Comparing the Garmin Messenger and Garmin Explore Apps

The Garmin Explore app and Garmin Messenger app share a few select features, but there are distinct differences in what each app can do.

Features Only Found in the Garmin Explore App

The Garmin Explore App allows for outdoor navigation, trip planning, and mapping. App features include:

• Off-grid navigation and tracking¹
• Download Topo and Aerial maps to your smartphone
• Create waypoints and courses
• Organize waypoints, tracks, courses, and other saved data into collections

For a list of compatible devices, see - Devices Compatible With the Garmin Explore App.

Features Only Found in the Garmin Messenger App

The Garmin Messenger app is primarily for messaging and does not include any navigation features. App features include:

• Automatically switches between Wi-Fi connectivity, cellular, and satellite network for messaging¹
• Group messaging
• Edit contacts for check-in messages¹
• Messaging features are available with Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity even when no inReach device is connected
  

For a list of compatible devices, see - Garmin Messenger App: Compatible Devices.

Features That Both Apps Offer

• Send and receive messages off-grid via the Iridium satellite network¹
• Trigger an SOS¹
• Request inReach weather forecasts¹
• Access device settings for a connected Garmin device²
  

¹ These features require that an inReach device with an active subscription be connected and within Bluetooth range of the smartphone.

² Device settings are not accessible for all Garmin Explore app compatible devices.