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See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.
When using your device the first time, you should complete these tasks to set it up and get to know the basic features.
![]() | Press to scroll through menus, options, and settings. Press and hold to return to the home page. |
![]() | Press to scroll through menus, options, and settings. |
OK | Press to choose an option or to acknowledge a message. From the home page, press to open home page actions. |
![]() | Press to turn the device on. Press to open the power menu. Press and hold to turn the device off. |
Turning On the Device
Press .
Power Menu
Press to open the power menu.
Lock Buttons: Locks the device buttons to prevent inadvertent button presses.
Mute Sounds: Mutes all device tones.
Brightness: Adjusts the brightness of the screen.
Power Off: Turns off the device.
Home Page Actions
From the home page, press OK to open the home page actions.
Check-In: Allows you to send a check-in message (Sending a Check-In Message).
Start Tracking: Starts the tracking feature (Starting Tracking).
Message Check: Checks for new messages (Checking for Messages).
View Coordinates: Allows you to view your GPS coordinates.
Status Icons
![]() | Transmitting data |
![]() | Tracking enabled |
![]() | Unread messages |
![]() | Sounds muted |
![]() | Charging battery |
![]() | Approaching minimum operating temperature |
![]() | Approaching maximum operating temperature |
Before you can use the inReach features of your device, including messaging, SOS, tracking, and inReach Weather, you must activate it.
The inReach device works best when it is paired with the Garmin Messenger app. The app allows you to compose and send messages using your phone, and to sync contacts and check-in messages with your device.
After the devices are paired, they connect automatically when they are turned on and within Bluetooth® range.
Garmin Messenger App
Before you can use certain inReach features of the Garmin Messenger app, including SOS, tracking, and inReach Weather, you must have an active satellite subscription and a connected inReach device. Always test the app before you use it outdoors.
With an inReach subscription and a connected inReach device, you can use the Garmin Messenger app for tracking, SOS, inReach Weather, and managing your service plan. You can also use the app to message other inReach device users, as well as friends and family. The app works over both the Iridium® satellite network and the internet (using a wireless connection or cellular data on your phone). Messages sent using a wireless connection or cellular data on your phone do not incur data charges or additional charges on your inReach subscription. Messages received may incur charges if message delivery is attempted over both the Iridium satellite network and the internet. Standard text messaging rates for your cellular data plan apply.
Without an inReach subscription, the app also provides a messaging experience for friends and family. Anyone can download the app and connect their phone, allowing them to communicate with other app users over the internet (no login is required). App users can also create group messaging threads with other SMS phone numbers. New members added to the group message can download the app to see what others are saying.
Iridium Satellite Network
Your device requires a clear view of the sky to transmit messages and track points over the Iridium satellite network. Without a clear view of the sky, your device attempts to send the information until it acquires satellite signals.
TIP: For the best connection with satellites, the top of the device should be oriented toward the sky.
Syncing inReach Data
After you make edits to your data, such as plan changes, contacts, or check-in messages, you must sync your device using the Garmin Messenger app.
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options.
Activation: Allows you to activate your device if you skipped activation during the initial setup (Pairing Your Phone and Activating the Device).
Messages: Allows you to send and receive text messages using the Iridium satellite network (Messages).
Tracking: Allows you to start and stop tracking (inReach Tracking).
Weather: Allows you to request weather forecasts (Weather).
TracBack: Allows you to navigate back to the beginning of your path (Navigating Using TracBack®).
Service Plan: Allows you to test your device (Testing the Device). You can also view plan details and data use (Data Use and History).
Settings: Allows you to customize device and system settings (Customizing the Device).
You can navigate back to the beginning of your path.
NOTE: This can be helpful if you get lost and need to find your way back to camp or the trail head.
The compass arrow, distance to the next course point , and distance remaining to your destination
appear.
You should test the device outdoors before using it on a trip to ensure your satellite subscription is active.
NOTICE
Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications 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.
Your inReach Messenger device sends and receives text messages using the Iridium satellite network. You can send messages to an SMS phone number, an email address, or another device that uses inReach technology. Each message you send includes your location details where allowed.
