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?
| Problem | Jump to Section |
|---|---|
| Never received invitation | Invitation Problems |
| Invitation expired | Invitation Problems |
| Message not showing up | Message Problems |
| Message rejected | Message Problems |
| Can’t send photos | Photo Problems |
| Account locked | Account Problems |
| Forgot password | Account Problems |
| Website won’t load | Technical Problems |
Invitation Problems
”I Never Received the Invitation”
Most likely cause: Email in spam folder
Fixes (try in order):
-
Check spam/junk folders
- Search for “CorrLinks” or “invitation”
- Check all folders, not just inbox
- Look back 30 days
-
Check email address accuracy
- Did inmate type your email correctly?
- Common typos: gmail vs gmai, .com vs .con
- Have them verify the address
-
Whitelist CorrLinks
- Add
@corrlinks.comto contacts - Mark any CorrLinks emails as “not spam”
- Some email providers block by default
- Add
-
Try different email
- Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo work best
- Some ISP emails (Comcast, AT&T) may block
- Have inmate add a new email address
-
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:
- Request new invitation from inmate
- They pay $0.05 to resend
- Accept within 30 days this time
- 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:
-
Try password reset
- Go to CorrLinks login page
- Click “Forgot Password”
- Use email from original invitation
-
Check for old accounts
- You may have registered years ago
- Try common passwords you use
-
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 Length | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 hours | Normal processing | Wait |
| 4-24 hours | Peak volume or review | Wait |
| 24-48 hours | Flagged for review | Wait |
| 48+ hours | Problem or rejection | Contact support |
Common causes of flags:
- Certain keywords (legal terms, locations, names)
- Unusual message length
- Rapid message volume
- Random sampling (automated)
What to do:
- Wait 24-48 hours first
- Don’t resend same message (creates duplicates)
- After 48 hours, contact CorrLinks support
- Note: Some messages are rejected silently
”My Email Was Rejected”
Rejection reasons:
| Reason | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Content violation | Prohibited content detected |
| Format issue | Attachments or special characters |
| Account issue | Problem 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:
- Review BOP content guidelines
- Rewrite message in plain, general language
- Avoid specific names, dates, locations
- Send shorter messages
- 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:
-
Third-party photo services
- Services print and mail photos
- Comply with BOP regulations
- Cost: $0.50-1.00 per photo typically
-
Physical mail
- Print photos yourself
- Mail to facility address
- Follow facility photo rules (size, quantity)
-
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:
- Wait 30 minutes and try again
- Try password reset
- Contact CorrLinks support
- 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:
- Go to CorrLinks login page
- Click “Forgot Password”
- Enter registered email
- Check email for reset link
- 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:
-
Check your internet
- Try another website
- Restart router
-
Try different browser
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- CorrLinks works best on Chrome
-
Clear cache and cookies
- Browser settings → Clear data
- Close browser, reopen
-
Disable extensions
- Ad blockers can interfere
- Try incognito/private mode
-
Try different device
- Computer vs phone
- Different network (home vs mobile data)
-
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:
- Enable cookies for corrlinks.com
- Use “Remember Me” option if available
- Use consistent browser
- 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.
Contact CorrLinks Support
How to reach them:
- Email: techsupport@corrlinks.com
- Phone: 1-800-844-6591
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm Eastern
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
Why is CorrLinks so slow?
Every message passes through BOP automated screening. Messages containing flagged content get manual review, which adds time. The system prioritizes security over speed.
Can I use CorrLinks on my phone?
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:
- Invitation issues → Check spam, verify email, request new
- Message delays → Usually normal, wait 48 hours
- Content rejections → Avoid flagged words, write generally
- 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.
Stay connected with BridgeInside
Get instant notifications when your loved one sends a message.
Join the Waitlist