Introduction
Communicating with incarcerated loved ones can be challenging, especially if they are in a facility that limits their access to technology or communication channels. And with the steep cost of phone calls and other communication channels offered, families and friends can often find themselves unable to keep in touch with their incarcerated loved ones. However, there are free ways to text inmates available, and this article aims to explore those options to help you stay connected with your incarcerated loved ones without breaking the bank.
5 Free Ways to Send Text Messages to Inmates
Here are five different ways to text inmates for free:
Option 1: Texting through the prison email system
Many correctional facilities now offer email communication between inmates and their loved ones. This service is free, and it can be used to send text-style messages. To use this option, you must first register with the prison email system and follow their guidelines for sending messages. Messages are typically reviewed and monitored by facility staff before they are delivered to the inmate’s inbox.
Option 2: Texting through free inmate messaging services like Free Messaging or TextBehind
A number of free inmate messaging services such as Free Messaging or TextBehind allows you to send text-style messages, photos, and even eCards to inmates. These services require you to create an account, and it may take up to 24-48 hours for your account to be approved. Once your account is approved, you can start sending messages to your incarcerated loved ones at no cost.
Option 3: Using mobile messaging apps that have free inmate messaging services like TextNow or Textme
Mobile messaging apps like TextNow or Textme offer free texting services, and they also typically have free inmate messaging services. These apps work like traditional texting apps, but they require you to register with the facility where your incarcerated loved one is located. Once you are registered, you can start sending free text messages.
Option 4: Texting through text message services provided by prison advocacy groups like Flikshop or Cell Press Plus
Prison advocacy groups like Flikshop or Cell Press Plus offer free services that enable you to send text messages to inmates. These services require you to create an account, and once you are registered, you can start sending messages to your incarcerated loved ones at no cost. Some of these services also offer additional features like photo-sharing.
Option 5: Creating a free Google Voice number to send texts to inmates
Another free option for texting inmates is to use Google Voice. This service allows you to create a free phone number that you can use to send text messages, make phone calls, and more. To use this option, you will need to create a Google Voice account and follow their instructions for setting up your account. Once you have a free Google Voice number, you can start sending texts to your incarcerated loved ones.
A Guide to Sending Text Messages to Incarcerated Loved Ones for Free
Here’s a guide on how to send text messages to incarcerated loved ones using the free options discussed above:
Prison email system
To use the prison email system, you will need to create an account with the facility where your incarcerated loved one is located. Once you have created an account, follow the guidelines set by the facility for sending messages. You can typically send text-style messages with this service.
Free inmate messaging services
To use free inmate messaging services like Free Messaging or TextBehind, create an account with the service and wait for approval. Once approved, you can start sending text-style messages, photos, and eCards to your loved ones.
Mobile messaging apps
To use mobile messaging apps like TextNow or Textme for inmate texting, register with the facility where your incarcerated loved one is located. Once you are registered, you can start using the mobile app to send free text messages.
Text message services provided by prison advocacy groups
To use text message services provided by prison advocacy groups like Flikshop or Cell Press Plus, create an account with the service and wait for approval. Once approved, you can start sending text messages at no cost.
Google Voice number
To use a free Google Voice number for texting inmates, create a Google Voice account and follow the instructions for setting up your number. Once you have set up your Google Voice number, you can use it to send free text messages to your incarcerated loved ones.
Texting Prisoners for Free: What You Need to Know
It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations for texting inmates, as well as the security measures in place:
Rules and regulations
Each correctional facility has its own rules and regulations for texting inmates. When using any of the free options discussed above, make sure to follow the guidelines set by the facility where your incarcerated loved one is located to avoid any potential issues.
Security measures
Inmate messaging services typically have strict security measures in place to monitor and review messages being sent to inmates. This is to ensure that there is no inappropriate content being shared and to prevent any potential security breaches.
Using approved channels
It’s important to only use approved channels for communicating with inmates. Using unapproved channels could lead to disciplinary actions against the inmate and even criminal charges against the sender.
Risks and threats
Using unapproved channels for texting inmates could also put both the inmate and the sender at risk. Illegal activities and inappropriate conversations could lead to consequences for everyone involved.
No Cost, No Problem: How to Send Text Messages to Inmates Without Paying
Communicating with incarcerated loved ones can be costly, but using free inmate messaging services can help you save money. Here are some cost-saving benefits of using free inmate messaging services:
Save on communication costs
By using free inmate messaging services, you can significantly reduce the cost of communicating with your incarcerated loved ones. This option is perfect if you’re on a tight budget and still want to keep in touch.
No charge
Unlike traditional communication channels, free inmate messaging services do not charge any fees for sending text messages or other types of messages. This means that you can communicate more often and without worrying about running out of funds.
Convenience
Free inmate messaging services offer a convenient way to stay in touch with your incarcerated loved ones and make sure that they feel your love and support even if you cannot see them in person. With the ability to send text-style messages, photos, and eCards, you can stay connected without the need for expensive phone calls or visits.
Free Texting Services for Inmates: A Comprehensive Overview
Here’s a comprehensive list of the free inmate messaging services available:
- Free Messaging
- TextBehind
- TextNow
- Textme
- Flikshop
- Cell Press Plus
Each service has its own pros and cons, and it’s important to evaluate each one to find the best option for your needs.
Breaking Barriers: The Best Free Options for Texting Someone in Jail
The best free options for texting inmates discussed in this article are:
- Prison email system
- Free inmate messaging services
- Mobile messaging apps
- Text message services provided by prison advocacy groups
- Google Voice number
As you explore these options, remember to follow the rules and regulations set by the correctional facility where your incarcerated loved one is located and only use approved channels for communicating with inmates.
Conclusion
Staying in touch with incarcerated loved ones has never been easier, thanks to free inmate messaging services. By using one of the five options outlined in this article, you can stay connected with your loved ones without breaking the bank. Remember to follow the guidelines set by the facility where your inmate is located and to only use approved channels for communication.
