TextBehind
TextBehind - Print and Deliver Letters and Photos to Inmates as Physical Mail
- 25+
- States Covered
- 600+
- Facilities Supported
- 2 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
TextBehind Inmate Communication Overview
TextBehind is a print-and-deliver service that allows families to type messages and upload photos online, and TextBehind prints and mails them to the inmate as physical letters and photos. This makes TextBehind useful at facilities that do not offer any electronic messaging system, as physical mail is accepted at nearly all correctional facilities.
You type your message at textbehind.com, pay per page, and TextBehind handles printing, addressing, and mailing. The cost is approximately $0.49 per page. TextBehind maintains current mailing specifications for thousands of facilities and formats your content to meet facility rules automatically.
TextBehind is not an electronic messaging platform. Messages are not delivered digitally, they arrive as printed physical mail. Delivery takes several business days after submission. TextBehind is best used as a backup option when electronic messaging is not available at a facility, or when families want to send content that will be physically held by the inmate.
TextBehind Services
Communication services offered by TextBehind and what each one includes.
Messaging
Send messages from your phone or computer. Messages are converted to printed letters and delivered through the facility mail system.
Per-message pricing. Some facilities support digital delivery; others receive printed letters. Delivery times depend on facility mail processing.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
TextBehind does not offer video visitation services.
For video visits, consider GettingOut, ConnectNetwork, or Securus depending on the facility.
Photo Sharing
Send digital photos that are printed and mailed to the inmate as physical photo prints.
Per-photo pricing. Photos are printed on quality paper and delivered through facility mail. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
TextBehind does not provide phone call services.
For phone services, set up an account with the facility's contracted phone provider (Securus, GTL, or ConnectNetwork).
Money Transfer
TextBehind does not handle commissary deposits or money transfers.
For money transfers, use JPay, ConnectNetwork, or the facility's contracted money transfer provider.
TextBehind Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
25+ states, covering both state and county facilities
Coverage Notes
TextBehind's coverage is more limited than full-service providers like JPay or GettingOut. Families should confirm TextBehind serves the specific facility before using the service.
TextBehind Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
TextBehind Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- No account required for basic features.
- Free
- Message
- Per message sent.
- $0.49
- Photo
- Per printed photo delivered.
- $0.99–$1.49
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the TextBehind website before use.
TextBehind — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of TextBehind.
Strengths
- Simple and accessible, with minimal setup required for basic messaging.
- Physical print delivery works at virtually any facility, including those without digital kiosks.
- Good for occasional contact without committing to a full-service provider account.
- Clean mobile app that is easy for first-time users.
- No account required for some services, lowering the barrier to first contact.
Limitations
- Messaging and photos only. No phone, video, or money transfer.
- Print-based delivery is slower than digital delivery at platforms like JPay.
- Coverage limited to 25 states, smaller than JPay or GettingOut.
- Not a complete communication solution for ongoing, multi-channel contact.
- Per-message pricing without a subscription option for frequent users.
Frequently Asked Questions: TextBehind
Common questions from families about using TextBehind.
- Do I need to create an account to use TextBehind?
- Not for all features. TextBehind allows some basic messaging without requiring an account, which makes it accessible for one-time or infrequent use. Creating an account unlocks additional features and makes it easier to track message history and manage contacts.
- How does TextBehind deliver messages to inmates?
- Messages sent through TextBehind are converted to printed letters and delivered to the inmate through the facility's regular mail system. At some facilities, digital delivery is supported. Delivery time depends on how quickly the facility processes incoming mail, typically one to three business days after the message is sent.
- Can I use TextBehind for phone calls or video visits?
- No. TextBehind is a messaging and photo service only. For phone calls, set up an account with the facility's phone provider (typically Securus, GTL/ConnectNetwork, or ICSolutions). For video visits, use a platform like GettingOut or ConnectNetwork depending on the facility.
- How are photos delivered through TextBehind?
- Photos uploaded through TextBehind are printed on photo paper and mailed to the inmate as physical prints. This means photos arrive through the facility mail system. Photos must meet facility content guidelines. Inappropriate images will not be processed or delivered.
- Is TextBehind available at federal prisons?
- TextBehind coverage at federal facilities is limited. For electronic messaging at federal Bureau of Prisons institutions, CorrLinks is the required and only approved platform. TextBehind's physical letter and photo service may still be available as a supplement, since physical mail is generally accepted at all facilities.
Compare TextBehind With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
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View GuideSmartInmate
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SmartInmate - Tablet-Based Messaging and Entertainment for Incarcerated People
View GuidePigeonly
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View GuideGet Started with TextBehind
Visit the official TextBehind website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.