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Troubleshooting inReach Sync for the inReach Explorer and SE

When connecting the inReach® Explorer or SE to your computer to sync or update, the device should indicate it is charging, and the inReach® Sync desktop app should display a color image of the connected device. For specific steps on syncing, refer to the Install inReach® Sync section below.

If the inReach® Sync app fails to establish a connection between an inReach® Explorer or SE and your computer, use the troubleshooting steps below. For specific inReach® Sync errors, see Related .

IMPORTANT: Mac users may need to be under the admin user profile for inReach® Sync to work properly. For how to switch profiles, see - Apple Support - Switch Quickly Between Users on Mac. If further assistance is needed with this process, contact Apple Support.

Install inReach® Sync

Sync Not Yet Installed

In order to sync data from the Garmin Explore Website to an inReach via a computer the inReach Sync desktop application is needed. 

To Download inReach Sync:

  1. Open the Garmin Explore website
  2. Select Plans & Devices tab
  3. Select Sync & Update
  4. Locate inReach Sync Desktop App and select Windows or Mac

For steps on updating inReach firmware and syncing account changes can be found: Updating inReach Firmware and Syncing Account Changes with inReach Sync

Different USB Port

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Different USB Cable

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Soft Reset the inReach

  1. Press and hold X and Down.
    Red Squares around X and Down Arrow Buttons
  2. Release X and Down when the inReach® device powers off.
  3. Power on the inReach® device.
  4. Connect the inReach® device to the computer, if not already connected.
  5. Open inReach® Sync and test to confirm that the issue has been resolved.

Firmware Update Mode

  1. Power off the inReach® device and disconnect it from the computer.
  2. Press and hold X, Check, and Down simultaneously.
    Red Squares around X, Down Arrow and Checkmark Buttons
  3. The device will power on into Firmware Update Mode.
    Firmware Update Message
  4. Connect your device to the computer.
  5. Open inReach® Sync and test to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
    • NOTE: When inReach® Sync recognizes your device, the app will display a message that the firmware on the device is corrupt. Click Yes to proceed with the firmware update and Sync.

Uninstall/Reinstall inReach® Sync

Uninstall/Reinstall the App

Select your operating system below to view steps

Windows Vista/7
  1. Click on Start
  2. Select Control Panal
  3. Select Uninstall a program
  4. Find the Application called 'inReach Sync'
  5. Select Uninstall
Windows 8.1/10
  1. Right Click on the Start Menu
  2. Select Apps & Features
  3. Find the Application called ‘inReach Sync’
  4. Select Uninstall.
Mac
  1. In Finder, go to the ‘Go’ menu on the Top Menu-bar
  2. Select Applications
  3. Find inReach Sync
  4. Click/drag to the Trash Can to remove
  5. Empty the Trash Can

Once completed, follow the steps within the related article to download and install inReach Sync.


NOTE: Be sure to reboot or restart your computer after the app has been reinstalled.

Device Factory Reset

IMPORTANT: A factory reset deletes all contact, message, waypoint, route, and logging data stored on an inReach® device. Only use this option if you have tried all of the previous potential solutions. Before resetting the device try pairing and syncing using the Earthmate® mobile app, see below . 

  1. Turn on the inReach® device.
  2. Select Settings.
    Location of Settings in the Menu
  3. Select Restore Factory Settings.
    Location of Restore Factory Settings
  4. Select Reset.
    Location of Reset Option
    • NOTE: The inReach® device will reboot.
  5. After the unit reboots, connect the inReach® device to the computer.
  6. Open inReach® Sync and test to confirm that the issue has been resolved.

As an alternative if you still are unable to sync using the inReach® Sync desktop app,  you can try pairing and syncing using the Earthmate® mobile app. See, Pairing Instructions for Earthmate Compatible inReach Devices // Syncing inReach Account Changes with the Earthmate App.

If you are looking for troubleshooting steps for inReach® Sync with other inReach® models, select the model here: inReach Explorer+ and SE+ or inReach Mini.

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