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CorrLinks Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2025)

BridgeInside Team

CorrLinks Troubleshooting: Every Problem, Every Solution

CorrLinks problems are frustrating—especially when you just want to reach someone you love.

We know you’re not here for fun. Something’s broken, you’re worried, and you need answers. Let’s fix it together.

This guide covers every common CorrLinks problem and how to solve it. Find your issue below.


Quick Diagnosis

What’s happening?

ProblemJump to Section
Never received invitationInvitation Problems
Invitation expiredInvitation Problems
Message not showing upMessage Problems
Message rejectedMessage Problems
Can’t send photosPhoto Problems
Account lockedAccount Problems
Forgot passwordAccount Problems
Website won’t loadTechnical Problems

Invitation Problems

”I Never Received the Invitation”

Most likely cause: Email in spam folder

Fixes (try in order):

  1. Check spam/junk folders

    • Search for “CorrLinks” or “invitation”
    • Check all folders, not just inbox
    • Look back 30 days
  2. Check email address accuracy

    • Did inmate type your email correctly?
    • Common typos: gmail vs gmai, .com vs .con
    • Have them verify the address
  3. Whitelist CorrLinks

    • Add @corrlinks.com to contacts
    • Mark any CorrLinks emails as “not spam”
    • Some email providers block by default
  4. Try different email

    • Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo work best
    • Some ISP emails (Comcast, AT&T) may block
    • Have inmate add a new email address
  5. Wait and check again

    • Invitations can take 24-48 hours
    • BOP approval adds time
    • Check again tomorrow

”My Invitation Expired”

Why it happens: Invitations are valid for 30 days

Fix:

  1. Request new invitation from inmate
  2. They pay $0.05 to resend
  3. Accept within 30 days this time
  4. Set phone reminder to complete signup

Prevention: When you receive invitation, complete registration immediately.

”It Says I’m Already Registered”

Why it happens: Account exists from previous attempt

Fixes:

  1. Try password reset

    • Go to CorrLinks login page
    • Click “Forgot Password”
    • Use email from original invitation
  2. Check for old accounts

    • You may have registered years ago
    • Try common passwords you use
  3. Contact CorrLinks support

    • If password reset fails
    • They can help recover or reset account

Message Problems

”My Email Isn’t Showing Up”

Understanding the system:

All messages go through BOP screening. Delays are normal.

Delay LengthLikely CauseAction
1-4 hoursNormal processingWait
4-24 hoursPeak volume or reviewWait
24-48 hoursFlagged for reviewWait
48+ hoursProblem or rejectionContact support

Common causes of flags:

  • Certain keywords (legal terms, locations, names)
  • Unusual message length
  • Rapid message volume
  • Random sampling (automated)

What to do:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours first
  2. Don’t resend same message (creates duplicates)
  3. After 48 hours, contact CorrLinks support
  4. Note: Some messages are rejected silently

”My Email Was Rejected”

Rejection reasons:

ReasonWhat It Means
Content violationProhibited content detected
Format issueAttachments or special characters
Account issueProblem with sender/receiver account

Common content triggers:

  • Discussing legal case details
  • Mentioning other inmates by name
  • Coordinate words (addresses, times)
  • Profanity or explicit content
  • Anything that looks like code

How to fix:

  1. Review BOP content guidelines
  2. Rewrite message in plain, general language
  3. Avoid specific names, dates, locations
  4. Send shorter messages
  5. Wait 24 hours before resending

”Messages Are Very Slow”

Normal delays:

  • Business hours: 1-2 hours
  • Evenings: 2-6 hours
  • Weekends: Up to 24 hours
  • Holidays: Up to 48 hours

Unusually slow? Check:

  • Facility lockdown (blocks computer access)
  • Inmate in transit
  • Inmate in SHU/segregation
  • System maintenance

Photo Problems

”I Can’t Send Photos”

Reality: CorrLinks doesn’t support attachments—including photos.

