Mail, photos, messaging, and phone/call options for staying in touch.
Communication at McConnell Unit runs through Texas-approved inmate communication vendors. For phone calls, register the number you want to receive calls on through the vendor portal at texasprisonphone.com (or by phone), then follow the vendor's account and payment steps. All calls are routed and billed through the vendor's system and are subject to monitoring. Electronic messaging and tablet features are also handled through TDCJ-approved vendor systems. Availability can depend on unit rules and the inmate's eligibility. When you create a messaging account, you'll receive an email with a 7-digit validation code and a link to finish registration. One thing to know: once created, the account cannot be deleted and the email address cannot be changed. Choose carefully.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
If you mail letters, greeting cards, or photos to someone at the McConnell Unit, what they actually receive looks different from traditional mail. As of September 6, 2023, the McConnell Unit (along with all other TDCJ units) switched to TDCJ's digital mail platform. That means most personal mail gets processed digitally before your loved one ever sees it.
Trying to stay in touch with someone at the McConnell Unit? Your two best starting points are scheduling visits through TDCJ's Online Visitation Scheduler and registering your phone number through the TDCJ inmate telephone system.
Sending mail to someone at McConnell Unit? The biggest mistake is sending the right item to the wrong place. Here's how to choose between the TDCJ Digital Mail Processing Center in Dallas and the unit itself—so your mail doesn't get held up.
If you're mailing letters or photos to someone at the McConnell Unit, the address you use depends on what you're sending. Since September 2023, most personal mail goes through TDCJ's Digital Mail Processing Center. A few important categories, though, still need to go directly to the unit.
Register your telephone number online at texasprisonphone.com or by phone, following the vendor's instructions. You'll likely need the inmate's ID number and will need to complete the vendor's payment and verification steps.
You’ll get an email with a 7-digit validation code and a link to complete registration. Use the link and enter the code to activate the account before you can send messages.
No. Once an account is created for an email address, that account cannot be deleted and the email address cannot be changed.
A quick check before you leave can save you a long drive and a cancelled visit. Run through this checklist before heading to McConnell Unit.
Setting up your TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler account is the first step to scheduling a visit. These steps walk you through registration, the questionnaire and profile setup, and adding an inmate so you don't get stuck mid-process.
Sending money to someone at the McConnell Unit goes through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Inmate Trust Fund. Here are the approved ways to deposit funds, plus a few quick checks to help you avoid rejected deposits.
