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Using an inReach Messenger Without the Garmin Messenger App
The Garmin Messenger™ app is used for syncing items such as contacts, check-in messages, and quick text messages between your online Garmin Explore™ account and a paired inReach® Messenger device.
The inReach Messenger device cannot sync via a computer.
What are the Advantages of Pairing My inReach Messenger Device With the Garmin Messenger App?
- The Garmin Messenger app allows you to activate an inReach subscription, which is required for messaging, SOS, and other satellite communication features.
- Contacts created in your Garmin Explore account can sync over into your inReach Messenger device.
- Changes to your check-in messages can sync over into your inReach Messenger. device The content and the recipients of your check-in messages can then be viewed directly on the inReach Messenger device.
- Quick Text messages created in your Garmin Explore account can sync over into your inReach Messenger device. Quick Texts cannot be edited manually on the inReach Messenger itself device.
- The Garmin Messenger app allows for easier use overall for creating contacts, messaging, requesting and viewing weather forecasts, and much more.
- The Garmin Messenger app will automatically download software updates for your inReach Messenger when it is connected to your mobile phone with a data connection.
What Happens if I Do Not Pair My inReach Messenger Device With the Garmin Messenger App?
- inReach satellite communication features, including SOS, are not available without an active inReach subscription. Without the Garmin Messenger app, activation must be completed on the Garmin Explore website.
- Contacts created in your Garmin Explore account will not sync over to your inReach Messenger device.
- You will have to manually type in recipient phone numbers, emails, and inReach addresses when composing messages.
- Changes to your check-in messages will not sync over to your inReach device. You will not be able to view the recipients for these messages on the inReach device.
NOTE: You can still pick a check-in message to send, but you have to remember which recipients they are set to send to. Recipients for check-in messages cannot be manually entered using your inReach Messenger. - Changes to your Quick Text messages in your Garmin Explore account will not sync to your inReach Messenger device and cannot be manually changed on the inReach Messenger.
What if I Only Have My inReach Messenger For SOS?
- It is not required to have your inReach Messenger paired with the Garmin Messenger 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 Messenger with the Garmin Messenger app, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with how to compose and send messages using your inReach Messenger.