Pairing the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci to a Different Mobile Phone and Garmin Messenger App

NOTE: This article is intended for users who have already activated an inReach® subscription for their GPSMAP® 66i, GPSMAP 86i, or GPSMAP 86sci handheld. If you have not yet activated an inReach subscription for the device, see - How to Activate a GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci in the Garmin Messenger App.

The Garmin Messenger™ app is an Android and iOS mobile application that optimizes inReach messaging to use the cellular connection of your compatible smartphone when it is available, then switches to 100% global Iridium satellite link with a compatible inReach device when you go beyond available cellular coverage range. It also allows you to control and customize certain functions and settings for the connected inReach device.

The GPSMAP 66i, 86i, and 86sci can be paired with one smartphone at a time. There may be situations where it is necessary to pair an GPSMAP with a different mobile phone than when it was originally paired. When that is needed, it must have that connection to the original phone and its number removed.

Steps for Current Phone 

When getting a new phone or wanting to pair the device to a different mobile phone, we recommend removing the prior connections. 

1. Deleting the Garmin Messenger Account

These steps sign you out of the app and disconnects your phone number from the app to prevent any potential messaging issues once the app has been uninstalled. Deleting your Garmin Messenger account will not affect your inReach account or subscription.

If you no longer have access to your old phone skip to Steps for New Phone .

1. Open the Garmin Messenger app.

2. Touch the profile icon or  in the top left.

3. Select Accounts > Manage Garmin Messenger Account > Delete Garmin Messenger Account > Delete Account.

2. Unpairing the Device From the Phone

Garmin inReach® models can maintain one Bluetooth connection at a time. Before pairing an inReach device with a new Android or iOS device, you will first need to unpair the mobile device that had previously been paired to the inReach using the instructions below.

Unpairing from an Android Device

1. Open Settings on your Android device.

2. Select Bluetooth or Connected Devices.

3. Select the inReach Device or select .

4. Select Unpair.

Unpairing from an iOS Device

1. Open Settings on your iOS device.

2. Select Bluetooth.

3. Select the  next to the inReach device.

4. Select Forget this Device.

Steps for New Phone

When getting a new phone, you need to go through the process of pairing as if it is a new device.

1. Install and open the Garmin Messenger app.

2. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

3. Tap Get Started.

4. Select Sign In (or Continue as ['username'], if prompted).

5. Follow the prompts to verify your mobile phone number, confirm you have read the End User License Agreement, then select Next.

   • NOTE: If you use a VPN on your phone, it may need to be temporarily disabled during this step as it may prevent the app from being able to send the verification code to your mobile phone number. VPN can be reenabled after you have finished setting up the app.

6. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone number.

7. Select Next and follow the prompts to enable permissions.

8. Select the profile icon or  in the top left.

9. Select Add Device (or Devices > Add Device).

10. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

11. Enable pairing mode on the GPSMAP by following these steps:

    1. Press MENU twice to reach the main menu.

    2. Select Setup.

    3. Select Bluetooth.

    4. Select Continue.

12. In the Garmin Messenger app, select Connect It and enter the 6 digit code from the GPSMAP when prompted.