Never lose touch with friends and family. Enjoy the security and connectivity of global messaging with the Garmin Messenger™ app. Pair with your compatible inReach® satellite communicator for fast, easy direct messaging and interactive SOS that’s not limited to cellphone coverage areas (active satellite subscription required). The app supports group messaging as well as direct communication with individuals. Automatic switching between Internet, cellular and satellite networks gives you the best connectivity and efficiency for all your messaging. When you have connectivity, the app will work seamlessly even if your inReach device is turned off. Invite your friends and family to download the app to stay connected and keep the conversation going on and off the trail.
Note: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
See compatible devices here: garmin.com/p/893837#devices
Garmin Messenger™ Positive Reviews
If you need help please see thisSo press the back button, your gonna skip activation, you will go back to where your on a Home Screen. There’s an icon in the corner you will just press okay. Go down to settings. Press the phone Bluetooth button. Then press okay and okay again. Then pair your phones..AtomicdameVersion: 1.16.2
Very useful app, but could be improvedThe InReach device and accompanying app are excellent in the case of an emergency, to call for help. App could be better designed where I can monitor my sons travels out in the open ocean. For example, receive text or email notices of his movement and locations from time to time.
Currently, the inReach and website can show you a map of the person’s locations. However, one has to log into the website map in order to see the person’s location as opposed to… it would be nice having notices sent to me via text or email of his locations along his journey..Dralph01Version: 1.12.1
Linking to FacebookI have just started configuring this device. When attempting to link to Facebook, I had some difficulty because I have Facebook pages which I manage. This app wanted me to pick a page to post to. I didn’t want this app to post to either of those pages and it would not allow me to just post to myself because my Facebook account isn’t a separate page. So I had to go in and create a separate page so that I could pick that from the list. Thought you’d wanna know..HSchuergerVersion: 1.15
Still can’t ping other InReach devicesI was hoping to be able to directly ping another InReach device from this app. I can send a message, but if the other user is unable to respond, there is no good way to locate them unless I have web access to MapShare. This is a longstanding gripe I have with Garmin InReach. Maybe they should call them “CantReach.”
Very confusing as to why some devices support the Messenger app vs. the Explore app It would be more powerful to have a consolidated app with the same features across all devices.
As stated in another review, it is important to deactivate the account when switching phones. The app should automatically support the paired phone.
Also, kind of weird that they named the app “Messenger.” That is the name of the new minimalist device itself, as well as the Facebook Messenger app..Mog404Version: 1.16.1
MessagesMy husband just took this on a weeklong solo backpacking trip. Then happy I can track his movements and he can send pre-programmed messages that he’s OK but those messages are supposed to be unlimited For our package. I can’t find a way to contact customer service..Kathy Ann 55Version: 1.13.1
Garmin GPS vs Smartphone Location serviceGarmin apps work great overall but it would sure be nice if the Garmin apps could pull GPS location information from compatible Garmin device rather than relying on smartphone’s location services. On multi day trips I have to turn off my phone’s location service to save battery. What’s the point of having two separate GPS systems running simultaneously???.J in burqueVersion: 1.13.1
Mini 2 CheckI’m still figuring it out. So far, everything seems to be working well. When I updated my Check in messages, it tells me to make sure to sync. Not sure what that means!.Michael HaddonVersion: 1.17.3
RobertWhen our son goes hunting two miles high in the Rocky Mountains and freezing temperatures every year, we now have more peace-of-mind, given two way communications plus the coordinates.
