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Transferring Existing inReach Service to Another inReach Device
IMPORTANT: Professional and Flex Team accounts must reach out to the Professional Support team for any device transfers. Contact Professional Support.
The steps below walk through transferring the current inReach® satellite communication service to another inReach device for the following scenarios:
Exchanging a device for a replacement device
Transferring service between two devices on one Consumer account
Upgrading to a new device
Transferring inReach Service to Another Device Using the Garmin Messenger™ App
NOTE: The following process only works when transferring service to Garmin Messenger app compatible inReach devices. If you are currently on a Freedom or Annual plan and transferring service to an inReach Messenger Plus device, you will be prompted to select one of our new plans before the transfer can begin processing. Old plans are not compatible with inReach Messenger Plus devices.
In the Garmin Messenger app,select the profile icon or in the top left to access the app settings.
Select Add Device or Devices.
Ensure that pairing mode is enabled on the new inReach device. This is typically done by selecting Setup or Settings, then selecting Bluetooth >Pair Device.
In the Garmin Messenger app, select Connect It and enter the 6 digit code from the new inReach device when prompted.
A message will appear stating Another device is already activated on your account. Select Transfer Service.
Another message will appear.
Select TRANSFER SERVICE.
The transfer will begin processing. Select CLOSE and the transfer of service will continue in the background.
Sync account changes to the new inReach device.
NOTE: If you are switching service to a new device and also planning to sell or give away your old device, be sure to reset the old device.
Touch the three dots in the top right, then Unpair.
Select (Android) or More (iPhone/iPad).
Select Map.
Touch from the top of the Map page.
Select the inReach model you are transferring service to.
Touch Connect.
Ensure that pairing mode is enabled on the new inReach device. This is typically done by selecting Setup or Settings, then selecting Bluetooth, Phone, or Pair Phone.
Touch the inReach device once it appears in the list under Select An Accessory or Available Devices. NOTE: It may take 1-2 minutes for the device to appear in the list.
Follow the prompts on your mobile device to enable permissions and finish pairing.
A message will appear stating Another device is already activated on your account.
Select TRANSFER SERVICE.
The transfer will begin processing. Select CLOSE and the transfer of service will continue in the background.
Sync account changes to the new inReach device.
NOTE: If you are switching service to a new device and also planning to sell or give away your old device, be sure to reset the old device.
Transferring inReach Service to Another Device Using the Garmin Explore™ Website (e.g. Tread® Devices)
NOTE: If you are currently on a Freedom or Annual plan and transferring service to an inReach Plus device, you will be prompted to select one of our new plans before the transfer can begin processing. Old plans are not compatible with inReach Plus devices.
If you do not have access to one of our apps, service can be transferred to another inReach device by visiting the Garmin Explore website. If transferring service to a Tread® - Overland Edition, Tread® - SxS Edition, or Tread® XL - Overland Edition GPS navigator, the Garmin Explore website must be used.
NOTE: On mobile browsers, select in the top left, then PLANS & DEVICES.
Select Add inReach Device.
Select Get Started for Tread devices, or select Need to activate without using an app? for other inReach devices.
Enter the new or replacement device IMEI number and authorization code. Then select Next.
TIP: If you need help finding the IMEI number and authorization code, select one of the device images in the window and instructions will be provided.
Select Add Device and Move Service.
If prompted, sign in with your email and password again.
A message will appear stating Another device is already activated on your account. Select TRANSFER SERVICE.
Service will begin transferring to the new device. This may take several minutes.
While transfers typically take 10-15 minutes, it can take upwards of an hour. The amount of time depends on how many other users are activating or upgrading service.
The transfer will begin processing. Select CLOSE and the transfer of service will continue:
Sync account changes to the new inReach device once the activation is complete.
NOTE: If you are switching service to a new device and also planning to sell or give away your old device, be sure to reset the old device.
Syncing Account Changes to Your New inReach Device
Steps for this can vary depending on the inReach model. For specific steps, select the inReach model below:
Alpha® 200i or Alpha® 300i Dog Tracking Handheld: After pairing with the Garmin Messenger app, any account related changes will automatically be synced to the inReach Messenger when it is connected and the phone has a data connection.
inReach® Messenger: After pairing with the Garmin Messenger app, any account related changes will automatically be synced to the inReach Messenger when it is connected and the phone has a data connection.
inReach® Messenger Plus: After pairing with the Garmin Messenger app, any account related changes will automatically be synced to the inReach Messenger Plus when it is connected and the phone has a data connection.
There is no charge for transferring service from one device to another.
Transferring service is able to be done whether it is active or suspended,1 but if suspended,1 the device being transferred to will also be suspended.1 If the plan is suspended,1 syncing only updates the device firmware and service cannot be tested. In this case it will be best to wait until service is reactivated to sync and test the device.
If a device suspension1 or plan change is pending, the transfer of service will remove the pending suspension1 or plan change. Once the transfer has completed, the suspension1 or plan change will need to be completed again.
If you are closing your account and selling or giving away the inReach device, see Related instead.
1As 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.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
iPhone, iPad, and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
in the top left to access the app settings.
(Android™) or More (iPhone®/iPad®).
from the top of the Map page.
in the top left, then PLANS & DEVICES.