Sending a Check-In Message
Check-in messages are messages with predefined text and recipients. You can use the Garmin Messenger app to customize recipients.
Sending a Text Message
Replying to a Message
Checking for Messages
When you send a message, your device listens for replies for 10 minutes. The device also checks for new messages every hour. When you are using the inReach tracking feature, your device automatically checks for messages at your tracking interval.
NOTE: To receive messages, your device must have a clear view of the sky and be in view of a satellite when it checks for messages.
You can force a check for messages by manually checking for messages, sending a message, or sending a track point. During a check, your device connects to satellites and receives messages waiting to be sent to your device.
Viewing Message Details
Deleting Messages
You can use the tracking feature on your inReach Messenger device to record track points and transmit them over the Iridium satellite network at the specified send interval.
Starting Tracking
Stopping Tracking
NOTICE
Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications 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.
During an emergency, you can use your inReach Messenger device to contact the Garmin® International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) to request help. Pressing the SOS button sends a message to the Garmin IERCC, and they notify the appropriate emergency responders of your situation. You can communicate with the Garmin IERCC during your emergency while you wait for help to arrive. You should only use the SOS function in a real emergency situation.
Initiating an SOS Rescue
You can initiate an SOS rescue with the device turned on or off if the device has battery power.
For the first 10 minutes of your rescue, an updated location is sent to the emergency response service every minute. To conserve battery power after the first 10 minutes, an updated location is sent every 10 minutes.
TIP: You can also initiate an SOS rescue and interact with the Garmin IERCC using the Garmin Messenger app. You must have an active satellite subscription to use the SOS feature in the app.
Sending a Custom SOS Message
After pressing the SOS button to initiate an SOS rescue, you can reply with a custom message.
Your reply lets the emergency response service know that you are capable of interacting with them during the rescue.
Canceling an SOS Request
If you no longer need assistance, you can cancel an SOS request after it is sent to the emergency response service.
inReach Weather: You can receive weather information through your inReach subscription. Your device can send an inReach message to request basic, extended, or marine weather forecasts. You can receive weather forecasts for your current location or a new location, such as a saved waypoint. Weather forecasts incur data charges or additional charges on your inReach subscription.
For best results, you should ensure your device has a clear view of the sky when you request an inReach weather forecast.
The device sends a request for the forecast. It may take several minutes to receive the weather forecast data. After the device finishes downloading the data, you can view the forecast at any time until all of the information in the forecast has expired. You can also update the forecast at any time.
NOTE: Updating a forecast incurs data charges or additional usage charges.
You can update an inReach weather forecast that has expired or contains outdated information. Updating a forecast incurs the same data charges or additional charges as requesting a forecast.
The device requests an updated forecast. If you update the My Location forecast, the device requests an updated forecast for your current location. It may take several minutes to receive the updated weather forecast data.
Before you can change the weather location, you must add additional weather locations in the Garmin Messenger app.
You can view plan details and data use on the inReach Messenger device.
You can view the details of your current data plan and check for data plan updates.
You can view the number of messages, check-in messages, and track points sent during the current billing cycle. The data use counter resets automatically at the beginning of each billing cycle.
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > Tracking.
Send Interval: Sets the frequency at which the device records a track point and transmits it over the satellite network.
NOTE: The Send Interval frequency affects battery life (Battery Information).
Auto Track: Sets the device to start tracking when you turn on the device.
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > Sounds.
Mute All: Mutes all device tones.
Volume: Sets the device volume level.
Ring Until Read: Sets the device to ring until you read a new message. This feature is helpful if you are in a noisy environment.
Message Rec.: Sets the tone that sounds when you receive a message.
Message Sent: Sets the tone that sounds when the you send a message.
Critical Alert: Sets the tone that sounds when the device announces a critical alert.
Power Off: Sets the tone that sounds when you turn off the device.
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > Phone.
Bluetooth Status: Turns Bluetooth technology on or off.
Status: Displays the current connection status for the paired device.