Four other men along with him Thank you, Garmin Messenger!.Purduex3Version: 1.15
BestiesIs it melodramatic to say that this is the best app I’ve ever used to date.Fluffy3557Version: 1.16.2
Can’t activateI have scoured the app and the inReach messenger device and the words “pair device” do not exist. This should be a priority and I’ve wasted 30 minutes trying to pair this thing. Activating an account should be easy too but those words are only on the device, not on the app….Ty&bellaVersion: 1.17
One problemI like it but it could pair with other messenger apps so it can message across apps.Yt fhgjdfjjffjfhVersion: 1.15
Very goodPerfect.Tamboril1957Version: 1.17.3
Need map for TracbackNeeds map incorporated in Messenger app for tracback feature. Or have the inreach messenger compatible with Explore app??.QML1026Version: 1.12
Not easyWon’t sync with my iPhone.GarminblowsVersion: 1.12.1
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Garmin Messenger™ Negative Reviews
DangerousDon’t download this app to a secondary device like an iPad. My friend tried to check in from the field and the messages went to an iPad we hardly use and I didn’t see it for nearly a day. Once I downloaded the app to my phone, I could see meaages but could not respond from the app. Also, deleting the app does not restore your texting capability; you need to first “deactivate” your account. This option should be labeled something more accurate like “unlink phone number from Garmin Messenger” because I also have an InReach and I didn’t want to deactivate *that* account..BG_SeaVersion: 1.12
Setup Is ImpossibleI recently purchased an inReach MINI 2 at REI and attempted to set up Garmin’s Messenger app which is required for the inReach. For some unknown reason, I have been blocked by Cloudflare, the company responsible for Garmin’s online security. There is no way to reach out to Cloudflare for assistance to correct the problem. Judging from other reviews, I am not alone in my frustration. Sorry, Garmin. Your $400 inReach device will be returned to REI tomorrow. This is the least user-friendly device I have purchased in a very long time..Sooroo77Version: 1.18.1
Extremely difficult to useLike so much software these days, Garmin’s suite of software for its satellite comm devices is overly complex. Garmin should be thinking about two things, and greatly simplify the interfaces:
1. Almost all users are casual users. We access the software once every few months, to set it up for a trip.
2. Occasionally the software will be used during a trip. Users are distracted, anxious, under pressure; have no access to a laptop or desktop system; and may have power or communication issues.
Please think a little more seriously about how this stuff looks to someone who is packing for a trip or has already started the trip..Left Coast BillVersion: 1.18.1
Poor device support and lost messagesGarmin supports a weird subset of the inReach devices with this Messenger app — in particular no support for the original inReach mini.
This app also suffers the iMessage problem in that if you’ve used it once it will default to send all text messages there rather than to SMS, even if you’ve since uninstalled the app..00HeinVersion: 1.13.1
Useless when neededI tried to use the app while in the backcountry with no cell signal. It required authentication, which I couldn’t give, you guessed it, without a cell signal! What good is this app if it doesn’t work when I need it? The reason I bought the device and pay for a subscription is that I can communicate when I am where there is no cell signal!.Ronald HCVersion: 1.13.1
Garmin messenger for inreachMy wife bought a garmin inreach for an up coming backpacking trip. She cannot figure out how to program it after days of trying. We are taking it back. The lack of information on how to program it is appalling.
And she works at REI which sells these. She will not be recommending them to customers from this point forward..Donnyhead007Version: 1.13.1
Useless!I used to send InReach starting and safely stopping messages to my people. But now they have to download test I another messenger app, this d time from Garmin. Why should they? It used to work just fine with whatever messaging apps they have on their phone. Garmin basically bricked my $600 InReach device..Garmin bricked my InReachVersion: 1.18
No support/ horrible instructions onlineNothing works because it will not upload software. Absolutely no tech support except online videos which can't solve this problem. There is no one to call. It's horrible..AmjdhfbVersion: 1.13.1
InReach mini won’t pairI can pair to my phone (iPhone 14) via standard Bluetooth connect. I can see on my inreach that it is paired. However it never pairs in the app. I have updated the firmware to latest on the mini. Very disappointed as the device is not old at all….D_aylVersion: 1.13.1
Something went wrongTry again later. Useless app does not work at all and tech support not able to fix. Returning very expensive paperweight back to the store..KaptainkrizVersion: 1.15
Errors trying to verify phone numberCountless attempts but error saying “Something went wrong. Try again later.”
