Using an inReach Device Without the Garmin Explore App

The Garmin Explore™ app is used for syncing items such as Contacts, Check-In Messages ( formerly known as presets) , or Quick Text Messages, and user data between your online Garmin Explore account and a paired inReach® satellite communicator. 

inReach devices that are compatible with the Garmin Explore app cannot sync via a computer.

While it is recommended to use the Garmin Explore app, it is still possible to use your inReach without ever pairing and syncing with the app.

Why Do I Need the Garmin Explore App?

• The Garmin Explore app acts as the go-between for the Garmin Explore website and the inReach device for syncing items such as Contacts, Check-In Messages (formerly known as Preset Messages), and user data between your online Garmin Explore account and the paired inReach device.

---

What are the Advantages of Pairing and Syncing My inReach Device With the Garmin Explore App?

• Contacts created in your Garmin Explore account can sync over into your inReach device.

• Check-in/Preset Messages created in your Garmin Explore account can sync over into your inReach device. The content and the recipients of your presets can then be viewed directly on the inReach device.

• Quick Text messages created in your Garmin Explore account can sync over into your inReach and are a quick way to send a message from the device directly. Quick Texts cannot be edited manually on the inReach device itself.

• Detailed maps can be download for use in the Garmin Explore app.

• The Garmin Explore app allows for easier use overall for creating contacts, messaging, requesting and viewing weather forecasts, reviewing user data, and much more.

• Courses can be created directly in the app and then synced over to your inReach device.

• Newly saved activities and waypoints can easily sync over to your Garmin Explore account through the app.

---

What Happens if I Do Not Pair and Sync My inReach Device With the Garmin Explore App?

• Contacts created in your Garmin Explore account will not sync over to your inReach device.

  • Contacts have to be manually created using your inReach device.

  • If you do not manually create contacts on your inReach device, you will have to manually type in recipient phone numbers, emails, and inReach addresses when composing messages.

• Check-in/Preset Messages created in your Garmin Explore account will not sync over to your inReach device. You will not be able to view the content or recipients of these messages on the inReach device.

  NOTE: You can still pick a Check-in/Preset Message to send, but you have to remember or write down what the content and recipients are for each one. Check-In/Preset Messages cannot be manually entered using your inReach device.

• Changes to your Quick Text messages in your Garmin Explore account will not sync to your inReach device and cannot be manually changed on the inReach device.

IMPORTANT: If you experience any issues with messaging, you must pair and sync your inReach device with the Garmin Explore app.

---

What if I Only Have My inReach Device For SOS?

• It is not required to have your inReach device paired and synced with the Garmin Explore app in order to use the SOS button.

  NOTE: You must have an active inReach subscription to use SOS.

• If you are not using your inReach device with the Garmin Explore app, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with how to send messages using your inReach device.