Updating the Software on Your inReach Messenger Plus

Software for your inReach® Messenger Plus satellite communicator should be kept up-to-date in order to take advantage of improvements and bug fixes. Updates are free and easy to install. To update the software on your inReach Messenger Plus, use the Garmin Messenger™ app or the Garmin Explore™ app on a smartphone, or use the Garmin Express™ program on a computer.

Wireless Software Updates From a Smartphone

The inReach Messenger Plus can be updated wirelessly when connected with the Garmin Messenger or Garmin Explore apps via Bluetooth® wireless technology. If software updates are available they will be downloaded and synced to the inReach Messenger Plus automatically behind the scenes. Once an update has been downloaded, it may take up to 48 hours for the inReach Messenger Plus to prompt you to install the update. If No is selected to install the update on the inReach Messenger Plus, you will be prompted again the next time the device is powered off and back on.

No additional steps need to be done apart from setting up Bluetooth on the device, nor are there any steps that can be used to expedite these types of automatic updates. If you wish to install software updates immediately, Garmin Express must be used.

Garmin Messenger App

The Garmin Messenger app can be used with the inReach Messenger Plus to activate an inReach® subscription, send and receive messages, and make changes to your inReach subscription. It also allows for software updates to be transferred to a paired device.

For steps on pairing with the Garmin Messenger app, see - Pairing Your Phone and Activating an inReach Messenger Plus.

Garmin Explore App

The Garmin Explore app can be used to download topo and aerial maps to your smartphone, save waypoints, create courses, and sync recorded activities to a Garmin Explore account. It also allows for software updates to be transferred to a paired inReach Messenger Plus.

For steps on pairing with the Garmin Explore app, see - Pairing an inReach Messenger Plus With the Garmin Explore App.

Garmin Express

Garmin Express provides the ability to check and offer software updates automatically each time you connect your inReach Messenger Plus to the computer. The Garmin Express program requires the use of a Windows or Mac computer and cannot be utilized on a smartphone or tablet. For information on downloading and installing Garmin Express software, see - How Do I Install Garmin Express?

Updating the inReach Messenger Plus Software With Garmin Express

If this is your first time using a computer with your inReach Messenger Plus, you will need to download and install Garmin Express software.

1. Connect your inReach Messenger Plus to your computer with the USB charging cable.

2. Launch Garmin Express.

3. Select your inReach Messenger Plus.

   • NOTE: If this is your first time using Garmin Express, see - Adding and Removing Devices in Garmin Express.

4. Garmin Express will then display the available updates. Select Install or Install All.

   • Review and accept any prompts for Terms and Conditions or Important Notes.

5. Once complete, disconnect your inReach Messenger Plus from the computer.