Pair Device: Allows you to pair your device with a compatible Bluetooth enabled smartphone. This setting allows you to use Bluetooth connected features using the Garmin Messenger app.
You can use some inReach Messenger features using another compatible device with ANT+® wireless technology, such as the fēnix® watch. You can use the inReach Remote option to view incoming messages, send check-in messages, start and stop tracking, and initiate or cancel an SOS.
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > inReach Remote.
Status: Turns the inReach Remote feature on or off and allows you to access some inReach features using another compatible device.
Device ID: Displays the device number for the ANT+ channel.
Verification: Enables user verification to communicate with a wireless device.
Verified Devices: Displays a list of verified devices that this device can wirelessly connect to.
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > System.
Display: Sets the backlight brightness and the length of time before the backlight turns off.
Time: Sets the time format and time zone (Time Settings).
Units: Sets the units of measure for the device (Units Settings).
Language: Sets the text language on the device.
NOTE: Changing the text language does not change the language of user-entered data.
Reverse Charging: Allows you to charge other devices with your inReach device (Using Reverse Charging).
USB Mode: Sets the device to use MTP (media transfer protocol) or Garmin mode when connected to a computer.
Screenshots: Allows you to take a picture of the device screen.
Reset: Allows you to reset user data and settings (Resetting All Default Settings).
Software Update: Allows you to install software updates downloaded to your device.
About: Displays the IMEI number, authorization code, software, license, and regulatory information.
Time Settings
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > System > Time.
Time Format: Sets the device to show time in a 12-hour or 24-hour format.
Time Zone: Sets the time zone for the device.
Daylight Saving: Sets the device to use daylight saving time. This option is not available when Time Zone is set to Automatic.
Units Settings
From the home page, press or
to scroll through the main menu options. Select Settings > System > Units.
Speed/Distance: Sets the unit of measure for distance.
Wind Speed: Sets the unit of measure for wind speed.
Temperature: Sets the temperature unit of measure to Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C).
Pressure: Sets the unit of measure for pressure.
Bearing: Sets the north reference used on the compass to true or magnetic north.
Using Reverse Charging
The Reverse Charging feature allows you to charge other devices with your inReach device.
NOTE: If the inReach device battery drops below 25 percent, the Reverse Charging feature stops automatically.
On your computer, install Garmin Express™ (www.garmin.com/express). On your phone, install the Garmin Messenger app.
This provides easy access to these services for Garmin devices:
Setting Up Garmin Express
Getting More Information
You can find more information about this product on the Garmin website.
The label for this device is provided electronically. The e-label may provide regulatory information, such as identification numbers provided by the FCC or regional compliance markings, as well as applicable product and licensing information.
You can lock the buttons to prevent inadvertent button presses.
NOTICE
Cleaning the Device
NOTICE
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly dry the USB port, the weather cap, and the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer.
NOTE: The device does not charge when it is outside the approved temperature range (Specifications).
Saving Energy While Charging the Device
Battery type | Rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery |
Water rating | IEC 60529 IPX71 |
Operating temperature range | From -20° to 60°C (from -4° to 140°F) |
Charging temperature range | From 0° to 45°C (from 32° to 113°F) |
Wireless frequency/protocol | 2.4 GHz @ 5.4 dBm maximum 1.6 GHz @ 35.9 dBm maximum |
EU SAR (limb) | 0.30 W/kg simultaneous |
EU SAR (body) | 0.30 W/kg simultaneous |
Battery Information
The actual battery life depends on your device settings. For optimal battery life, ensure you have a clear view of the sky.
Mode | Battery Life |
Message or location sent every 10 minutes | Full sky view: Up to 28 days Moderate tree cover: Up to 14 days |
Message or location sent every 2 minutes | Full sky view: Up to 6 days Moderate tree cover: Up to 3 days |
Message or location sent every 30 minutes | Fully sky view: Up to 46 days Moderate tree cover: Up to 23 days |
Turned off | Up to 1 year |
You can reset all device settings to the factory default values.
You can change the device language selection if you have accidently selected the wrong language on the device.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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