Testing Text Messaging on an inReach Handheld

It is recommended to test both that your subscription service is active and that you can send out a text message. Sending out a test text message will ensure that your inReach® satellite communicator is working properly before you take it out into the field. You can find instructions to test your inReach service is active by visiting Testing inReach Service to Verify Active Subscription.

To test the messaging service, follow the recommended guidelines of utilizing check-In/preset messages below.

Testing Text Messaging on an inReach Device

NOTE: Check-in messages have replaced preset messages as of September 27th, 2022. inReach® accounts set up prior to this date will still have preset messages available, but any new accounts created after this date will use check-in messages. Remember that while outbound check-in/preset messages do not count against any plan, any reply will count against subscription plans that have a limited number of included messages.

1. Add recipients for a check-in/preset message.

   • For testing, it is suggested to set someone other than yourself as the recipient.

   • For instructions on editing these messages, see - Editing inReach Preset Messages or Editing inReach Check-In Messages.

2. Sync your inReach device.

   NOTE: inReach Explorer® devices and inReach SE® devices must sync check-in/preset messages via inReach Sync.

   • Updating inReach Firmware and Syncing Account Changes to an inReach SE®/+ or inReach Explorer®/+

   • Updating the Firmware and Syncing Account Information to an inReach Mini

   • Syncing the inReach Mini 2 With the Garmin Explore™ Website and App

   • Syncing an Alpha® 200i With the Garmin Explore Website and App

   • Syncing a GPSMAP® 66i/86i/86sci With the Garmin Explore Website and App

   • Syncing a GPSMAP® 67i With the Garmin Explore Website and App

   • Syncing a Montana® 700i/750i With the Garmin Explore Website and App

   • For the inReach Messenger or inReach Messenger Plus, simply connect it with the Garmin Messenger™ app on a smartphone. Any account related changes will automatically be synced to the inReach Messenger when it is connected and the phone has a data connection. For steps, see - Pairing an inReach Messenger With a Smartphone or Pairing an inReach Messenger Plus With the Garmin Messenger App.

3. Take your inReach device outside with a clear view of the sky and send the check-in/preset message.

   NOTE: If you have the Garmin Messenger app on your phone, be sure to enable your phone's airplane mode until the message has finished sending. This ensures that the message is sent via satellite rather than over cellular or Wi-Fi.

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with an inReach SE or Explorer

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with an inReach SE+ or Explorer+

   • Sending a Check-In Message with an inReach Messenger

   • Sending a Check-In Message with an inReach Messenger Plus

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with an inReach Mini

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with an inReach Mini 2

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with an Alpha 200i

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with a GPSMAP 66i

   • Sending a Check-In Message with a GPSMAP 67i

   • Sending a Check-In/Preset Message with a Montana 700i/750i

If the message was successfully received, your inReach device is working properly.

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