Items That Sync Through the inReach Sync Program to an inReach Device

Syncing an inReach® device with the Garmin Explore™ account is an important part of keeping the software up to date, and the inReach device working properly.

Syncing can repair contacts that are not working properly, fix bugs, and ensure changes that have been made in the account are present on the device.

Always check the inReach device after performing a sync to be sure that the data wanted is present. Ensure the login being used is the same as the user to which the inReach device is assigned when attempting to sync. For more information on installing and using inReach Sync, see - Updating inReach Firmware and Syncing Account Changes with inReach Sync. Refer to Related at the bottom of this page for troubleshooting.

inReach Sync Sends the Following to an inReach Device

• Contacts

• Imported Tracks need to be converted to a Route

• Maps (Only applicable to the inReach Explorer®+)

• Check-In Messages (formerly known as Preset Messages)

• Quick Messages

• Routes (Excludes the inReach SE®)

• Software Updates (Excludes the inReach Mini, see Related) 

• Waypoints (Excludes the inReach SE)

inReach Sync Receives the Following From an inReach Device

This excludes the inReach SE device.

• Recorded Tracks

• Waypoints

What If My Plan is Suspended?

NOTE: As of September 18th, 2024, inReach Freedom subscription plans are no longer available for new inReach activations. Existing customers with inReach Freedom subscription plans will still be able to suspend and reactivate their service until their next annual renewal date unless they change to a different plan. For more details, see - Frequently Asked Questions on September 2024 inReach Consumer Subscription Plan Changes.

Data recorded by an inReach device will not sync to the Earthmate® app or to the Garmin Explore website while a subscription is suspended. Data recorded during this period will sync once the account has an active subscription.

Data from the account, including waypoints, routes, tracks converted to routes, and maps (for the inReach Explorer+ only), will still sync to an inReach device while suspended. Firmware updates will also be applied to the device while suspended (excluding the inReach Mini, see Related).

Anytime a device is brought out of Suspension, it is advised to complete another device sync followed by sending a Test Message. This will confirm that the inReach has the most current account and device updates, including any message or contact updates.

If the inReach device has been added to an account but is not active on a subscription plan, inReach Sync may give an error, such as 'Unknown device'. For just updating firmware, the inReach can either be removed from the account or activated to continue. For syncing data from the inReach, it needs to be activated to continue. For syncing data to the inReach, it either needs to be activated or on a suspended Freedom plan to continue.