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Sending a Message to an inReach Device

inReach devices do not have phone numbers assigned to them, so they can only send SMS (text), email, or inReach messages.

Due to this, inReach users have to do at least one of the following for others to reach them:

  • Initiate a conversation with a recipient by sending them a message so they can reply to it.
  • Give access to their MapShare page so others can message them from there.
  • Provide their inReach address so other inReach users can message them.
  • Pair a compatible inReach device with the Garmin Messenger app on their phone.

IMPORTANT: Care should be taken when initiating a conversation. Unlike cell phones, inbound messages cannot be blocked once a conversation is established. If needing to provide a way for someone to message the device but may want to end that association later, the MapShare page is the best option because a password can be put in place and/or the page address can be changed.

Sending a Message to an inReach Device

There are five ways to send a message to an inReach device.

Email Messaging

When receiving an email from an inReach user, it looks like any other email. However, it will contain a link that has to be clicked on in order to send a message back to the inReach user.

If the received inReach email message is replied to as with any other email, the message will not be delivered.


Replying to an inReach Email Message

  1. Open the email received from the inReach user.
  2. Click the link in the email to view the inReach's location and reply to the message.
  3. Reply to the message in the Your Reply box.
    Reply Box for Mapshare
  4. Select Send Message.

The inReach will receive the message the next time it connects to the Iridium Network.

As long as the email message received is kept, a reply can be sent to it indefinitely to continue reaching that inReach user.


SMS (Text) Messaging

iMessage Users: Do not add the phone number from a previously-received inReach message to an existing contact on the phone. This may prevent replies from being delivered to the inReach device.

SMS messages sent by an inReach come from what looks like a regular phone number. However, inReach devices are not phones so they cannot accept calls.

The number that the message comes from can change based on what region of the world the recipient is currently in, and can also change from recipient to recipient. These numbers should not be shared with others as a way to reach the inReach user, and messages sent directly to these numbers will not be delivered.


Replying to an inReach SMS (Text) Message

  1. Open the message received from the inReach user.
    NOTE: If using a mobile device with a data connection, you can also visit the link included in the text message to view the inReach's location on a map.
  2. Reply the same way as responding to any other text message.

The inReach will receive the message the next time it connects to the Iridium Network.

As long as the SMS (text) message you received is kept, a reply can be sent back to the inReach user indefinitely.

We recommend periodically sending a new message to recipients, such as at the beginning of a trip, just in case the recipient deleted the original message thread. 


Garmin Messenger App

In order to send a message to an inReach user through the Garmin Messenger app, the following requirements must be met:

  • The inReach user must have a device that is compatible with the Garmin Messenger app. For a list of devices, see - Garmin Messenger App: Compatible Devices
  • The inReach user must register their cell phone number in the Garmin Messenger app and pair their inReach device with their phone.
  • You must have the inReach user's cell phone number saved in your phone's contacts, or the inReach user must send you a message first.

When setting up the Garmin Messenger app on your phone, you will be prompted to enable permissions so the app can access your phone's contacts. Once permissions are enabled, the app will sync with your phone's contacts to check for other Garmin Messenger users.

MapShare Messaging

In order to send a message to an inReach user through their MapShare page, the owner of the inReach account must have enabled MapShare and set it up to allow visitors to message the device.

If visiting a MapShare page and unable to send a message (indicated by Restricted Icon on the non-mobile site), let the inReach user know.


Sending a Message Through an inReach User's MapShare Page

  1. Visit the inReach user's MapShare page.
  2. Select Message from the left panel.
  3. In the Send Message window enter an email address or phone number, and a message.
    Send Message Box for MapShare
  4. Select Send.

The inReach will receive the message the next time it connects to the Iridium Network.


inReach to inReach Messaging

If you have an inReach device, you can send a message from your inReach to another inReach by using the inReach address as the recipient. Each inReach user is assigned a unique inReach address (example@inreach.garmin.com) at the moment the account is created. Sent and received messages count as separate messages.

The inReach address only works for inReach-to-inReach communication. Messages sent to an inReach address from a non-inReach device, like a smartphone, will not be delivered.


Using inReach to inReach Communication

  1. Obtain the inReach address for the inReach user to be messaged. To find the inReach address for an inReach account, follow the steps below.
    1. Log in to the Garmin Explore website.
    2. Select Account.
    3. The inReach address can be found in the My Info section in the left-hand column.
      Sample Account inReach Address
  2. Use the information in Related to send an inReach Message to the inReach address.

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