Poor Satellite Reception on an inReach

InReach® devices are designed to conserve battery charge whenever possible. Unless the tracking is turned on, the InReach handheld doesn't start tracking satellites until it is needed. When you send a message with an inReach handheld, and you have it set to include your location, the device will attempt to connect to GPS satellites to gather your location. If it is unable to immediately get a satellite GPS location, you will see the message "Poor Satellite Reception" or "Poor GPS Strength". The message can also appear when connection to iridium satellites is weak. 

Improving Satellite Reception

• Allow the inReach handheld a clear view of the sky, and the horizon. Both Iridium and GPS reception depend on the inReach handheld seeing satellites. 
• The inReach handheld antenna should be pointed towards the sky for the best reception. 

Poor Satellite Reception When Sending Messages

• If including location with your message, having tracking on reduces the likelihood of seeing the poor satellite message because the device is already looking for, or connected to, GPS satellites. 
• Messages sent to an email address always attempt to include location. Poor Satellite reception may appear more often when sending messages to email and you may need to wait for GPS. 
• If an inReach has poor satellite reception and a message was sent using either the Earthmate® app, Garmin Explore® app or the Garmin Messenger™  App, the message can include the location from the phone.
• If the inReach handheld is unable to get your location, the inReach handheld will ask if you would like to send the message without location.

Alternatively, location can be disabled for SMS text messages to further conserve battery. View the Related Content below for instructions on enabling or disabling location for SMS text messages.