Methods of Tracking and Sharing Location Data on Garmin Products

Many Garmin® products have ways to track your location and aid in navigation. Some of them also offer ways for you to share your location with another party. The information below is a general guide on ways Garmin products can track or share your location. Check your owner's manual or device specifications to see if your product supports a feature.

GPS Location Tracking

Many Garmin devices have built in Global Positioning System (GPS) signal receivers. By receiving signals from satellites in orbit, these devices are able to determine your current location. These signals are free to use with no subscription fees or setup charges. For more information about how it works, see What Is GPS? 

Because GPS is a one-way signal from satellite to device, devices with receivers do not have a way to transmit their location unless they have an additional connectivity method.

LiveTrack™ Feature in the Garmin Connect™ App

One way that GPS receiver devices can transmit their position is through using a Bluetooth pairing to a smartphone. The Garmin Connect App LiveTrack Feature, which is available on many Garmin watches, cycling computers, and handhelds. This feature uses your cellular connection to send location data to preselected contacts. LiveTrack only shows your location when you initiate a session. It requires you to have your phone with you and paired to your Garmin device for the entirety of your activity, and that the phone have adequate cellular signal to send data. This feature is free to use for any compatible product.

GroupTrack Feature in the Garmin Connect App

The GroupTrack Feature through the Garmin Connect app uses the LiveTrack feature to allow you to keep track of other members of your group during an activity. Once set up and a session has begun, the position of other members of your group with compatible Garmin devices will show on your Garmin device. Like LiveTrack, this free to use feature requires that your phone be with you and paired to your device for your entire activity, and that the phone have signal to send data.

Watches With LTE

Some watches have built in wireless connectivity that eliminates the need for a phone to transmit your position. The Bounce™ watch is aimed at helping parents and kids stay connected. The watch transmits its location, which can be viewed through the Garmin Jr.™ app on previously paired or authorized smartphones. The LTE features also allow for voice messaging, preset text messages, and even assistance alerts to be sent between the watch and predetermined contacts. Use of LTE features requires a paid subscription and that the watch be within coverage areas.

inReach® Satellite Communicators

inReach satellite communicators use the Iridium® satellite network of communication satellites to send and receive data, in addition to having GPS satellite receivers. With an inReach device and an active purchased , you can send location information and messages to anyone from anywhere¹. Using a LiveTrack or MapShare™ device tracking page also allows people to follow your location in real time, when you set your inReach to send data to the webpage. You also can access emergency support through the interactive SOS and Garmin Response℠ team.

¹Some jurisdictions may regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices. See Countries Where inReach Devices May Be Regulated, Prohibited or Embargoed and check with your local authorities.