Alternatives:

  1. Third-party photo services

    • Services print and mail photos
    • Comply with BOP regulations
    • Cost: $0.50-1.00 per photo typically
  2. Physical mail

    • Print photos yourself
    • Mail to facility address
    • Follow facility photo rules (size, quantity)
  3. Check facility-specific options

    • Some facilities have additional services
    • Ask inmate what’s available

Common photo rules:

  • 4x6 or smaller
  • No polaroids
  • No sexually explicit
  • No gang symbols
  • Limit on quantity per envelope

Account Problems

”My Account Is Locked”

Why accounts get locked:

  • Too many failed login attempts
  • Security flag triggered
  • Unusual activity detected

How to unlock:

  1. Wait 30 minutes and try again
  2. Try password reset
  3. Contact CorrLinks support
  4. May need to verify identity

Prevention:

  • Use password manager
  • Write down password securely
  • Enable account notifications if available

”I Forgot My Password”

Password reset steps:

  1. Go to CorrLinks login page
  2. Click “Forgot Password”
  3. Enter registered email
  4. Check email for reset link
  5. Create new password

If reset email doesn’t arrive:

  • Check spam folder
  • Wait 30 minutes
  • Try again
  • Contact support if still not received

If you forgot security questions:

  • Contact CorrLinks support directly
  • May need to verify identity
  • May take 24-48 hours to resolve

Technical Problems

”The Website Won’t Load”

Try these fixes:

  1. Check your internet

    • Try another website
    • Restart router
  2. Try different browser

    • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
    • CorrLinks works best on Chrome
  3. Clear cache and cookies

    • Browser settings → Clear data
    • Close browser, reopen
  4. Disable extensions

    • Ad blockers can interfere
    • Try incognito/private mode
  5. Try different device

    • Computer vs phone
    • Different network (home vs mobile data)
  6. Check if CorrLinks is down

    • Try again in 30 minutes
    • System maintenance usually overnight

”I Keep Getting Logged Out”

Causes:

  • Session timeout (normal)
  • Cookies disabled
  • Browser security settings

Fixes:

  1. Enable cookies for corrlinks.com
  2. Use “Remember Me” option if available
  3. Use consistent browser
  4. Check browser security settings

When Nothing Works

Sometimes you’ve tried everything and it’s still broken. That’s okay—it’s not you, it’s the system.

How to reach them:

Before you call, have ready:

  • Your full name
  • Email address on account
  • Inmate’s name and register number
  • Specific error message (screenshot if possible)
  • Steps you’ve already tried

Pro tip: Be patient but persistent. First-line support often reads from scripts—ask to escalate if you’re not getting resolution.

Contact the Facility

For issues specific to your inmate:

  • Facility counselor
  • Trust fund department
  • Can verify inmate has computer access

Try a Bridge Service

If CorrLinks frustrations are constant, some families switch to bridge services that:

  • Still use CorrLinks (BOP approved)
  • Add modern features (SMS, notifications)
  • Provide better support experience
  • Cost $15-20/month

FAQ

Every message passes through BOP automated screening. Messages containing flagged content get manual review, which adds time. The system prioritizes security over speed.

There’s no official app. You can use the website on mobile, but it’s not optimized. Some families use bridge services that forward messages to SMS for a mobile-friendly experience.

Is there a way to get notifications?

CorrLinks can send email notifications when new messages arrive, but there’s no push notification or app. Bridge services add instant SMS/Telegram notifications.

Why do some messages get rejected?

BOP screens for prohibited content. Triggers include legal case details, locations, times, other inmates’ names, and anything that could be coded communication. Write in plain, general terms.

How do I know if my inmate received my message?

There are no read receipts. You’ll know they received it when they respond. If no response after their usual login time, the message may be delayed in screening.


Summary

Most CorrLinks problems fall into a few categories:

  1. Invitation issues → Check spam, verify email, request new
  2. Message delays → Usually normal, wait 48 hours
  3. Content rejections → Avoid flagged words, write generally
  4. Account issues → Password reset, contact support

The system isn’t perfect. But you’re not doing anything wrong—you’re learning a confusing system so you can stay connected to someone you love. That’s what matters.


Still frustrated? If CorrLinks problems keep happening, some families switch to bridge services that add modern features (instant notifications, text messaging) while still using the official system. It’s not for everyone, but it’s an option.


Last updated: January 2025 Still stuck? Reach out—we’ve helped families through just about every CorrLinks problem out there.

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