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Pay Tel

Pay Tel

Pay Tel Connect™

140 ratings
112 reviews
#202 in free Social Networking
🌐 Social Networking
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • January 12, 2022
  • September 29, 2026

Features

Developer

Pay Tel Communications
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Pay Tel screenshot #1 for iPhone
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Pay Tel screenshot #4 for iPhone
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ipad
📉no. 202
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Reviews summary↘︎
⭐112
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📝7+ tags
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🔄6+ apps
Alternatives↘︎
❓5 answered
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📦~ in 1 month
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About

Stay connected with loved ones. Receive instant alerts for messages and notifications. Easily view your balance and add funds, or send photos to inmates in eligible correctional facilities.

✓Instant message alerts
✓Unread message count
✓Current balance visibility
✓Add funds link
✓Send photos to inmates
Show original description

What users say about Pay Tel

Reviews of Pay Tel are mostly negative: the Social Networking app is rated 1.7/5 from 140 App Store ratings. What users like most: enables communication with incarcerated loved ones, video calling functionality available. Top complaints: frequent app crashes and freezes, messages fail to send or display. Summarized from real user reviews.

Positive things

  • 📱Enables communication with incarcerated loved ones
  • 📹Video calling functionality available
  • 💬Messaging feature when working properly
  • ✅App works smoothly after recent updates (per some users)
  • 🎯Easy to add funds/make payments

Negative things

  • 🐛Frequent app crashes and freezes
  • ❌Messages fail to send or display
  • 🔌Constant login errors and authentication failures
  • ⏱️Extremely slow loading times
  • 🔄App randomly logs users out mid-session
  • 💸Expensive pricing for calls and messages
  • 📞Poor call quality with lag and dropped connections
  • 🚫App doesn't work on Wi-Fi connections
  • 😤Unresponsive customer service
  • 🔒Account lockouts with money trapped inside
  • 📝Messages deleted when app glitches or user navigates away
  • ❓Confusing user interface and navigation
  • ⚠️Frequent system outages and downtime
  • 🎥Video call quality is poor
  • 💰Funds added but not reflecting in account balance
See all reviews

What's New in Pay Tel

2.8.5

September 29, 2026

- Bug fixes

Charts

Top Free

📉 202-11

Social Networking

This app dropped -11 positions in Social Networking chart.

Last updated on October 15, 2026.

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Great App

I do not understand all the negative reviews. I’ve had nothing but shining success using this app. Texting, sending pics, it all works great. Maybe some individual sites need to update their equipment?
SecretTreatiesSecretTreaties

Good

Nice
Holiday23 reviewsHoliday23 reviews

Can’t submit payment

I tried three different cards and it won’t accept anything. Sucks
Nicky CulverhouseNicky Culverhouse

Video call

Good app
DesmFloodDesmFlood

Unusable

I have not been able to use the app because I’m not able to enter the name of the person who is incarcerated. I have wasted WAY too much time on this stupid app. I’ve tried on 3 different devices but I don’t get any menu that allows me to enter their name or information. I’ve already added $10 to the account but I guess that’s gone because everything I see says “not refundable”.
Show more
RedDawn50RedDawn50
See 107 more reviews

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

21 issues

App crashes on launch or during use

Bug

Login authentication errors persist across sessions

Bug

Messages fail to send despite payment being deducted

Bug

Messages don't appear in inbox despite being sent

Bug

App logs out randomly while actively in use

Bug

Typing causes screen to flicker and delete message content

Bug

Blank white screens when trying to view messages

Bug

App won't work when Wi-Fi is enabled (Error 403)

Bug

Incorrect notification counts

Bug

Balance doesn't update after adding funds

Bug

Video call invitations don't pop up or display

Bug

Call connections drop mid-conversation

Bug

Echo/feedback during calls

Bug

Calls ring once then hang up immediately

Bug

Account lockout with 'phone number doesn't belong to account' error

Bug

PIN number errors preventing login

Bug

App won't open on certain devices (iPhone specific issues)

Bug

Messages appear days late

Bug

Duplicate messages being sent and charged

Bug

App freezes when typing long messages

Bug

Website login doesn't sync with app login

Bug
✨

Requested Features

12 requests

Improved app stability and performance optimization

Feature

Better customer service responsiveness (live chat, phone support)

Feature

Reduced pricing for calls and messages

Feature

Same-day video visit scheduling

Feature

Better message persistence (don't delete on app exit)

Feature

Improved call quality and connection stability

Feature

Wi-Fi compatibility fix

Feature

Better user interface design and navigation

Feature

Automatic message saving/drafts

Feature

Transaction history visibility

Feature

Refund policy for failed transactions

Feature

Faster fund processing and balance updates

Feature

FAQ

What does the Pay Tel app do?

The Pay Tel app facilitates communication with individuals in correctional facilities. It provides instant alerts for messages and notifications, shows your unread message count, and allows you to view your current balance and add funds. It also enables sending photos to inmates in eligible facilities.

How can I add funds using the app?

The app provides visibility to your current balance. It also includes a direct link to the main PayTel.com website, where you can easily add funds to your account.

Can I send photos to inmates with this app?

Yes, the app allows you to send photos to inmates in eligible correctional facilities. This feature helps maintain connections and share moments with loved ones.

Is the Pay Tel app free to use?

Based on the provided information, the Pay Tel app is free to download and use. There are no mentions of subscription fees or in-app purchases for core functionalities.

Who is the target audience for Pay Tel?

The app is designed for individuals who want to stay connected with friends or family members who are incarcerated. It helps manage communication and financial aspects related to these connections.