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.
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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.
Each inReach account is limited to 3 check-in messages.
You can customize the recipient list of your check-in messages, but you cannot customize what the check-in messages say. For more details, see - Editing Check-In Contacts on the Garmin Explore™ Website.
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.
Log into the Garmin Explore website.
Select ACCOUNT.
Scroll down the page to SMS Message Configuration.
Check the first two boxes to include location.
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.
For information on sending check-in messages, select the link below for your app or device:
Check-in messages can be sent to phone (SMS text) numbers, e-mail addresses, and other inReach devices.
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.
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.
The chart below best shows the differences between check-in and quick text messages when using an inReach device.
| Check-In Messages | Quick Text Messages | |
|---|---|---|
| How many can I have? | 3 | 20 |
| Who is the message sent to? | Determined ahead of time by user on the account at explore.garmin.com | Determined on the device |
| What does the message say? |
| Determined ahead of time by user on the account at explore.garmin.com |
| Can I use the Garmin Messenger app to send the message? | Yes | Yes |
| Do sent messages count against my monthly satellite message allotment? | No, except for Enterprise plans | Yes |
| 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? | Yes | Yes |