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Syncing the Alpha 200i with the Garmin Explore App

The Garmin Explore™ app is used for storing, sorting, creating and reviewing user data. If you have an active inReach® satellite communication subscription it will also let you send messages and start inReach tracking from your smartphone. When the Garmin Explore app is synced it will receive and send data to the Garmin Explore website1 and a paired Alpha® 200i handheld.2

There are several ways the application syncs automatically. For instance, when the application is opened or refreshed it will automatically sync. However, syncs can also be performed manually. Syncing manually can be useful for sharing newly created data between the Garmin Explore app, the Garmin Explore website, and the Alpha 200i handheld. 

Pairing With the Garmin Explore App

Before you can sync, you must first pair your handheld with the Garmin Explore app. Pairing instructions can be found in the following article: Pairing the Alpha 200/200i With the Garmin Explore App.


Syncing With the Garmin Explore Website and Garmin Explore App

When the Garmin Explore app is opened or refreshed, it automatically syncs between the Garmin Explore website and the paired handheld device when it is powered on. It can take a few moments for both to complete.

However, syncs can also be performed manually with the steps below. Syncing manually can be useful for sharing newly created data or changes between the Garmin Explore app, Garmin Explore website, and handheld device.

Syncing Manually With the Garmin Explore Website

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Select the profile icon in the top left.

  3. Select Explore Sync Icon below the user's name and email address.

    • The sync icon has to be orange to manually perform a sync. If the icon is gray, this usually indicates a recent or upcoming sync.

  4. Wait for the sync to complete.

When the sync is finished, the icon will change to gray and display the time of the last sync.

Syncing Manually With the Paired Alpha 200i

  1. Open the Garmin Explore app.

  2. Select Watch and Handheld Devices.

  3. Select the Alpha 200i.

  4. Select Explore Sync Icon

    • The sync icon has to be orange to manually perform a sync. If the icon is gray, this usually indicates a recent or upcoming sync.

  5. Wait for the sync to complete.

The Garmin Explore app will update the time of the last sync after the sync has completed.


Items That Sync Between the Paired Device, Garmin Explore Website, and Garmin Explore App

NOTE: When a device is suspended on an inReach Freedom subscription plan the inReach capabilities will cease to function (messaging, SOS, inReach Weather, etc.), but all other aspects of the device still work. As such, it can still sync with the Garmin Explore app and website while suspended. As of September 18th, 2024, inReach Freedom subscription plans are no longer available for new inReach activations, but existing customers with inReach Freedom subscription plans will still be able to suspend and reactivate their service until their next annual renewal date unless they change to a different plan.


Items That Sync Without an inReach Subscription

  • Collections

  • Waypoints

  • Routes

    • Routes transferred from the inReach device to the Garmin Explore app or website will only show direct routing.

    • Routes transferred to the inReach device from Garmin Explore app or website will be routable based on the mapping loaded in the handheld.

  • Activities

  • Tracks

  • Courses


Items That Sync With an Active or Suspended inReach Subscription

  • Collections

  • Contacts

    • NOTE: If the email address on the account is changed, Your Contact will be updated as well when the device is synced.

  • Waypoints

  • Routes

    • Routes transferred from the inReach device to the Garmin Explore app or website will only show direct routing.

    • Routes transferred to the inReach device from Garmin Explore app or website will be routable based on the mapping loaded in the handheld.

  • Activities

  • Tracks

  • Courses

  • Check-In Messages (formerly known as Preset Messages)

  • Quick Text Messages

  • Track Sharing points

NOTE: You must use the Garmin Explore app to sync inReach data to the Alpha 200i handheld. The inReach Sync application is not compatible.


1 The Garmin Explore app needs a connection to the internet to sync data to and from the Garmin Explore website.

2 The Garmin Explore app can sync data to and from the Alpha 200i handheld without an internet connection.