracts with a company called TRULINCS for email and a separate system called GTL for phone calls and, in some facilities, texting. But here’s the catch: not every facility offers texting through GTL. Some only offer email. And even when texting is available, the inmate has to be approved and set up on the system. You cannot just send a text to their cell phone. The inmate doesn’t have a cell phone. Everything goes through a kiosk or a tablet in the housing unit.
What does the process look like from your end?
You’ll use an app or a website — usually GTL’s ConnectNetwork or GettingOut. You create an account, add the inmate by their BOP register number, and then you can send messages. The messages are not SMS texts. They’re more like instant messages inside a closed app. The inmate reads them on a tablet or kiosk and can reply the same way. Replies are not instant. They show up in the app, not as a text notification on your phone.
How much does it cost to text a federal inmate?
It varies by facility, but expect to pay somewhere between $0.05 and $0.25 per message sent or received. Some facilities charge a flat monthly fee for a certain number of messages. Some charge per message. You might also pay a separate fee for the app or a monthly subscription. On top of that, the inmate may have to pay for tablet time. A typical setup can run you $20 to $40 a month if you exchange a few messages a day. If you want to send photos, that’s usually an extra charge per photo.
Why replies feel slow even when they’re not
You send a message. It goes to a server. The server scans it for violations. Then it sits in the inmate’s queue. The inmate might get it immediately if they’re on the tablet, or they might not see it for hours. They have to reply during designated tablet times, which often end at a certain hour. So a reply that takes four hours is normal. A reply that takes a day is also normal. It’s not like regular texting where you expect a response in minutes. You have to adjust your expectations or you’ll drive yourself crazy checking the app.
What about sending photos and longer letters?
Most texting systems also let you send photos. The inmate can see them on the tablet. There are rules: no nudity, no gang signs, no weapons, no photos of other inmates. If you break the rules, the message gets rejected and you might get a warning. Longer letters are better sent through the BOP’s email system (TRULINCS) or through a third-party service that prints and mails letters. Some families use a service called InmateDB that combines texting, photos, and letters into one platform. InmateDB lets you send messages, photos, and letters online, and inmates can text phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada. They also get AI chat, email, news, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. It’s $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial for every new inmate. But check with your specific facility first — not every facility allows third-party services.
What if the inmate doesn’t reply?
First, don’t assume they’re ignoring you. They might not have tablet time. They might be in the SHU (Special Housing Unit) where tablet access is limited or banned. They might have run out of money in their account to send messages. Or they might have lost tablet privileges for a rule violation. If you’re not getting replies, call the facility’s chaplain or case manager and ask about the inmate’s access to electronic messaging. You don’t need to give your full story — just ask what the policy is for that unit.
What about scams and security?
There are scammers who set up fake inmate messaging sites. Only use the official BOP-approved vendor or a well-known third party. Never pay with a gift card. Never give out your Social Security number or bank details. If a site asks for that, leave. The official vendors will ask for your credit card and maybe your ID, but that’s it. Also, everything you and the inmate write is monitored. Don’t discuss escape plans, drugs, or anything illegal. Don’t use coded language — it will get flagged and you’ll both lose privileges.
Where this leaves you
Texting a federal inmate is possible, but it’s not seamless. You’ll need patience, a willingness to pay a little, and a tolerance for delays. If you want the simplest setup that covers messaging, photos, and letters, look into InmateDB. It’s one platform instead of juggling three apps. But whatever you choose, start by confirming what your inmate’s facility actually allows. Call the facility, ask the inmate, or check the BOP website. Then pick one system and stick with it. Your person will appreciate the consistency.
