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Uploading and Syncing GPX Files to an inReach Device

If you have GPX files for routes or waypoints that you would like to use with your inReach® satellite communicator, these files can be used by uploading them to the Garmin Explore™ website and then syncing them to the inReach device. The steps below can be used for the following inReach devices:

  • inReach Explorer®

  • inReach Explorer® +

  • inReach® Mini

  • inReach SE® +

For other inReach models, see Related .


1. Uploading GPX Files to the Garmin Explore Website

  1. Log in to the Garmin Explore website.

    • NOTE: A Garmin Explore account is required to log in.

  2. Select Map.

  3. Click White Down Arrow on Grey Background from the top right corner of the map.

  4. Select Import As Routes.

    Explore Website Import Data Screen

  5. Select a Collection or Library to import the files into. Then select Next.

    Red Arrows Pointing to Collection and Library Options in Import Data Screen

  6. Drag files to the import box, or choose Click Here to browse the computer for the files to import.

    Import Data Screen Showing Drag and Drop or Browse File Options

  7. Once the file has been uploaded, select Import. A green check-mark will appear after the import is successful.


2. Syncing the Handheld

Routes and waypoints can be synced to the inReach device by using the inReach Sync desktop app on a computer or by using the Earthmate® app on a paired mobile device.


inReach Sync Desktop App

NOTE: For more detailed steps on how to install and use inReach Sync, see - Updating inReach Firmware and Syncing Account Changes with inReach Sync.

Installing inReach Sync

  1. Sign in at explore.garmin.com using a computer.

  2. Select PLANS & DEVICES from the top of the page.

  3. Select Sync & Update.

    Sync and Update Page on Garmin Explore Website

  4. Under InReach Sync Desktop App, select Windows or Mac to start the download.

  5. Locate the download on your computer and open it.

  6. Follow onscreen prompts to complete installation.

Using inReach Sync

  1. Plug the inReach device into the computer.

  2. Launch inReach Sync from the computer.

    inReach Sync Symbol

    TIP: Login if requested. Use the same email and password the device is associated with. Opening inReach Sync on a Windows or Mac Computer

  3. inReach Sync should automatically detect your inReach device and begin syncing.
    If your inReach device is not automatically connected, try using a different USB cable.

    inReach Sync Program Determining Updates

  4. Close inReach Sync when the sync completes.

    inReach Sync Your inReach is Up to Date


Earthmate App

When the Earthmate app is opened or refreshed, it automatically syncs between the Garmin Explore website and the paired inReach device when it is powered on. It can take a few moments for both to complete.

Syncs can also be performed manually with the steps below.

Important Notes

  • Ensure the same account is logged into on the Earthmate app that is also used on the Garmin Explore website.

  • Your inReach handheld must be paired with the Earthmate app for items to sync properly. For instructions, see - Pairing Instructions for Earthmate Compatible inReach Devices.

  • The paired mobile device needs a data connection to sync to and from the Garmin Explore website.

  • To sync to and from the Earthmate app, the inReach device needs to be powered on and in range (about 10ft) of the paired mobile device.

Syncing Manually

  1. Open the Earthmate app.

  2. Select Three horizontal lines (Android™) or More (iPhone®/iPad®).

  3. Select Account & Sync.

    NOTE: You may need to to add an account to sync. If so, follow the prompts to sign in and input the email and password that you use on explore.garmin.com.

  4. Select Sync.

A spinning circle will appear to indicate it is syncing, and then disappear when the sync is complete.

Make sure to repeat this process every time a change is made to the data stored at explore.garmin.com, on the inReach, or the Earthmate app.


Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

iPhone, iPad, and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.


3. Accessing the New Data on the inReach Device

After syncing the inReach device, the newly added data can be found by accessing one of the navigation options.

inReach Explorer, inReach Explorer+, or inReach SE+

Select Routes or Waypoints from the home page.

inReach Mini

  1. From the home page, press OK.

  2. Select Navigate.

  3. Select Routes or Waypoints.

Related