Select your product to confirm this information applies to you

Montana 700 Series Not Connecting After Updates

In November 2021, updates were released for both the Montana® 700 series outdoor handhelds and the Garmin Explore™ app that improve how the handheld connects with the app via Bluetooth. If you had previously paired your Montana 700 series handheld with a phone or tablet, the following prompt will appear on the handheld after updating:

Montana 700 Reconnect Prompt After Updating

To remove the existing pairing and reconnect your Montana handheld, follow the steps below.

Removing the Existing Pairing

Android Devices

The Montana handheld will need to be removed from the Garmin Connect™ app, the Garmin Explore™ app, and the phone or tablet's Bluetooth settings.

Garmin Connect App

  1. Open the Garmin Connect app.

  2. Access the menu by selecting More (bottom right).

  3. Scroll down and select Garmin Devices.

  4. Press and hold the image of the Montana.

  5. Select Remove Device from the pop-up box.

  6. Acknowledge the message by touching REMOVE.

Garmin Explore App

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Select Device icon.

  3. Select the image of the Montana.

  4. Select REMOVE DEVICE.

Phone or Tablet Bluetooth Settings

NOTE: Your settings may vary based on the model of your phone. Consult your phone owner's manual for specific steps.

  1. Access the phone's settings menu and touch Bluetooth.

  2. Under PAIRED DEVICES touch the  Gear Icon icon next to the Montana.

  3. Select Unpair.

  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any additional Montana pairings.

iOS Devices

The Montana handheld will need to be removed from the Garmin Connect™ app, the Garmin Explore™ app, and the iPhone or iPad's Bluetooth settings.

Garmin Connect App

  1. Open the Garmin Connect app.

  2. Access the menu by selecting More (bottom right).

  3. Scroll down and select Garmin Devices.

  4. Select the image of the Montana.

    • NOTE: You can also choose to swipe left on the line of the device that you wish to remove; if you choose this option, skip to the next section for the Garmin Explore app.

  5. Select Three Dots Icon (upper right corner)

  6. Select Remove Device.

  7. Select Remove from the pop-up box.

Garmin Explore App

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Select Device icon.

  3. Select the image of the Montana.

  4. Select REMOVE DEVICE.

iPhone or iPad Bluetooth Settings

  1. Access the iPhone or iPad's settings menu and touch Bluetooth.

  2. Under MY DEVICES touch the lowercase I in a circle icon icon next to the Montana.

  3. Select Forget This Device

    • If the Montana is powered on and within range, it may automatically show up under DEVICES. Do not pair the Montana from this screen. 

  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any additional Montana pairings.

Reconnecting the Montana 700 Series Handhelds

The Montana 700 series handhelds can now be paired with the Garmin Explore™ app, the Garmin Connect™ app, or both. For more details on the differences between these two apps, see - Benefits of Using the Garmin Explore App Compared to the Garmin Connect App.

NOTE: The Garmin Explore app is required for the Montana 700i and 750i handhelds to sync inReach® account changes to the device.

Garmin Explore App

Ensure that the Garmin Explore app is up to date, then follow the steps below to pair the Montana handheld.

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

    • If prompted, read and agree to EULA, and sign in.

  2. Select Device icon Devices.

  3. Select either Pair Device or + if you already have a Garmin device paired.

  4. Select Add Device.

  5. Select your specific Montana 700 model from the list.

    • NOTE: If you paired the Montana handheld with the Garmin Connect app before the Garmin Explore app, skip to step 10.

  6. On the Montana, touch House Icon to reach the Main Menu.

  7. Select Setup.

  8. Select Pair Phone.

    • NOTE: If you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the Montana can be paired.

  9. Select Pair.

  10. In the Garmin Explore app, select the Montana and follow the prompts to complete the setup

Garmin Connect App

  1. Open the Garmin Connect app.

  2. Access the menu by selecting More (bottom right).

  3. Select Garmin Devices.

  4. Select Add Device.

    • NOTE: If you paired the Montana handheld in the Garmin Explore app before the Garmin Connect app, skip to step 9.

  5. On the Montana, touch House Icon to reach the Main Menu.

  6. Select Setup.

  7. Select Pair Phone.

    • NOTE: If you do not see Pair Phone, you will need to select Phone, then Forget Phone before the Montana can be paired.

  8. Select Pair.

  9. In the Garmin Connect app, select Connect It after Garmin Connect finds your Montana, then follow the prompts.

    • If it does not display, select Browse all compatible devices and search for your model.

Contact Us for More Help