eMates

eMates

UK Prison Messaging Service

1 ratings
89 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • February 3, 2022
  • January 10, 2024

Features

eMates screenshot #1 for iPhone
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eMates screenshot #8 for iPhone
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About

Facilitates easy and frequent communication between prisoners and their loved ones. Aims to reduce self-harm by fostering connections and aids in prisoner rehabilitation for release.

Easy prisoner communication
Secure messaging
Reduced self-harm
Release preparation assistance
Frequent and varied communication
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What users say

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What's New in eMates

1.5.4

January 10, 2024

Adds NeatPhone functionality and Short Message support for digital prisons.

User reviews

Horrible

Beside that they stole me so many times, tried to send my emails and they were left as draft and that charge it as £2-£4 and my money went by my account even though the email was never sent. So many other times it stopped working suddenly for days and days . Delusional app! They need to do so many improvements otherwise not recommended at all because is not funny to lie and fool the people in need.
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App no longer works

This used be good little app shame it no longer works!

Poor App

Aside the fact it can take days for someone to receive the message I send, if you try use Apple Pay to top up, even though Apple Pay is shown as an acceptable payment method and is the top option on the payment screen, it then says Apple Pay is not accepted. Francis Toye, come on. It costs a fortune to send a simple message that you’re probably paying nothing for. Put some of the money you’re making into app development. Typical capitalist behaviour. If this was my app I’d be ashamed of myself
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Too inconsistent

My emails at first were getting to my partner within 20-40 minutes and I was getting a reply back within that time. He has a laptop so doesn’t have to wait for someone to print things out. But now they’re taking several hours to a day to reach him and I don’t get replies until the following day after. It’s one of the only forms of contact we have so it’s better than nothing. But as he is on suicide watch, not being able to communicate with him regularly is the worst. And I don’t understand why the app sometimes works but basically doesn’t most of the time.
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Dissapointing and frustrating

You have to stay on the app for the emails to send it costs money to email them and money for them to reply which adds up and makes no sense the price because emailing someone should be free, you also don’t get a notification when they reply only an email there is no option to change this. When a reply is received you have to wait on the app for at least a few minutes ti show up.The whole thing needs updating.
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User experience

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Reported Bugs

32 issues

App crashes frequently

Bug

Messages fail to send or are lost

Bug

Messages fail to receive

Bug

Login screen freezes or doesn't respond

Bug

Cannot log in even with correct credentials

Bug

Account registration errors

Bug

Password reset functionality not working

Bug

Money added to account but not usable

Bug

Apple Pay not accepted despite being advertised

Bug

App freezes for several seconds upon opening

Bug

Contacts disappear or duplicate

Bug

Video calls not working

Bug

Multi-factor authentication codes not received or invalid

Bug

Emails marked as sent but appear as drafts

Bug

No notifications for replies

Bug

App crashes after updates

Bug

Scanned reply pages not appearing

Bug

Scrolling issues within the app

Bug

Identity verification link not working

Bug

Error messages when trying to upload ID or face scan

Bug

App not connecting to the server

Bug

Old messages disappearing or blank screens

Bug

Photos attached multiple times and charged

Bug

Dates on sent/received emails changing

Bug

Support email addresses bounce back

Bug

Neatphone facility connection problems

Bug

App not refreshing and showing old messages

Bug

Video visit requests disappearing

Bug

Email sending process disappears mid-way

Bug

Unable to schedule video visits

Bug

App not user-friendly

Bug

Confusing credit system

Bug

Requested Features

18 requests

Improve app stability and reliability

Feature

Fix message sending and receiving issues

Feature

Resolve login and account access problems

Feature

Address payment and credit issues

Feature

Enhance customer support responsiveness

Feature

Improve message delivery speed

Feature

Fix video call functionality

Feature

Ensure Apple Pay compatibility

Feature

Streamline registration process

Feature

Fix password reset and account recovery

Feature

Provide clear instructions for account crediting

Feature

Resolve multi-factor authentication issues

Feature

Improve user interface and experience

Feature

Add notifications for replies

Feature

Allow saving contacts

Feature

Make app more robust and less buggy

Feature

Address issues with image uploads

Feature

Provide clear communication on prison staff reliance

Feature

FAQ

What is eMates?

eMates is a service designed to help family and friends communicate easily and frequently with prisoners. It aims to reduce negative thoughts and assist prisoners in preparing for their release by connecting them with partner agencies.

How does eMates improve communication for prisoners?

It offers a quick, efficient, and secure alternative method of communication. This means prisoners can receive more frequent and varied messages, which is crucial for maintaining family ties and supporting their well-being.

Is eMates free to use?

Based on the provided information, the app is free to use. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or subscription fees.

What are the benefits of using eMates?

The primary benefits include fostering easier and more frequent communication, which can help reduce thoughts of self-harm and suicide. It also assists prisoners in preparing for release through connections with multiple partner agencies.

Are all features available at every prison establishment?

No, feature availability can vary by establishment. You should check the locations page on their website (https://www.emailaprisoner.com/content/locations) to see what features are supported at specific locations.