Pairing Your Phone and Activating an inReach Messenger Plus

NOTE: This article is intended for users who have not yet activated an inReach® subscription for their inReach Messenger Plus satellite communicator. If you have already activated an inReach subscription for the device, see - Pairing an inReach Messenger Plus With the Garmin Messenger App.

Before you can use the messaging and SOS functions on an inReach device, you must create an account and activate a service plan for it. If you are having issues logging into your inReach account or creating a new account, see Related at the bottom of the page.

IMPORTANT

• You cannot add additional users to Consumer Plan inReach accounts. To have multiple users with assigned devices on a single account, you need a Professional account.

• Activation fees are non-refundable. Read and view the following before starting to set up your account - Difference Between inReach Personal and Professional Plans. Pick the plan that is best for your usage.

• If you need to activate the device on a professional account, see - Activating an inReach Messenger on an inReach Professional Account.

• If you already have an inReach account and need to move your service from your old device to the inReach Messenger Plus, you will be prompted to transfer your service when pairing with the app.

• When you first set up the Garmin Messenger app, you are prompted to verify your mobile phone number on the mobile phone that will be used. From that point on, any inReach messages sent to your phone number will be routed to the Garmin Messenger app instead of your phone's default text messaging app.

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Pairing and Activating an inReach Messenger Plus

If you are activating a brand new device, proceed with the steps below while within cell range for a data connection. If you have an inReach device that was acquired second-hand, it may need to be reset before proceeding with these steps. To reset the device, see - Full Reset of the inReach Messenger Plus.

1. Setting up the Garmin Messenger App

1. Install and open the Garmin Messenger™ app.

2. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

3. Tap Get Started.

4. Select Create Account, then enter your name, email, and a password and select Next.

   • NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps such as Garmin Connect™ or Garmin Explore™ you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).

5. Follow the prompts to verify your mobile phone number, confirm you have read the End User License Agreement, then select Next.

   • NOTE: If you use a VPN on your phone, it may need to be temporarily disabled during this step as it may prevent the app from being able to send the verification code to your mobile phone number. VPN can be reenabled after you have finished setting up the app.

6. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone number.

7. Select Next and follow the prompts to enable permissions.

2. Pairing the inReach Messenger Plus

1. In the Garmin Messenger app, select the profile icon or in the top left.

2. Select Add Device (or Devices > Add Device).

3. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

4. When powering on the inReach Messenger Plus for the first time, you will be prompted to select a language and then it will automatically start looking for the Garmin Messenger app. If you had skipped this on the device previously, you can enable pairing mode on the inReach Messenger Plus by following these steps:

   1. If necessary, press and hold OK to reach the home page.

   2. Press or  to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS .

   3. Select Phone .

   4. Select Pair Phone.

5. In the Garmin Messenger app, select Connect It and enter the 6 digit code from the inReach Messenger Plus when prompted.

3. Activating an inReach Plan

ACH NOTE: Credit or debit card information needs to be provided in order to complete the activation steps below.

1. After completing the steps above for pairing, if necessary select Device in the lower right, then select Activate when prompted.

2. If prompted, sign in again.

3. Choose between inReach Essential, inReach Standard, and inReach Premium plans.

   Tap Select This Plan for the chosen plan.

4. SOS step:

   • Read through the included SOS benefits, then click Next.

   • If desired, choose Add for one of the Search and Rescue (SAR) insurance plans. This is not required. SAR insurance plans are available for purchase in the US, Canada, and US Territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands). Once finished, select Next or Skip.

5. Select the box to agree to automatic renewal, enter the names of the insured individual and beneficiary if SAR was added, then select Next.

6. Review the terms and conditions, then select Accept & Continue.

7. Enter your billing information, then select Next.

8. Enter your emergency information (or select the box for Same as Billing Info), then select Next.

   • Emergency Notes is a good place to add information of any known medical concerns. If you have additional coverage for medical evacuation or search and rescue, you can include that and how to get in contact with the company providing that service. Example:

      

9. Add Emergency contacts information, then select Next.

10. Review all entered information to confirm it is correct, then enter your payment information.

11. Check the box to authorize use of this payment method for future account charges, then select Complete Activation or Confirm Purchase.

12. Once the activation is processing you can select Close.

    

After completing the steps in the app, follow the prompts on the inReach Messenger Plus to complete the activation. If this was skipped on the device previously, press from the home page, then select ACTIVATION .

Next, ensure that the inReach Messenger Plus has a clear view of the sky or a connection to the Garmin Messenger app and wait for the activation to complete on the device.

Registering Your inReach Messenger Plus

Your inReach device is registered automatically during activation of service to the device, or adding it to your Garmin Explore™ account. 

The inReach Messenger Plus can receive software updates through the Garmin Express™ program. Adding these devices to the Garmin Express program to update them will also register them. For more information, see - Updating the Software on Your inReach Messenger Plus.