How to Activate an inReach Mini 2 in the Garmin Messenger App

NOTE: This article is intended for users who have not yet activated an inReach® subscription for their inReach Mini 2 communicator. If you have already activated an inReach subscription for the device, see - Pairing an inReach Mini 2 With the Garmin Messenger™ App.

Before you can use the messaging and SOS functions on an inReach device, you must create an account and activate a service plan for it. If you are having issues logging into your inReach account or creating a new account, see Related .

IMPORTANT

• The software on the inReach Mini 2 must be up to date before it can be used with the Garmin Messenger app. For instructions, see - Updating the Software on Your inReach Mini 2.

• You cannot add additional users to Personal Plan inReach accounts. To have multiple users with assigned devices on a single account, you need a Professional Flex Plan.

• Activation fees are non-refundable. Read and view the following before starting to set up your account - Difference Between inReach Personal and Professional Plans. Pick the plan that is best for your usage.

• The inReach Mini 2 cannot be activated using the Garmin Messenger app for professional accounts. If you need to activate the device on a professional account, see - Setting Up a New inReach Professional Account.

• If you already have an inReach account and need to move your service from your old device to the inReach Mini 2, you will be prompted to transfer your service when pairing with the app.

• When you first set up the Garmin Messenger app, you are prompted to verify your mobile phone number on the mobile phone that will be used. From that point on, any inReach messages sent to your phone number will be routed to the Garmin Messenger app instead of your phone's default text messaging app.

Watch the following video, or follow the steps below

Pairing and Activating an inReach Mini 2

If you are activating a brand new device, proceed with the steps below. If you have an inReach device that was acquired second-hand, it may need to be reset before proceeding with these steps. To reset the device, see - Full Reset of the inReach Mini 2.

1. Setting up the Garmin Messenger App

1. Install and open the Garmin Messenger™ app.

2. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

3. Tap Get Started.

4. Select Create Account, then enter your name, email, and a password and select Next.

   • NOTE: If you already have a Garmin account or have previously used other Garmin apps such as Garmin Connect™ or Garmin Explore™ you can 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.

2. Pairing the inReach Mini 2

1. In the Garmin Messenger app, select the profile icon or  in the top left.

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

3. Allow any app permissions when prompted.

4. When powering on the inReach Mini 2 for the first time, you will be prompted to select a language and then it will automatically start looking for the Garmin Messenger app. If you had skipped this on the device previously, you can enable pairing mode on the inReach Mini 2 by following these steps:

   1. From the home page, press OK.

   2. Select Settings.

   3. Select Phone.

   4. Select Pair Phone.

5. In the Garmin Messenger app, select Connect It, enter or confirm the 6 digit code from the inReach Mini 2 when prompted, then allow any additional app permissions if prompted.

3. Activating an inReach Plan

ACH NOTE: Credit or debit card information needs to be provided in order to complete the activation steps below.

1. After completing the steps above for pairing, if necessary select Device in the lower right, then select Activate when prompted.

2. If prompted, sign in again.

3. Choose between inReach Essential, inReach Standard, and inReach Premium plans.

   Tap Select This Plan for the chosen plan.

4. SOS step:

   • Read through the included SOS benefits, then click Next.

   • If desired, choose Add for one of the Search and Rescue (SAR) insurance plans. This is not required. Once finished, select Next or Skip.

5. Select the box to agree to automatic renewal, enter the names of the insured individual and beneficiary if SAR was added, then select Next.

6. Review the terms and conditions, then select Accept & Continue.

7. Enter your billing information, then select Next.

8. Enter your emergency information (or select the box for Same as Billing Info), then select Next.

   • Emergency Notes is a good place to add information of any known medical concerns. If you have additional coverage for medical evacuation or search and rescue, you can include that and how to get in contact with the company providing that service. Example:

      

9. Add Emergency contacts information, then select Next.

10. Review all entered information to confirm it is correct, then enter your payment information.

11. Check the box to authorize use of this payment method for future account charges, then select Complete Activation or Confirm Purchase.

12. Once the activation is processing you can select Close.

    

After completing the steps in the app, follow the prompts on the inReach Mini 2 to complete the activation. If this was skipped on the device previously, press from the home page, then press OK to select Activation. Continue to press OK through the prompts until Sending Activation is displayed.

Next, ensure that the inReach has a clear view of the sky or a connection to the Garmin Messenger app and wait for the activation to complete on the device.

Registering Your inReach

Your inReach is registered automatically during activation of service to the device, or adding it to your Garmin Explore account. 

The inReach Mini 2 can receive software updates through the Garmin Express™ program. Adding these devices to the Garmin Express program to update them will also register them. For more information, see - Installing Software Updates to Outdoor Handhelds.