Recommended Guidelines for Storing an inReach Handheld With Lithium-Ion Battery

When an inReach® satellite communicator is being put into storage for the off-season, certain controllable factors, such as battery percentage and storage temperature, can contribute to overall battery health.

Improper storage can shorten battery capacity or even disable a battery.

Properly Storing Your inReach Device

Follow the information and guidelines below to ensure proper storage of your inReach so the battery will last for years to come.

• Ensure the inReach device's battery is charged to 30-50%.

• Before placing the inReach device into its storage place, make sure it is fully powered off.

  • Display timeout and power save settings (such as Expedition Mode) can make it look like the device is powered off, when only the display is off.

    • Alpha® 200i, GPSMAP® 66i, 67i, 86i, or 86sci, and Montana® 700i, 710i, 750i, or 760i handheld users: Press and hold Power until the power icon appears and the screen goes blank.

    • inReach Messenger users: Press and hold Power, then release once the power icon appears.

    • inReach Messenger Plus users: Press and hold Power, then release once the power icon appears.

    • inReach Mini users: Press and hold Power, then release once it beeps and select Turn Off.

    • inReach Mini 2 users: Press and hold Power, then release once the power icon appears.

    • inReach SE® or inReach Explorer® handheld users: see - Powering an inReach SE or Explorer On and Off.

    • inReach SE+ or inReach Explorer+ handheld users: see - Turning an inReach SE+ or Explorer+ On and Off.

• Store the inReach device in a cool, dry place at a typical household temperature level (between 68ºF /20ºC and 77ºF/25ºC).

• Rechargeable batteries self-discharge gradually over time, so monitor and recharge batteries (30-50%) every 3 months while in storage.

• You should recharge the battery to 100% before using it again.

Expected Battery Life for inReach Devices When Powered Off

The expected battery life for all inReach devices when fully powered off is up to 1 year.

NOTE: Setting an alarm clock or having barometric pressure trending set to Save Always will reduce the expected battery life when the inReach device is powered off. These options are only available on certain inReach device.

For more information regarding battery life, see - Improving the Battery Life of Garmin inReach Products.

Tips for Your inReach Plan

As of June 5th, 2025, all consumer inReach subscription plans have the option of suspending service for up to 12 months with no re-activation fee, except for inReach Annual Contract subscription plans. For steps, see - Suspending an inReach Subscription Service Plan.

When you are ready to bring your inReach handheld out of storage and use it again, see - Preparing Your inReach for a Trip.