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Uploading and Using GPX Files With the inReach Messenger Plus

If you have GPX files for courses, routes, tracks, or waypoints that you would like to use with your inReach® Messenger Plus satellite communicator, these files can be used by adding them to the Garmin Explore™ app.

Uploading GPX Files

GPX files can be uploaded directly into the Garmin Explore app, or they can be uploaded to your account by visiting the Garmin Explore website.

Using the Garmin Explore App (Recommended)

There are two ways to import GPX files into the Garmin Explore app.

Importing a GPX File From Map 

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app and select Unfolded Map Symbol Map .

  2. Tap Plus Symbol.

  3. Select Import .GPX.

  4. Select a file source.

  5. Select the GPX file.

  6. Select Done or OK.

Importing a GPX File From an Email Attachment, SMS Message, or Other Location on Phone

NOTE: With the release of iOS 13, Apple has changed the way the "share" function works with downloaded files and "Copy to Explore" may not show for all users (see About iOS 13 Updates). If you do not see "Copy to Explore" when following these steps, contact Apple Support or use one of the other methods to import your GPX file.

  1. Select the GPX file on your phone to open it.

  2. Follow the prompts to open the file with the Garmin Explore app:

    • iOS: Select Up Arrow Share Icon, then select Copy to Explore.

    • Android: Select to open with Explore.

  3. Select Done or OK.

When the GPX file is imported, a new Collection is created with the name of the GPX file containing all of its data.

Using the Garmin Explore Website

  1. Log in to the Garmin Explore website.

    • NOTE: A Garmin Explore account is required to log in.

  2. Select MAP.

  3. Click White Down Arrow on Grey Background from the top right corner of the map.

  4. Select Import Lines As Tracks or Import Lines As Routes.

    Explore Website Import Data Screen

  5. Select a Collection or Library to import the files into. Then select Next.

    Red Arrows Pointing to Collection and Library Options in Import Data Screen

  6. Drag files to the import box, or choose Click Here to browse the computer for the files to import.

    Import Data Screen Showing Drag and Drop or Browse File Options

  7. Once the file has been uploaded, select Import. A green check-mark will appear after the import is successful.

After importing data on the Garmin Explore website, it must be synced with the Garmin Explore app.

Syncing Data With the Garmin Explore App

When the Garmin Explore app is opened or refreshed, it automatically syncs data with the Garmin Explore website, which can take a few moments to complete. Syncs can also be performed manually, if needed.

Important Notes

  • Ensure the same account is logged into on the Garmin Explore app that is also used on the Garmin Explore website.

  • The paired mobile device needs a data connection to sync to and from the Garmin Explore website.

Syncing Manually

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Select the profile icon in the top left.

  3. Touch Circular Orange Arrows to Sync in the Garmin Explore App below the user's name and email address.

    • The sync icon must be orange to manually perform a sync. If the icon is gray, this usually indicates a recent or upcoming sync.

  4. Wait for the sync to complete.

The Garmin Explore app will update the time of the last sync after the sync has completed.

Accessing the New Data and Using it With the inReach Messenger Plus

Newly added data can be used with the inReach Messenger Plus by accessing the navigation options in the Garmin Explore app. 

NOTE: To access the navigation options, the inReach Messenger Plus needs to be powered on and in range (about 10ft) of the paired mobile device. For pairing instructions, see - Pairing an inReach Messenger Plus With the Garmin Explore App.

Follow the steps below to navigate with a course, route, track, or waypoint.

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Select Unfolded Map Symbol Map or Bookmark Symbol Saved and locate the course, route, track, or waypoint you wish to navigate to.

  3. Select the course, route, track, or waypoint.

    • If selecting an item from the map, select the name of the item after tapping on the map.

  4. Select Go.

    • If you have more than one connected Garmin device, follow the prompts to select the inReach Messenger Plus.

The selected destination will be shared with the connected Garmin device(s) and navigation will begin in both the app and on the connected device(s) once GPS has been acquired. You may also be prompted with the option to enable location sharing (i.e. Tracking) for your inReach Messenger Plus.

Detailed navigation information can viewed in the Garmin Explore app. Navigation Arrow will appear on the home screen of the inReach Messenger Plus to indicate that navigation is in progress. If Tracking is enabled, Location Sharing Symbol will also appear on the home screen.

inReach Messenger Plus Home Screen

Navigation will end automatically once you have reached your destination. You can also end navigation by swiping up from the bottom of the app and selecting Stop or by pressing OK from the home screen on the inReach Messenger Plus, then selecting Stop Navigation.

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