How to Set Up Inmate Email
A step-by-step guide to creating an inmate email account, finding the right platform, getting approved as a contact, and sending your first message.
Introduction
Setting up inmate email takes about 15 minutes once you know which platform the facility uses. The process involves creating an account, finding the inmate, and going through a contact approval step before you can exchange messages.
This guide walks through every step in order.
Guide Content
Step 1: Find Out Which Platform to Use
You cannot use regular email to contact someone in prison. You need the platform the facility has contracted with. The most common platforms are JPay for state prisons, CorrLinks for federal prisons, ConnectNetwork for many state and county facilities, and GettingOut for county jails.
Look up the facility on this site or call the facility directly to confirm which platform they use. Creating an account on the wrong platform wastes time and will not get any messages through.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Go to the platform's website or download their app. Sign up with your email address, a password, your full legal name, and a valid phone number for verification. Use your real name. This information may be checked against your approved contact status.
For CorrLinks, do not create an account yet. The inmate must send you an invitation first. Your account is created during the acceptance process.
Step 3: Find the Inmate and Request Contact
Once registered, search for the inmate by their full legal name, inmate ID number, and facility. If you have their inmate ID, this is the fastest lookup. Add them to your contacts on the platform.
Most platforms require both sides to approve contact before messaging can begin. Depending on the platform, you may need to submit a contact request that the inmate accepts, or the inmate may need to initiate first. CorrLinks always requires the inmate to send the first invitation.
Step 4: Purchase Credits and Send Your First Message
Once approved, purchase messaging credits or stamps. Do not buy a large bundle until you confirm the system works. Start with a small purchase, write a short test message, and wait for the delivery confirmation.
Most messages arrive within a few hours. If you do not hear back within a few days, confirm the platform is active at that facility and that the inmate's account is in good standing.
Key Takeaways
The most important things to remember from this guide.
- You cannot use regular email. You must use the specific platform the facility contracts with.
- Start by confirming which platform is correct before creating any account.
- Use your real legal name when registering. It may be checked during approval.
- For CorrLinks, the inmate must send the first invitation. You cannot start the process.
- Buy a small credit bundle first to confirm the system works before purchasing more.
- If setup is blocked, contact the facility to confirm your contact status.
Related Glossary Terms
Key terms you may encounter while reading about How to Set Up Inmate Email.
Inmate Messaging
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
TechnologyElectronic Messaging
Electronic messaging in the correctional system is a digital service that allows incarcerated people and their approved contacts to exchange written messages through a facility-contracted platform, similar to email but with review and restrictions applied.
FinanceInmate Account
An inmate account, also called a trust fund account, is a personal financial account held by the correctional facility on behalf of an incarcerated person that they use to pay for commissary, phone calls, and other approved services.
Related Providers
Communication platforms relevant to How to Set Up Inmate Email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about How to Set Up Inmate Email, answered in plain language.
How long does contact approval take?
What if the inmate doesn't know their inmate ID?
Can I have multiple inmates on one account?
What if I used the wrong name when signing up?
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Inmate Messaging?
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
Read full definitionWhat is Electronic Messaging?
Electronic messaging in the correctional system is a digital service that allows incarcerated people and their approved contacts to exchange written messages through a facility-contracted platform, similar to email but with review and restrictions applied.
Read full definitionWhat is Inmate Account?
An inmate account, also called a trust fund account, is a personal financial account held by the correctional facility on behalf of an incarcerated person that they use to pay for commissary, phone calls, and other approved services.
Read full definitionRelated Guides
More guides that cover topics connected to what you just read.
How Inmate Messaging Works
Learn how digital messaging to incarcerated loved ones works, which platforms are used, how messages are reviewed, and what it costs.
How JPay Works
A complete guide to JPay, the most widely used inmate communication platform for state prisons, covering messaging, video, money transfer, and account setup.
How CorrLinks Works
Learn how CorrLinks works for messaging federal inmates, how to register, how the approval process works, and what the service costs.
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