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Using an inReach Explorer+/SE+ Without a Subscription

The inReach Explorer®+ and inReach SE®+ handhelds can be used without a subscription. When you power on your inReach® handheld, you will encounter a message that states: "Welcome Communication features require activation".1 From this screen, simply select Skip and the inReach handheld will be ready to use.

Review the information below for what features can and cannot be used.

Device Functions That Can be Used Without a Subscription

  • Saving waypoints

  • Track recording

  • Navigation to waypoints

Communication Features Requiring a Subscription

Using the Earthmate® App Without a Subscription

The Earthmate app is a mobile application that is used together with the inReach device to make certain tasks easier, such as messaging and tracking.

You can log in to the Earthmate app if you already have a Garmin account. If you do not already have an account, you can create one in the app.

Without an active subscription, functions in the Earthmate app are limited.

Features That Do Not Require an Active Subscription

  • Pair with inReach device

  • Download maps

  • Create waypoints

  • Record tracks

  • Compass

  • Sync (transfer) waypoints and tracks to the inReach device

Features That Require an Active Subscription

  • SOS Messaging

  • Text Messaging

  • Location Requests

  • Weather

  • Send Tracking

  • MapShare Page

  • LiveTrack Page

  • Create routes

  • Sync (transfer) your data to an online account

NOTE: Even without an active subscription, the Earthmate app does not remove options that are not functional. So you may still see Messages and SOS as options, even though they will not work.

Can I Transfer Tracks, Routes, or Waypoints To and From My inReach Explorer+ or inReach SE+ Handheld Without a Subscription?

Tracks, routes, and waypoints can only be transferred from an inReach Explorer+ or inReach SE+ handheld when there is an active inReach subscription.

Tracks, routes, and waypoints can be transferred to an inReach Explorer+ or inReach SE+ handheld when there is an active inReach subscription or when the subscription is suspended on a Freedom plan.2

For information about what items can sync through inReach Sync, see Related at the bottom of the page.

NOTE: If the inReach device has been added to an account but is not active on a subscription plan, inReach Sync may give an error, such as 'Unknown device'. For just updating firmware, the inReach handheld can be removed from the account, activated, or placed into Firmware Update Mode to continue. For more details, see - Unknown Device Error When Using inReach Sync.

Activating an inReach Subscription Later

If you decide you want to activate an inReach subscription, you can do so through the Earthmate app. For steps, see - How to Activate an inReach SE(+)/Explorer(+) or Mini.

If you experience any issues activating, refer to - Issues Activating an inReach Product.

1 If your inReach device does not display the message above when powering on, you need to update your inReach device. For steps, see -  Updating InReach SE+/Explorer+ Firmware Without an Active Device or Explore Account.

2 As of September 18th, 2024, inReach Freedom subscription plans are no longer available for new inReach activations. Existing customers with inReach Freedom subscription plans will still be able to suspend their service until their next annual renewal date unless they change to a different plan. For more details, see - Frequently Asked Questions on September 2024 inReach Consumer Subscription Plan Changes.

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