Getting Started With the Garmin Messenger App And a Garmin Watch

The Garmin Messenger™ app on a compatible smartphone uses the cellular or Wi-Fi® connection of your phone to allow select Garmin® watches to send and receive messages with the Messenger app. This app lets you communicate via two-way text, exchanging messages with friends and family directly from your watch. See our video below for setting up and using the Messenger app:

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What You Will Need

The Garmin Messenger app works on your phone with or without a compatible watch connected, but in order to be able to use the Messenger app on your watch, your watch will need to be paired and connected to the Garmin Connect™ app. Make sure you have the following:

• A compatible watch on the latest software

  • See the Software tab for your device in Support Center for steps on updating your watch

• Compatible watch paired to your smartphone through the Garmin Connect app

• The Garmin Messenger app downloaded to your phone

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Pairing

To receive and reply to Garmin Messenger notifications on your compatible watch, it will need to be paired to the Garmin Messenger app. Follow the instructions below for setting up the Messenger app and pairing your watch.

Add the Messenger Glance

The Messenger glance is where you can view conversations and send messages directly on your watch. Search “Customizing the Glance Loop” or “Customizing the Glance List” in your owner's manual for more specific instructions on adding a glance.

1. Hold MENU.

2. Select Appearance.

3. Select Glances.

4. To add a glance to the loop, select Add.

5. Select the Messenger glance.

The Messenger glance has now been added to your glance loop.

Pair to the Garmin Messenger App

NOTE: Your Garmin watch will need to be paired to your smartphone through the Garmin Connect app. See "Pairing Your Phone" in your owner's manual for more information.

1. Download the Garmin Messenger app.

2. Select Get Started.

3. Select Continue to log in using your current Garmin Connect account.

   NOTE: If you have two-step authentication set up, you will need to enter in a code to verify your login.

4. Enter your mobile phone number.

5. Agree to the terms and conditions.

6. Select Next.

7. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone.

8. Select Next to enable permissions.

   NOTE: You will need to select Allow to let the Garmin Messenger app use Bluetooth®, access the contacts list from your phone, and to send notifications (alerts, sounds, and icon badges).

9. Select Done. 

10. Select Add to Messenger to pair your watch.

11. Select Done.

Messages can now be sent and received on your watch.

Pairing Multiple Devices to the Messenger App

If you already use the Messenger app and would like to add your watch to the app you can follow the steps below. 

1. Make sure the watch is paired to the Garmin Connect app on your phone.

2. Add the Messenger glance to your watch. Follow the steps above .

3. Open the Messenger glance on your watch.

4. Press the Start button to scroll through the information screens until you see a QR code.

5. Scan the code with your phone's camera. The Messenger app on your phone will open and search for the watch.

6. When the watch is found, select Add to Messenger.

After the setup is complete, your watch will be added to the app for messaging.

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Using the Messenger Glance

From the Messenger glance you can view Messenger notifications, reply to or send new messages, and view your conversations with other Garmin Messenger app users.

Sending a New Message

1. Open the Messenger glance.

2. Select New Message.

3. Select a recipient.

4. Select Next.

5. Select a check-in message, or Keyboard to type.

   NOTE: You can use the Instant Keyboard in the Garmin Connect app to type a message. For more information on this, see Using the Instant Keyboard in the Garmin Connect App.

   If you receive the error One or more contacts could not be reached via this app, this may indicate that the recipient does not currently have the Garmin Messenger app. To invite someone to use the Garmin Messenger app, open the Garmin Messenger app on your phone, select the pencil icon to start a new message, then select Invite to Messenger.

Replying to a Message

1. Open the Messenger glance

2. Select a previously received message.

3. Select Reply.

4. Select a check-in message, or Keyboard to type.

   NOTE: You can use the Instant Keyboard in the Garmin Connect app to type a message. For more information on this, see Using the Instant Keyboard in the Garmin Connect App.

   If you receive the error One or more contacts could not be reached via this app, this may indicate that the recipient does not currently have the Garmin Messenger app. To invite someone to use the Garmin Messenger app, open the Garmin Messenger app on your phone, select the pencil icon to start a new message, then select Invite to Messenger.