Syncing the inReach Messenger Plus With the Garmin Explore Website and App

The Garmin Explore™ app acts as the go-between for the Garmin Explore website and the inReach® Messenger Plus satellite communication device. The app and website can also be used to create, manage, and view waypoints, routes, tracks, and recorded activities.

When paired and connected, the inReach Messenger Plus, website, and app regularly communicate with each other. When the app syncs, it sends and receives user data between the website and the inReach Messenger Plus. With an inReach subscription, the app also syncs account changes made on the website such as Check-In Messages (formerly known as Preset Messages), Contacts, and other items to the inReach Messenger Plus.

Even if you only ever use the app, the website is the cloud storage for data synced from the inReach Messenger Plus through the app.

NOTE: It is not possible to sync messages from the Garmin Explore website inbox to the Garmin Explore app. There may be instances where they have been deleted such as transferring service from one device to another, or resetting a device. 

Pairing With the Garmin Explore App

Before you can sync, you must first pair your handheld with the Garmin Explore app. Pairing instructions can be found in the following article: Pairing an inReach Messenger Plus With the Garmin Explore App.

Syncing With the Garmin Explore Website and Garmin Explore App

IMPORTANT: You must use the Garmin Explore app to sync data to and from the handheld, the inReach Sync application is not compatible.

When the Garmin Explore app is opened or refreshed, it automatically syncs between the Garmin Explore website and the paired inReach device when it is powered on. It can take a few moments for both to complete.

However, syncs can also be performed manually with the steps below. Syncing manually can be useful for sharing newly created data or changes between the Garmin Explore app, Garmin Explore website, and inReach device.

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.

  • To sync to and from the Garmin Explore app, the inReach device needs to be powered on and in range (about 10ft) of the paired mobile device.

Syncing Manually

Syncing With the Garmin Explore Website

1. 1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

   2. Select the profile icon in the top left.

   3. Select  under the user's name and email address.

      • The sync icon has to 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.

When the sync is finished, the icon will change to gray and display the time of the last sync.

Syncing With the inReach Messenger Plus

1. 1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

   2. Select  Devices.

   3. Select the inReach Messenger Plus.

   4. Select .

   5. Wait for the sync to complete.

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

Items That Sync Between the Paired Device, Garmin Explore Website, and Garmin Explore App

NOTE: When a device is suspended the inReach services are inactive, which means the inReach capabilities will cease to function (messaging, SOS, inReach Weather, etc.), However, the inReach device can still sync with the Garmin Explore app and website while suspended.

From the inReach Messenger Plus to the Garmin Explore App and Website

Keep in mind that tracking requires an active inReach subscription and there is an additional cost per send/track point on Safety and Essential plans (varies by currency).

• • Tracks

    • While tracking with the inReach Messenger Plus, the device sends out location points via satellite to create a track file that is shared in real time to your MapShare™ tracking page and the Garmin Explore website, and later the Garmin Explore app (once an internet connection is available).

  • Activities

    • Once tracking is stopped, the recording is also saved in the background as an activity file. Saved activity files cannot be accessed directly from the inReach Messenger Plus, but will be synced to the Garmin Explore app via a Bluetooth® connection.

From the Garmin Explore App and Website to the inReach Messenger Plus

Collections, courses, routes, tracks, and waypoints cannot be accessed directly from the inReach Messenger Plus. However, an individual course, route, track, or waypoint can be selected in the Garmin Explore app to navigate with the inReach Messenger Plus and will be temporarily shared with the inReach Messenger Plus while navigation is in progress.

• • Collections

  • Contacts¹

  • Courses

  • Routes

    • May be limited to 20 routes per Collection

  • Tracks

    • May be limited to 5 tracks per Collection

  • Waypoints

  • Check-In Messages (formerly known as Preset Messages)¹

  • Quick Text Messages¹

¹ An active inReach satellite subscription is required.