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The Complete Guide to CorrLinks: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

BridgeInside Team

The Complete Guide to CorrLinks: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

You’re probably here because someone you love is in federal prison, and you want to hear from them.

That’s what CorrLinks is for. It’s the email system that lets you stay connected when everything else feels impossible.

Is it perfect? No. There’s no app, messages can be slow, and the website looks like 2005 built it. But it works. And right now, that’s what matters—getting that first message, seeing their words, knowing they’re okay.

This guide walks you through everything. By the end, you’ll have it figured out.

CorrLinks is the email system used by federal prisons (Bureau of Prisons) to allow inmates to communicate with approved contacts. Unlike regular email, messages go through a monitoring queue before delivery. It’s the primary way to exchange written messages with someone in federal custody.

Quick Facts

FeatureDetails
Cost$0.05 per message (inmate pays)
Setup time2-3 days for approval
Message limit13,000 characters
AttachmentsNot allowed
PhotosThrough third-party services only
Mobile appNo (website only)

Understanding how messages flow helps you know what to expect—and what’s normal.

The Email Flow

1. Inmate composes message on TRULINCS computer
2. Message enters BOP monitoring queue
3. Screened for prohibited content (automated + manual)
4. Delivered to your CorrLinks inbox
5. You receive email notification (if enabled)
6. You reply through CorrLinks website
7. Reply goes through same screening process
8. Inmate sees reply next time they log in
  • TRULINCS = The inmate-side system (computers in the housing unit)
  • CorrLinks = The family-side system (website you use)
  • Same messages, different interfaces

Delivery Times

Messages don’t arrive instantly—here’s what to realistically expect:

Time of DayTypical Delay
Business hours1-2 hours
Evening/night2-6 hours
WeekendsUp to 24 hours
HolidaysUp to 48 hours

Why delays happen: All messages pass through automated screening. Flagged messages get manual review.

The waiting is the hardest part. Here’s what to expect.

Step 1: Wait for Invitation

You can’t sign up on your own—the process starts from inside. (Yes, this is frustrating.)

  • Inmate must add your email to their contact list first
  • They pay $0.05 to send the invitation
  • Invitation valid for 30 days
  • Check spam/junk folders!

Step 2: Create Your Account

Once you receive the invitation email:

  1. Click link in invitation email
  2. Create username and password
  3. Set security questions
  4. Verify your email
  5. Complete profile

Step 3: Fund Your Account (Optional)

Good news: receiving messages is free.

  • You can receive messages for free
  • Sending requires funds (paid by inmate typically)
  • Methods: Credit card, debit, money order

Step 4: Start Messaging

Your first message matters. Take a breath before you write it.

Some tips:

  • Keep it simple—“I’m here, I love you, the connection works”
  • Save the bigger conversations for later
  • This first one is just about knowing you reached each other

What Inmates Pay

ServiceCost
Send message$0.05
Add contact$0.05 (one-time)
Photo servicesVaries by third-party

What Families Pay

  • Receiving messages: FREE
  • Sending messages: Typically covered by inmate
  • Some families add funds to help

Monthly Budget Examples

Here’s what communication typically costs at different levels:

Communication LevelMessages/MonthMonthly Cost
Light30$1.50
Moderate100$5.00
Heavy300$15.00

Let’s be honest about what CorrLinks can’t do. Not to discourage you—but so you’re not surprised.

What You CAN’T Do

  • Send attachments
  • Send photos directly (third-party only)
  • Use on mobile app (no app exists)
  • Get instant notifications
  • See read receipts
  • Send to multiple contacts at once

Character Limits

  • 13,000 characters per message
  • Roughly 2,000-2,500 words
  • Longer messages must be split

Contact Limits

  • Inmates can have up to 30 contacts
  • Adding/removing takes time
  • Each addition costs $0.05

Common Problems & Fixes

CorrLinks isn’t always smooth. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:

“My invitation expired”

  • Invitations valid 30 days
  • Request new invitation from inmate
  • Common cause: email in spam folder

”Message isn’t showing up”

  • Check monitoring queue delays
  • Sensitive content may be flagged
  • Contact customer support after 48 hours

”Account locked”

  • Too many failed login attempts
  • Password reset required
  • Contact CorrLinks support

For complete troubleshooting: See our CorrLinks Troubleshooting Guide

Why Families Look for Alternatives

  • No mobile app
  • No instant notifications
  • Limited features
  • Want to text instead of email

Bridge Services

If CorrLinks feels frustrating, you’re not alone. Some families use “bridge services” that add modern features while still using CorrLinks underneath.

  • Messages route through CorrLinks (still monitored)
  • Deliver to your phone as SMS or Telegram
  • You reply by text
  • Still uses CorrLinks system, just better experience
ServicePriceFeatures
BridgeInside$14.99/moSMS, Telegram, AI access
Parakeet~$15-20/moSMS, AI
CorbotVariesSMS, AI

Phone Calls

CorrLinks is email only. For voice:

  • TRULINCS phone system
  • $0.06/minute (FCC rate cap)
  • Separate setup required

Video Visits

  • Not available at all federal facilities
  • Separate system from CorrLinks
  • Check facility-specific policies

Small things that make the day-to-day easier.

For Families

  1. Enable email notifications - So you’re not refreshing all day
  2. Save important messages - 30-day retention limit
  3. Use clear subject lines - Helps inmate find messages
  4. Avoid flagged words - Delays screening
  5. Write during business hours - Faster delivery

For Inmates

Share these tips with your loved one:

  1. Log in consistently - Builds routine
  2. Use AI commands - If using bridge service
  3. Manage contact list - 30 contact limit

FAQ

CorrLinks contact approval typically takes 2-3 business days. Some facilities may take up to 5 days. Weekends and holidays don’t count toward processing time.

No, CorrLinks doesn’t support direct photo sending. You can use third-party photo services that print and mail photos to the facility, or some families use JPay photo services where available.

Yes. All CorrLinks messages are subject to monitoring by the Bureau of Prisons. Messages pass through automated screening and may be manually reviewed. Never discuss illegal activities, escape plans, or other prohibited topics.

Messages are delayed when flagged by automated screening for manual review. Common triggers include certain keywords, unusual patterns, or random sampling. Most flagged messages are released within 24-48 hours.

There is no official CorrLinks mobile app. You can access the website from your phone’s browser, but the experience is not mobile-optimized. Some families use bridge services that forward CorrLinks messages to SMS.

During facility transfers, inmates lose access to TRULINCS. This can last 2-6 weeks depending on the transfer. Your messages will queue until they regain access. Contact is limited to phone during transfers.

Resources

Summary

CorrLinks is the primary way to email someone in federal prison. It’s not fancy—no app, delayed delivery, no attachments—but it’s reliable and inexpensive. Most importantly, it works.

For families wanting a more modern experience, bridge services can add SMS delivery and instant notifications while still using CorrLinks as the underlying system. Either way, what matters is staying connected.

You’re doing the right thing by learning this system. The families who stay connected are the ones who figure out the tools. You’re already ahead.

Last updated: January 2025 Have questions we didn’t answer? Let us know and we’ll add them.

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