SmartInmate
SmartInmate - Tablet-Based Messaging and Entertainment for Incarcerated People
- 20+
- States Covered
- 400+
- Facilities Supported
- 4 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
SmartInmate Inmate Communication Overview
SmartInmate is a tablet-based communication and entertainment platform that provides incarcerated people with access to messaging, educational content, and entertainment through secure tablets inside the facility. SmartInmate tablets are distributed to inmates at participating facilities under contract with the facility or state Department of Corrections.
Families send messages to SmartInmate users through the platform website or app. The inmate reads and replies through their facility tablet. SmartInmate tablets do not have open internet access. They connect to a secure internal network managed by the provider and approved by the facility.
SmartInmate availability depends entirely on whether the specific facility has a SmartInmate contract. If the facility does not participate in the program, SmartInmate cannot be used regardless of whether the family creates an account. Search our facility directory to find out which tablet and messaging providers serve your loved one's facility.
SmartInmate Services
Communication services offered by SmartInmate and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging with digital or print delivery depending on facility capabilities.
Per-message or subscription pricing available.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Remote video visits scheduled through the SmartInmate app or website.
Requires a device with camera. Advance scheduling required.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Digital photos reviewed for content compliance and delivered to the inmate.
Per-photo pricing. Standard content guidelines apply.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
SmartInmate does not currently offer phone call services.
For phone calls, use the facility's contracted provider (Securus, GTL, or ICSolutions).
Money Transfer
Deposit funds to inmate commissary accounts via debit or credit card.
Processing fees may apply. Credit within one to two business days.
Set Up Money TransferSmartInmate Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
20 states, with coverage expanding
Coverage Notes
SmartInmate has a smaller footprint than JPay or GettingOut. Coverage is expanding but currently limited to select state and county facilities across 20 states. Always confirm availability at the specific facility.
SmartInmate Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
SmartInmate Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Messaging
- Per-message or subscription plans available.
- Varies
- Video Visit
- Per-session pricing.
- Varies
- Photo
- Per-photo pricing.
- Varies
- Money Transfer
- Percentage or flat fee depending on transfer amount.
- Fee applies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the SmartInmate website before use.
SmartInmate — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of SmartInmate.
Strengths
- Modern, intuitive interface frequently praised in user feedback.
- Covers messaging, video, photos, and money transfer in one account.
- Responsive customer service compared to larger legacy providers.
- Clean mobile app designed for ease of use.
- Good option for families who find JPay or GTL interfaces frustrating.
Limitations
- Smaller coverage, serving 400 facilities across 20 states versus 1,000+ for JPay.
- Phone calls not supported. Use a separate provider account for calls.
- Less established than JPay or GTL, with fewer years of operational history.
- Growing but currently limited coverage means not available at many facilities.
- Pricing details require account creation to view in full.
Frequently Asked Questions: SmartInmate
Common questions from families about using SmartInmate.
- What makes SmartInmate different from JPay or GettingOut?
- SmartInmate differentiates itself with a more modern, user-friendly interface and responsive customer service. It is smaller than JPay or GettingOut in terms of facility coverage, but families who prioritize ease of use and quality support often find it preferable. The tradeoff is coverage: SmartInmate serves 400+ facilities versus 1,000+ for JPay.
- Does SmartInmate support phone calls?
- No. SmartInmate does not currently offer phone call services. For phone calls, you will need to use the facility's contracted phone provider, which is typically Securus, GTL/ConnectNetwork, or ICSolutions depending on the institution.
- How do I confirm SmartInmate is available at my loved one's facility?
- Visit smartinmate.com and use the facility search tool to look up the specific correctional facility. If it appears in the SmartInmate network, you can create an account and begin setting up communication. If it does not appear, you will need to use a different provider.
- Can I use SmartInmate for both messaging and video visits?
- Yes, SmartInmate supports both electronic messaging and remote video visitation at participating facilities. Both services are managed through the same account. Messaging and video visit scheduling are available through the SmartInmate app and website.
- Is SmartInmate available at federal prisons?
- SmartInmate does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. For federal inmates, CorrLinks is the only approved messaging platform. If your loved one is in a federal facility, you will need CorrLinks for messaging and ConnectNetwork for phone and video.
Compare SmartInmate With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
JPay
35+ states
JPay - Messaging, Photos, Video Visits and Money Transfer for State Prison Families
View GuideGettingOut
45+ states
GettingOut by Telmate Video Visits, Messaging and Phone Calls at 2,200+ County Jails
View GuideTextBehind
25+ states
TextBehind - Print and Deliver Letters and Photos to Inmates as Physical Mail
View GuideGet Started with SmartInmate
Visit the official SmartInmate website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.