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Frequently Asked Questions About the Garmin Messenger App
Overview
Garmin Messenger is the app companion for compatible Garmin inReach users and their friends and family to stay in touch. For more information on that, see - Garmin Messenger App Overview.
Setup and Limits
How Do I Begin Using the Garmin Messenger App?
To use the Garmin Messenger app, you must either have a compatible inReach device, receive an invite from someone else who has a compatible inReach, or have other Garmin Messenger app users' phone numbers saved in your phone contacts.
NOTE: When you allow Garmin Messenger app to access your phone contacts the app will check for other Garmin Messenger users based on their phone numbers.
Download and install the Garmin Messenger app from Google Play or the App Store.
Once installed, sign in with your Garmin account to pair a compatible inReach, or create a Garmin account if you do not already have one.
If you do not have a compatible inReach device, it is not necessary to sign in, but you will be prompted to verify your mobile phone number in order to use the app.
How Many Phones Can I Use the Garmin Messenger App On?
Garmin devices are limited to pairing and connecting with one smartphone at a time, so be sure you are paired and the Garmin device shows connected in the Garmin Messenger app prior to hitting the trail.
Pairing
How Do I Pair My inReach Device?
For pairing instructions, refer to the following FAQ:
Messaging
What Types of Messages Can I Send?
Custom messages: Select your recipient(s), compose your message, and tap
.Check-in messages: When used with a compatible inReach device, send messages to preselected recipients to let them know your status. There are three check-in messages that can be predetermined in who they go to: 1) I’m checking in, everything is OK, 2) I’m starting my trip, and 3) I’m ending my trip.
Quick text messages: When used with a compatible inReach device, choose from a list of up to 20 Quick Text messages. These are helpful to save time not having to type out commonly-used phrases and replies.
- Photo and voice messages: When used with the inReach Messenger Plus satellite communicator, start a custom message and select
, then select Voice Message, Camera, or Photos to include a voice recording or photo in your message.
How am I Charged for Message Usage?
Satellite messages sent or received will count against your monthly inReach message plan.
Satellite transmission is still the primary method of communication for inReach products and the app will switch to satellites when necessary to continue sending and receiving messages as long as a compatible inReach device is powered on and connected with the app.
Some messages that would normally count towards a plan's included message limit may not be counted if they are sent or received over internet under very specific circumstances. For more details, see - Message Charges When Using the Garmin Messenger App.
How Can I Tell if a Message Was Sent via Satellite or With My Phone's Data Connection?
Open a message thread in the app, then select one of the messages in the thread to view more details. Under the Message Type it will be labeled with Internet Message or Satellite Message.
What is the Difference Between New Message and New Post?
When composing a new message you have the option to send it as a New Message or a New Post.
New Message: Used when sending a message to a single contact, or when starting a group message with multiple cell phone numbers. For group messages, all Garmin Messenger app users in the message thread will see each others messages in one thread. Contacts that are not using Garmin Messenger will receive the initial message individually in their default SMS app, and their replies will be returned as direct messages to the user who started the group message. Group messages cannot contain email, inReach, or social addresses.
New Post: Posts are delivered individually, and replies return as direct messages. This allows you to send the same message out to multiple recipients, but then continue the conversations with each recipient individually.
How Many Recipients Can Be in a Group Message?
Group messages are limited to 5 recipients.
Power Usage
How Much of an Impact Will the Garmin Messenger App Have on the Battery Life of My Phone?
The Garmin Messenger app uses location services of your phone. Impact to the battery life of your phone should be the same as any other application that uses location services.