CorrLinks Not Receiving Messages? Common Causes and What to Check
Updated October 2026
If messages through CorrLinks or TRULINCS aren’t arriving, the cause is often something you can check yourself. Common causes include a message still waiting in facility review, an inmate who hasn’t added you to their approved contact list yet, contact details that don’t match, and — if you text with ContactMeAsap — an account balance that has run out. The checklist and FAQ below walk through each one.
First, make sure you have the right person
Free to search — no account needed. Enter a name or BOP register number.
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A quick checklist
- Give it a little time. Delivery can take anywhere from minutes to days depending on facility review. See how long CorrLinks messages take.
- Confirm you’re an approved contact.Your inmate has to add you to their approved contact list before messages go through — with ContactMeAsap, that’s the “text approve” step.
- Check the contact details. Make sure your inmate entered the contact email address exactly as you were given it.
- Check the person and facility.Use the free BOP directory search on this page to confirm your inmate’s name, register number and facility.
- Check your balance.ContactMeAsap service runs from the balance you add. If it can’t cover your monthly plan, service can stop until you add funds.
- Keep facility rules in mind. Federal institutions may monitor or restrict inmate communications, and availability can vary by facility.
- Still stuck? Text 734-215-7002 and our team will look into it.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not receiving messages from my inmate on CorrLinks?+
Common causes include a message that is still waiting in facility review or has been delayed, an inmate who hasn’t yet added you to their approved contact list, contact details that don’t match, and — if you text with ContactMeAsap — an account balance that has run out. Start with the simplest checks: give it a little time, confirm you’re an approved contact, and check your balance.
Does my inmate have to approve me before messages go through?+
Yes. BOP regulations require inmates to add contacts to their approved contact list before messages will go through. With ContactMeAsap this is the “text approve” step, and it takes the inmate just moments once they have your information. Exact contact-list limits and review timelines can vary by facility.
Could facility review be delaying my messages?+
Possibly. Federal institutions may monitor or restrict inmate communications, and review can take anywhere from minutes to days depending on the facility. ContactMeAsap is independent and doesn’t control facility review. See how long CorrLinks messages take for more on timing.
My inmate isn’t replying. Does that mean my messages didn’t arrive?+
Not necessarily. Inmates read and write messages on computer terminals inside the facility, so a reply depends on when your loved one can get to a terminal, as well as on any facility review in each direction. If you’re worried, check that your inmate has approved you and, if you use ContactMeAsap, that your balance covers your plan — then allow some time.
Can a low balance stop my texts?+
With ContactMeAsap, yes. Service runs from the balance you add, and we never save your card details. If your balance can’t cover your monthly plan, service can stop until you add funds, and we send notices when your balance is low. You can add funds any time.
What if my inmate has the wrong email address for me?+
If you need a new email address for your ContactMeAsap account, text 734-215-7002 and let us know. We’ll get you set up. Every way to reach us is also listed on our contact page.
Does ContactMeAsap work if my loved one is in a state prison or county jail?+
No. ContactMeAsap serves the federal system, which runs on TRULINCS. State prisons and county jails typically use their own separate inmate communication platforms, so check with the specific facility.
Is ContactMeAsap the same as CorrLinks?+
No. ContactMeAsap is an independent service and isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by CorrLinks, TRULINCS or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For questions about official CorrLinks accounts or BOP policy, see bop.gov.
How do I contact ContactMeAsap about a message that isn’t arriving?+
Text 734-215-7002 any time — that line is staffed 24/7. If your issue needs a phone conversation, request an escalation code by text first, then call 763-501-9376. Every way to reach us is listed on our contact page.
Prefer texting? Here’s how it works
ContactMeAsap lets you text a federal inmate from your own phone. It’s pay-as-you-go — you add funds when you choose — and you’ll see your inmate’s name and facility confirmed before you pay. Learn how federal inmate texting works.
More CorrLinks help
- CorrLinks: texting, how it works & help— the full guide hub
- How long do CorrLinks messages take? — what affects delivery time
- How CorrLinks works— a plain-English walkthrough for families
Find the person you want to contact
Free to search — no account needed. Enter a name or BOP register number.
Searches all federal BOP facilities · or add funds directly
ContactMeAsap is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) or CorrLinks/TRULINCS. Federal institutions may monitor or restrict inmate communications, and availability can vary by facility.