Useless at this point..OpticagentVersion: 1.15
Typical Garmin: interesting idea, HORRIBLE EXECUTIONThis has to be one of the dumbest apps out there. Won’t message my contacts directly, they must be “ invited into the community…”
Who thinks this stuff up? Fire some marketing weenies and hire competent app designers and programmers..Waiting for weatherVersion: 1.11.1
Why can I only pair with 1 phone?This is an emergency device. I want to pair with all my phones so if one isn’t working i can use another. Why have this limit???.Colin1234Version: 1.14
Won’t pair with existing deviceInstructions walk you through creating a new account (I already have one). Will not connect to my existing inReach Mini.Glen CampbellVersion: 1.11
Activation step is freezing. Can’t proceed.Can’t process activation yet. Has frozen multiple times..Professional QAVersion: 1.16.2
I cant verify my phone numberI try to reinstall the app several times but it does not work, can verify my number.TsunamiixVersion: 1.16.2
Facebook posting brokenLogging into Facebook and posting is completely broken.IlchymisVersion: 1.13
Frustrating technology from 1988They offer truly frustrating software. Activation is tedious and problematic. I want to throw the device at the wall. Awful software..Jahehejs1233111Version: 1.17.2
Not MacOS or IOS friendlyDon’t expect to operate quickly with your Mac computer and hardware. Software hasn’t been update for Mac hardware in several years.Shelley2marsVersion: 1.12.1
Just not user friendly and support poorIn a pinch Garmin is just not there.Just horrible horribleVersion: 1.18.1
Difficult to usePoor software implementation that barely works with an excellent hardware device..Reallife2Version: 1.12.1
Scam billing fraud aggrementI got a "Safety" monthly plan but my check-in messages still cout as regular messages even though they should be free and unlimited..JacksoloveyVersion: 1.15
MiserablePairing with iPhone in a wide open field and it fails over and over and over..SeeingTrailsVersion: 1.13
Broken Onboarding ExperienceButton on one of the device activation screens for inreach mini 2 is broken (leads to frozen app state).LempelZivWelchVersion: 1.12.1
Setup is GarbageThis is the most unintuitive app I have ever seen. Trying to restart my subscription and nothing works..Wpm_GarminVersion: 1.13.1
Will not pair with inreachI’ve followed instructions to a tee in every possible interpretation and while my iPhone can pair with the inreach, the app never sees the inreach..Yosemite Sam 47Version: 1.18
Not greatWon’t connect, doesn’t show tracks, no courses. Lots of room to improve..Garmin_mehVersion: 1.12.1
Really not worthy of any starsNo stars. Device is just a big pain to operate. Will stick to my SPOT..Good CoverageVersion: 1.16.2
Could it get any worse?No..Pete NVersion: 1.16.2
AwfulAwful instructions, can’t understand app UI..Dan DuganVersion: 1.11.1
Won’t connect to iPhoneUsed to be ok…terrible now..SavagemanVersion: 1.16.2
Terrible user friendliness!So hard to get this sucker to work.FigVersion: 1.12.1
Very poorIt says to use messenger to activate inReach mini , yet no link to activate..MeeriamaVersion: 1.18
HorribleHorrible to pair device.2315363676456Version: 1.16.2
Dumbest App EverTwo separate apps to do what Earthmate alone used to do..BillyD851Version: 1.17.3
Won’t pairIts useless. I can pair with earthmate for my inReach mini, but not messanger.Big Dipper 6Version: 1.16.2
UX in 2024I bought about 15 units, a blend of mini 2, 66i and explore+. Unfortunately they all need one of 5 or 6 different apps to function well via Bluetooth. Absolutely atrocious user experience. A complete mess of a platform. The stand alone device works well enough so we’ll continue to use them. Only by virtue of having spent ~$15,000 on the units total. Do not recommend. Try Zoleo, Starlink, anything but this..Company purchaserVersion: 1.17.2
Wouldn’t pair with my inreachTried pairing it with my inreach mini and followed troubleshooting recommendations in the app.
No luck. Tried another app, and it paired in seconds. Not sure why this app won’t. Might be the age of the inreach?.FallfactorsVersion: 1.17
Neds CarPlay compatabilityThe idea of being able to use this messaging app from start to finish of a trip on cellular and wifi as well as satellite is great but a lot of these trips for me involve driving including off the grid. If this is going to be the app I tell my contacts to rely on then it also needs to work for me while driving which means it needs to be compatible with carplay just like other messaging apps..Du323Version: 1.16.2
Can’t pairPoor instructions on how to pair. Now in 2nd hour without any luck..CardioChefVersion: 1.16.2
No Verification Code???Didn’t receive verification code to my phone so could not set up the app. Tried many times. :-(.LifelessonsVersion: 1.16.2
Never receives a verification code so it doesn’t workNever receives a verification code so it doesn’t work..JB00800Version: 1.15
Not working when you need itHorrible, this device needs further testing before you bring it out there, so bad. Garmin in reach messenger.Eric SID 123Version: 1.15
Purposely excluding bran loyal clientsI’ve had my inReach Mini (not Mini 2) for just a few years, and all really Garmin are excluding a model that you can still find in store. Only the Mini 2 is supported in this app..MJQuesnelVersion: 1.13
AnnoyingShouldn’t have to re add all my contacts from the other garmin apps..dddfgVersion: 1.12.1
Does not work for old folksCould not finish setup without changing text size. Good app developers consider larger text size. App developers must hate old people..RusselltoVersion: 1.10
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