# Pay Tel — Pay Tel Connect™

> Communication and fund management for inmate connections. (iPhone/iPad app by Pay Tel Communications.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pay-tel/id1593243820 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pay Tel Communications](https://appshunter.io/developer/1593243822)
- Category: Social Networking
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.60/5 from 126 App Store ratings · 107 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 34 MB
- Released: 2022-01-12
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pay-tel/id1593243820/reviews.md

## What is Pay Tel?

The Pay Tel app provides you with easy access to important functionality:
Instant alerts for any notifications from Pay Tel™ or your inteleMESSAGE™ contacts.
Current unread messages count indicator. Just press to open inteleMESSAGE™.
Visibility to your current balance, and a link to the main PayTel.com site for Adding Funds.
Send photos to inmates in eligible facilities.

## Key features

- Instant message alerts
- Unread message count
- Current balance visibility
- Add funds link
- Send photos to inmates

## Chart rankings

- #197 in Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

## What do users think of Pay Tel?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 📱 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

**Cons**

- 🐛 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

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch or during use
- Login authentication errors persist across sessions
- Messages fail to send despite payment being deducted
- Messages don't appear in inbox despite being sent
- App logs out randomly while actively in use
- Typing causes screen to flicker and delete message content
- Blank white screens when trying to view messages
- App won't work when Wi-Fi is enabled (Error 403)
- Incorrect notification counts
- Balance doesn't update after adding funds
- Video call invitations don't pop up or display
- Call connections drop mid-conversation
- Echo/feedback during calls
- Calls ring once then hang up immediately
- Account lockout with 'phone number doesn't belong to account' error
- PIN number errors preventing login
- App won't open on certain devices (iPhone specific issues)
- Messages appear days late
- Duplicate messages being sent and charged
- App freezes when typing long messages
- Website login doesn't sync with app login

**Most requested features**

- Improved app stability and performance optimization
- Better customer service responsiveness (live chat, phone support)
- Reduced pricing for calls and messages
- Same-day video visit scheduling
- Better message persistence (don't delete on app exit)
- Improved call quality and connection stability
- Wi-Fi compatibility fix
- Better user interface design and navigation
- Automatic message saving/drafts
- Transaction history visibility
- Refund policy for failed transactions
- Faster fund processing and balance updates

## Recent user reviews (10 of 107)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pay-tel/id1593243820/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Terrible app

*2026-06-19*

This is not a good app j have added money to this account and it wont even let me send a message or use the video visitation im very upset about this because its mandatory that my loved one gets to see his family and thaey are making it impossible

**Developer response:** We are sorry to hear about your experience and understand how important it is to stay connected with your loved one. After reviewing the account associated with phone number 478244XXXX, we found that 130 messages were successfully sent between 6/19 and 6/24. We also found nine successful video visits during this same time period.

If you still have any additional questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service team at 800-729-8355. We are happy to assist.

### 1/5 — Give me my refund

*2026-05-31, version 2.5.0*

It will not let me find my inmate and customer service is horrible now I’m out 20 bucks GIVE ME MY REFUND

### 1/5 — The dumbest ap

*2026-05-26, version 2.5.0*

Ew

### 1/5 — It sucks!!!

*2026-03-30, version 2.5.0*

They take your money on your account without the video call going through!! Their customer service is BS!!

### 1/5 — Terrible app

*2026-03-28*

Downloaded app and can’t even do anything on it !! Less options and can’t even send a message or add contact I’ve contacted customer service and no feedback . An app for nothing ! Can’t even get in touch with a loved one

**Developer response:** We apologize for this experience. We would need to speak with you to resolve your issue. Please contact us at 8007298355 so we can help resolve this issue.

### 1/5 — Class Action Lawsuit?

*2026-03-26, version 2.5.0*

Yes, it’s that bad!

### 1/5 — The absolute worst!

*2026-03-22, version 2.5.0*

Double messages, double charge! Immediately dropped calls equals lost of money, no reimbursement!!! Echos to no sounds on calls! Video visit: No phone approvals on weekends! Just horrible

### 1/5 — Worst app

*2026-03-21, version 2.5.0*

This is the worst application ever made

### 1/5 — This app sucks

*2026-03-21, version 2.5.0*

I hate it it won’t let me message my man I’ve had to make 2 accounts! Highly ticked off

### 1/5 — TAKES YOUR MONEY!

*2026-03-14, version 2.5.0*

Hate this thing. Most of the time it double sends my texts and charges me for it.

## Frequently asked questions about Pay Tel

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.7.2 — 2026-08-05

- Bug fixes

### 2.6.4 — 2026-07-16

- Bug fixes

### 2.6.3 — 2026-07-07

- Bug fixes

### 2.5.0 — 2025-12-09

- Support for new inteleMessage

### 2.4.1 — 2025-08-19

- Bug Fixes

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*