A device with an active inReach subscription will check for messages based on the following:

Listen Interval of that model
After a message or track point has been sent
After requesting a weather forecast
By performing a manual mail check

When the device checks for messages, it must have a clear view of the sky and may take a few minutes for the message to be received.

Listen Intervals

Listen Intervals vary by device model and are outlined below.

GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci and Montana 700i/750i

Listens for 10 minutes after sending a message
Checks for new messages every hour

inReach Explorer/SE

Default Listen Interval is 10 minutes
Listen Interval can be adjusted in Settings > Messages

inReach Explorer+/SE+

Default Listen Interval is 10 minutes
Listen Interval can be adjusted in Settings > Messages
Checks for new messages every hour

Note: Hourly Mail Checks were added in software version 4.2 as a system default. When a custom Listen Interval is set, Mail Checks will be performed every hour in addition to chosen Listen Interval.

inReach Mini

Listens for 10 minutes after sending a message
Checks for new messages every hour

Manual Message Check

If you are waiting for a reply and do not want to wait for the next listen interval, a manual check can also be initiated on the device.

GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci

Power on the GPSMAP 66i/86i/86sci
Press the Menu button twice to reach the Main Menu
Select inReach Utilities
Select Check Mailbox

inReach Explorer or SE

Power on the inReach
Select Check
Select Check Now

inReach Explorer+ or SE+

Power on the inReach
Select Check
Select Check Now

inReach Mini

Power on the inReach
Press the down arrow until you reach the Mail Check screen
Press OK

Montana 700i/750i

Power on the Montana 700i/750i
Select to reach the Main Menu
Select inReach
Select inReach Utilities
Select Check Mailbox

How inReach Messaging Works

inReach products use GPS satellites to find your position but send and receive messages through the Iridium satellite network. Depending on your location and your surroundings, messages can be sent or received in a matter of seconds, or it can take up to 30 minutes. In certain situations, it could take longer, especially if tracking is not actively being used.

For inReach devices to connect to the Iridium communication satellites, they need to be outside. There is only one Iridium satellite in the sky at a time. Each Iridium satellite passes by every 15 to 20 minutes, travels North-South, and rarely flies directly overhead. An area surrounded by mountains, heavy tree cover, buildings, or other solid structures will increase the time it takes to send and receive messages or track points. Clouds have no effect on the communication between the Iridium satellites and the inReach device. The signal transmitted by the device may be too weak to reach the satellites through windows, so if you cannot connect to satellites indoors or in a vehicle, then you need to take the inReach outside.

When the inReach is used around a building or obstruction, it is best to be on the North or South side.