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Pairing Instructions for Garmin Explore Compatible Handhelds
This article contains pairing instructions for each Garmin handheld that is compatible with the Garmin Explore™ app. Choose your device from the list below for detailed instructions.
Alpha® 10 Dog Tracking Handheld
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Alpha 10, pressthe Menu button, then select Setup > Phone.
On the Alpha 10, ensure Status is On, then select Pair Phone.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Alpha handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Alpha 10, pressthe Menu button, then select Setup > Phone
On the Alpha 10, ensure Status is On, then select Pair Phone.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Alpha handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Alpha® 200, 200i, 300, and 300i Dog Tracking Handhelds1
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Alpha model, enable pairing mode:
You can enable pairing mode on the Alpha by selecting > Setup > Bluetooth > Continue.
If your Alpha is currently connected with the Alpha app on your phone, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Alpha handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Alpha model, enable pairing mode:
You can enable pairing mode on the Alpha by selecting > Setup > Bluetooth > Continue.
If your Alpha is currently connected with the Alpha app on your phone, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Alpha handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
eTrex® SE or eTrex® Solar Outdoor Handhelds
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
From the main menu on the eTrex, select Settings > Pair Phone.
NOTE: When powering on the eTrex for the first time, you will be prompted to select a language, then select Get Started to pair with a phone.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The eTrex will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
From the main menu on the eTrex, select Settings > Pair Phone.
NOTE: When powering on the eTrex for the first time, you will be prompted to select a language, then select Get Started to pair with a phone.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The eTrex will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Foretrex® 801 and 901 Outdoor Devices
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Foretrex, press PAGE until you reach the menu page, then select PHONE.
If your Foretrex is currently connected with the Garmin Connect app, it may already display as CONNECTED. If connected, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Foretrex will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Foretrex, press PAGE until you reach the menu page, then select PHONE.
If your Foretrex is currently connected with the Garmin Connect app, it may already display as CONNECTED. If connected, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Foretrex will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
GPSMAP® Outdoor Handhelds1
The following GPSMAP models can be paired with the Garmin Explore app:
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
NOTE: In order to pair your GPSMAP series handheld, a data connection is required and the app on your phone or tablet and the software on the handheld must both be up to date. Apps on your phone or tablet can be updated via the app store. For instructions on updating the GPSMAP software, see - Installing Software Updates to Outdoor/Marine Handhelds.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the GPSMAP handheld, press MENU twice to reach the main menu, then select Setup > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device or Continue.
If the GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected. If connected, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The GPSMAP handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the GPSMAP handheld, press MENU twice to reach the main menu, then select Setup > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device or Continue.
If the GPSMAP handheld is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected. If connected, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The GPSMAP handheld will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
inReach® Messenger Plus Satellite Communicator1
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
Place the inReach Messenger Plus into pairing mode:
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.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The inReach Messenger Plus will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
Place the inReach Messenger Plus into pairing mode:
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.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The inReach Messenger Plus will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
inReach® Mini 2 Satellite Communicator1
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
NOTE: The inReach Mini 2 can only be paired to one phone at a time.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
Place the inReach Mini 2 into pairing mode:
If necessary, press until you reach the home page:
From the home page, press OK to open the main menu.
Select Settings.
Select Phone.
Select Pair Phone or Continue.
Depending on the version of software currently installed on the inReach Mini 2, you will either be prompted to use the Garmin Explore app or the Garmin Messenger app. In either case, these prompts simply indicate that the inReach Mini 2 is in pairing mode, and will be recognized by the Garmin Explore app.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The inReach Mini 2 will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
Place the inReach Mini 2 into pairing mode:
If necessary, press until you reach the home page:
From the home page, press OK to open the main menu.
Select Settings.
Select Phone.
Select Pair Phone or Continue.
Depending on the version of software currently installed on the inReach Mini 2, you will either be prompted to use the Garmin Explore app or the Garmin Messenger app. In either case, these prompts simply indicate that the inReach Mini 2 is in pairing mode, and will be recognized by the Garmin Explore app.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The inReach Mini 2 will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Montana® 700 Series Outdoor Handhelds1
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
NOTE: In order to pair your Montana handheld, the app on your phone or tablet and the software on the handheld must both be up to date. Apps on your phone or tablet can be updated via the app store. For instructions on updating the Montana software, see - Installing Software Updates and Managing Maps with the Montana 700 .
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Montana, select > Setup > Pair Phone.
NOTE: If the Montana is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected under Phone. If connected, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Montana will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices.
On the Montana, select > Setup > Pair Phone.
NOTE: If the Montana is currently connected with another Garmin app, it may already display as Connected under Phone. If connected, skip to the next step.
In the Garmin Explore app, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The Montana will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
PRO 550 Plus Dog Tracking Handheld
Instructions for pairing will vary slightly depending on whether or not you have used the Garmin Explore app previously.
NOTE: In order to pair your PRO 550 Plus, a data connection is required and the app on your phone or tablet and the software on the handheld must both be up to date. Apps on your phone or tablet can be updated via the app store. For instructions on updating the PRO 550 Plus software, see - Installing Software Updates to Garmin Dog Products Using Garmin Express.
First Time Users
Install and open the Garmin Explore app.
Allow any app permissions when prompted.
Select Create Account.
NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps, you can select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).
Tap Next after reading and agreeing to the EULA.
Tap Enable Cloud Storage (or Not Now).
Continue selecting Done to proceed through the information about new app features.
Select Add Device when prompted.
The app will then begin searching for devices. It may take several moments for the app to find the PRO 550 Plus.
Once the PRO 550 Plus is found, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The PRO 550 Plus will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
Existing Garmin Explore App Users
Open the Garmin Explore app.
If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.
Select Devices.
Select either + Pair a New Device or .
The app will then begin searching for devices. It may take several moments for the app to find the PRO 550 Plus.
Once the PRO 550 Plus is found, select Connect It and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
The PRO 550 Plus will now be paired with the Garmin Explore app.
1Once connected, devices with 'inReach' or 'i' in the model name (e.g. inReach Mini 2, GPSMAP 67i) will add the ability to send/read inReach messages, request inReach weather forecasts, and trigger an SOS through the Garmin Explore app. Use of these features requires an active inReach satellite subscription.
Devices.
.
> Setup > Bluetooth > Continue.
or 
to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS 
.
.
until you reach the home page:
> Setup > Pair Phone.