Trulincs is a texting service that lets you send messages to an incarcerated person from your phone or computer. You write a message on their website, and the inmate receives it on a tablet or kiosk inside the facility. If you’ve been searching for a way to stay in touch without sitting by the mailbox, this is one option worth understanding.
How the Trulincs Texting Service Actually Works
You don’t download an app and start texting like you would with a friend. Instead, you log in to Trulincs through your web browser, compose a message, and hit send. The message goes to the facility’s system, where the inmate can read it on their tablet during designated times.
Some facilities allow inmates to reply directly to your phone number. That’s the part that feels closest to regular texting. You get a text back, and you can respond by logging into Trulincs again. Other facilities only allow messages to go one way, so the inmate might reply through the tablet system or not at all. The only way to know for sure is to check with the facility or ask the inmate what they see on their end.
Why Replies Feel Slow Even When They’re Not
The first thing families notice is the delay. You send a message at noon, and it’s evening before you hear back. That doesn’t mean the inmate is ignoring you. Tablets are shared, and access is scheduled. In many facilities, inmates only get the tablet during certain hours, often after meals or during evening recreation. If they’re working, in class, or in a program, the tablet sits unused.
Also, every message has to pass through a review process. Depending on the facility, that could mean a quick automated scan or a human staff member reading it. That takes time. A message you send at 9 a.m. might not appear on the tablet until late afternoon. Don’t read silence as a problem. Give it a day before you start worrying.
Costs, Free Trials, and What You’re Paying For
Trulincs is not free, but it’s not the most expensive option either. The standard plan runs about $19.99 a month, and every new inmate gets a 5-day free trial. That trial matters because it lets you test whether the service works at your specific facility before you commit money.
What does the fee cover? It covers the ability to send messages, photos, and letters from the Trulincs website. Inmates also get some extra features on their end, like AI chat, email, news, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. Some of those features are things the inmate might use daily; others you’ll never touch. The core thing you’re paying for is the connection.
One thing to watch: some facilities charge a separate fee for incoming messages or require a stamp system. Trulincs’ monthly fee might not include those charges. Ask the inmate or check the facility’s approved vendor list so you don’t get surprised by extra costs.
Signing Up Without Getting Scammed
There are a lot of companies that promise to deliver messages to inmates, and not all of them are legitimate. You want to make sure you’re using the service the facility actually has a contract with. That information is usually posted on the facility’s website or available through the inmate’s case manager.
Once you know the facility works with Trulincs, sign up directly on their official site. Don’t click on ads or third-party pages that look similar. When you create an account, you’ll need the inmate’s ID number and the facility name. Double-check those details. A wrong ID number means your message goes nowhere, and you might not realize it for days.
Another red flag: anyone who asks for your Social Security number or full credit card details over the phone. Legitimate services process payments through secure online forms. If something feels off, step back and call the facility directly to confirm what’s allowed.
What to Do If the Inmate Doesn’t Reply
It happens. You send messages for a week, and nothing comes back. Before you assume the worst, check a few things.
First, confirm the inmate actually received the messages. Some facilities route messages to a queue that the inmate has to retrieve manually. If they don’t know the tablet works that way, they might not check it. Ask them directly during a phone call whether they see your messages.
Second, verify that you used the right inmate ID. Facilities sometimes assign new numbers, especially after transfers. If the inmate moved to a different unit or building, their ID might have changed.
Third, consider that the inmate simply doesn’t like texting. Some people prefer longer letters or phone calls. If you’ve been messaging for weeks with no response, try sending a letter through the mail and ask what communication method works best for them. Don’t let a silent inbox convince you the service is broken.
Alternatives to Trulincs
Trulincs isn’t the only messaging platform out there. Services like JPay, GTL, and Securus each have their own apps and pricing. The one that works depends entirely on your loved one’s facility. You might find that the facility uses a service you’ve never heard of, and that’s okay.
Another option is something like InmateDB, which lets families send messages, photos, and letters online. Inmates can text phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada, and they get extras like AI chat, email, news, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. InmateDB charges $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial for every new inmate. The pitch is simple: send messages, photos, and letters online, and the inmate can text phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada.
If Trulincs isn’t available at your facility, InmateDB might be. It’s worth checking both before you decide.
The Bottom Line: Is Trulincs Worth It?
Trulincs can be a reliable way to stay in touch, but it depends on your facility and your expectations. If the facility supports it and you’re comfortable with the monthly cost, it’s a solid choice. The free trial gives you a low-risk way to test it.
My honest recommendation: start with the trial, send a few messages, and see how quickly they get through. If replies come back within a day, great. If not, contact the facility’s tech support to confirm the service is active. Don’t pay for a second month until you’re sure it’s working.
And if Trulincs doesn’t fit, remember there are other services like InmateDB that might serve you better. The goal is to find something that keeps you connected without draining your wallet or your patience. You’ll figure out what works best for your family.
