Select your product to confirm this information applies to you

My Garmin inReach is Not Staying Connected to the Garmin Messenger App

If you are experiencing issues with a compatible inReach® device not staying connected with the Garmin Messenger™ app, this article goes over common items to check and troubleshooting steps, if needed.

Items to Check for Bluetooth Issues in the Garmin Messenger App

When it comes to Bluetooth® wireless connections, there are many variables to consider and items to check before determining that troubleshooting is necessary.

Check the Bluetooth Connection

An active Bluetooth connection is required for the inReach device and the Garmin Messenger app to work together. If Bluetooth has been disabled, or a connection disruption is experienced, many of the functions with in the Garmin Messenger app will stop working.

Bluetooth Status on the inReach Device

GPSMAP 66i, 67i, 86i, and 86sci Handhelds

  1. Press MENU twice to access the main menu.

  2. Select Setup.

  3. Select Bluetooth.

  4. Ensure Status is toggled on.

inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator

  1. If necessary, press and hold Left Arrow Button to reach the home page.

  2. Press Left Arrow Button or Right Arrow Button to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS Wrench.

  3. Select Phone Bluetooth Symbol.

  4. Ensure Bluetooth Status is set to On.

inReach Messenger Plus Satellite Communicator

  1. If necessary, press and hold OK to reach the home page.

  2. Press Left Arrow Button or Right Arrow Button to scroll through the main menu and select SETTINGS Gear Wheel.

  3. Select Phone Bluetooth Symbol.

  4. Ensure Bluetooth Status is set to On.

inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

  1. If necessary, press Back Arrow Key until you reach the home page:

    inReach Mini 2 Home Page

  2. From the home page, press OK to open the main menu.

  3. Select Wrench Settings.

  4. Select Bluetooth Symbol Phone.

  5. Select Status to toggle Bluetooth on.

    Status will show as Connected or Waiting for Phone when Bluetooth is enabled.

Montana 700i and 750i Handhelds

  1. Select Home.

  2. Select Setup.

  3. Select Phone.

  4. Ensure Status is toggled on.

Bluetooth Status on Phone

Bluetooth should remain enabled on the paired phone to stay connected with the inReach device.

  • Check in the settings of the phone to confirm Bluetooth is on.

    • For assistance, consult the phone manufacturer.

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled if using Airplane mode.

  • Confirm the Garmin product appears on the phone's list of connected devices and is Connected.

Check Connection Status in the Garmin Messenger App

  1. Open the Garmin Messenger app.

  2. Select Device.

    NOTE: If this option is not available, the inReach device will need to be paired with the app.

  3. View the connection status.

Check The Phone's Internet Connection

A data connection on the phone (Wi-Fi or mobile data) is required to make certain account related changes, such as editing Check-in messages, LiveTrack™ settings, or MapShare™ settings. If the connection is unavailable or has been disrupted, you may see an error message in the app.

  • Ensure Wi-Fi or mobile data is enabled on the phone.

  • Turn off Airplane mode.

  • Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data.

  • Try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi.

  • Use a different Wi-Fi network.

Confirm All Software Is Up to Date

To stay connected, it is important that all software is current on the inReach device, the Garmin Messenger app, and the phone.

inReach Device Software

Use Garmin Express on a computer to check for software updates available for the inReach device. For steps, see - Installing Software Updates to Outdoor Handhelds.

Garmin Messenger App

Check for updates in the app store for your phone. 

App Store IconGoogle Play Store Icon

Phone Software Updates

Most mobile devices install updates automatically but it is best to confirm you have the latest operating system and install any missing updates. Consult your phone manufacturer for assistance, if needed.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues

If none of the above helps resolve the issue, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below.

1. Forget the inReach Device From the Bluetooth Menu of the Phone

  • Consult the phone manufacturer for steps if needed.

2. Remove the inReach Device From the Garmin Messenger App

  1. Open the Garmin Messenger app.

  2. Select the profile icon or Gear Symbol in the top left.

  3. Select Selected Device.

  4. Select Remove Device.

3. Restart the inReach Device and Phone

  • Power off the inReach device, then power it back on.

  • Power off the phone, then power it back on.

4. Pair the inReach Device to the Phone Again

Contact Us for More Help