Select your product to confirm this information applies to you
Troubleshooting Pairing Issues for the Garmin Messenger App
If you are experiencing issues with a compatible inReach™ satellite communicator not pairing with your smartphone, this article goes over what to look for and troubleshooting for the Garmin Messenger™ app, if needed.
IMPORTANT: If you pair your Garmin device through your phone's native Bluetooth® settings first, it will not successfully pair to the Messenger App. Pairing must occur from within the Messenger App for Garmin devices. If you are having trouble pairing, try starting over by first removing the device from your Messenger app and then forgetting the Garmin device from your phone's Bluetooth settings. Go through the pairing process starting from the Messenger app using the instructions below.
Access the app store on the phone to install any available updates for the Garmin Messenger app.
Phone Updates
Most mobile devices install updates automatically, but it is best to confirm you have the latest operating system and install any missing updates. Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance, if needed.
Reboot the inReach Device and the Phone
Restarting the devices you are trying to pair will often resolve common Bluetooth issues.
Try powering off both the inReach device and your phone, then powering them both back on.
Confirm Bluetooth Pairing is Enabled
Check in the phone settings to ensure Bluetooth is turned on and not in Airplane mode. Contact the phone manufacturer for assistance, if needed.
To enable Bluetooth pairing on the inReach device, refer to the instructions for your specific device below:
GPSMAP® 66i, 67i, 86i, and 86sci Outdoor Handhelds
From the main menu on the GPSMAP handheld, select Setup > Bluetooth > Continue.
If your GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with the Garmin Explore™ app on your phone, try toggling Status off and back on.
inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator
If necessary, press and hold to reach the home screen.
Press or to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS.
Select Phone.
Select Pair Device.
inReach Messenger Plus Satellite Communicator
If necessary, press and hold OK to reach the home page.
Press or to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS.
Select Phone.
Select Pair Phone.
inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
From the home page, press OK.
Select Settings.
Select Phone.
Select Pair Phone.
Montana® 700i and 750i Outdoor Handhelds
Select > Setup > Pair Phone.
If your Montana handheld is currently connected with the Garmin Explore™ app on your phone, try toggling Status off and back on.
Retry the Pairing if It Fails or Stalls
If you encounter a Pairing Failed error with the option to Retry, select Retry to try again.
If it fails again after selecting Retry, perform the following:
Forget/remove/unpair the inReach device from the Bluetooth menu in the phone's settings.
Start the pairing process again in the Garmin Messenger app.
Allow Enough Time for the Phone to Find the inReach Device
During the pairing process it can take 20+ seconds for the phone to find the inReach device.
If your phone does not find the device right away, allow more time.
Connect the Phone to Mobile Data and Try Again
If the inReach device is not pairing while the phone is connected to Wi-Fi, try switching to a mobile data connection and try again.
Uninstall and Reinstall the Garmin Messenger App
Uninstall the Garmin Messenger™ app from your mobile device.
Select your operating system below for instructions on how to uninstall an app. For further assistance, refer to your mobile device's user manual.
to reach the home screen.
to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS 
.
.
.
> Setup > Pair Phone.