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Frequently Asked Questions About inReach Check-In Messages

NOTE: Check-in messages have replaced preset messages as of September 27th, 2022. inReach® accounts set up prior to this date will still have preset messages available, but any new accounts created after this date will use check-in messages. For more details, see Related.

Compiled below is a list of frequently asked questions about understanding and using inReach® check-in messages.


What Is a Check-In Message?

  • Check-in messages are a convenient way of sending messages to a predefined group of family and friends from your inReach device. Who the messages are sent to is determined ahead of time on your online inReach account and cannot be edited on your inReach device.


How Many Check-In Messages Can I Have?

  • Each inReach account is limited to 3 check-in messages.


How Can I Edit My Check-In Messages?


How Do I Add Location to Check-In Messages?

  • Location information can be included with check-in messages by configuring SMS message preferences in Account settings on the Garmin Explore website. Location data is automatically included for check-in messages sent to email recipients or other inReach users.

    1. Log into the Garmin Explore website.

    2. Select ACCOUNT.

    3. Scroll down the page to SMS Message Configuration.

    4. Check the first two boxes to include location.

      Message Location Options on Garmin Explore Website

    NOTE: The position format for latitude and longitude coordinates sent in check-in messages are set to Decimal Degrees (WGS84) by default and cannot be changed.


How Do I Send Check-In Messages?


What Contact Options Are There for Sending a Check-In Message? Can I Send Social Messages Using the Check-In Message?

  • Check-in messages can be sent to phone (SMS text) numbers, e-mail addresses, and other inReach devices.


My Plan Says I Have Unlimited Check-In Messages. Do Check-In Messages Count Against My Monthly Message Allotment?

  • All inReach consumer plans, except for the Enabled plan, include unlimited check-in messages.

  • Outgoing check-in messages do not count against the monthly satellite message allotment for these plans.

  • Received check-in messages from another inReach user do not count against your allotment for these plans.


Do Replies to My Check-In Messages Count Against My Monthly Message Allotment?

  • Yes, any message replies sent back to your inReach device over satellites, including replies to check-in messages, count against your monthly satellite message allotment.


What Is the Difference Between Check-In and Quick Text Messages?

The chart below best shows the differences between check-in and quick text messages when using an inReach device.

Check-In vs. Quick Text Messages

 Check-In MessagesQuick Text Messages
How many can I have?320
Who is the message sent to?Determined ahead of time by user on the account at explore.garmin.comDetermined on the device
What does the message say?
  • I'm checking in, everything is okay.

  • I'm starting my trip.

  • I'm ending my trip.

Determined ahead of time by user on the account at explore.garmin.com
Can I use the Garmin Messenger app to send the message?YesYes
Do sent messages count against my monthly satellite message allotment?No, except for Enterprise plansYes
Do received messages count against my monthly satellite message allotment?No. Except for Enterprise plans, check-in messages received from another inReach user do not count against your monthly satellite message allotment.Yes
Do direct replies count against my monthly satellite message allotment?YesYes

Relaterede