Garmin inReach: Get the Most From Your Device

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You've probably heard of Garmin inReach, the must-have communication device for outdoor enthusiasts. But with all the features and benefits of the device, you may still have some questions. That's where this Garmin inReach FAQ comes in.
In this comprehensive FAQ, I answer the most important questions about the Garmin inReach. From how to get the most out of it to how to use it in emergency situations, I cover it all.
Whether you're an avid hiker, backpacker, or kayaker, the Garmin inReach provides you with peace of mind and keeps you connected no matter where your adventures take you. And with this informative Garmin inReach FAQ, you'll have all the information you need to make the most of this powerful tool.
00:00 Importance
01:03 When to hit SOS?
04:50 How long to rescue?
08:14 Can I use it for others?
08:50 Where does it work?
09:38 Location share in preset
10:30 Getting messages on inReach
12:38 Messages not going through
13:35 inReach to inReach location sharing
15:01 Using inReach without subscription
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[@robpenney6239]

You mention a number of scenarios where Inreach may be useful. Another is a natural disaster (e.g. earthquake) where cell service is disrupted so Inreach may be the only way to reach relatives outside of that area to give them updates.

[@Clint3029]

Thanks for the videos! Garmin ought to hire you to not cover how their devices work, but also consult and how they could make their system used friendly.

[@noidreculse8906]

Amazingly comprehensive 👍🏻

[@waltbates8257]

Most useful information I have found. Thank you for sharing!

[@simonhipwell2330]

Thank you, excellent video / information sharing, much appreciated

[@TheHikingChick1]

It definitely requires some work up front that isn't super user friendly for the novice, but I was able to figure it out by using articles on the website. So glad I have it and it comes with me on all hiking and van adventures! Thx for the review!🌻💛

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job. Love my InReach.

[@volkitolki2010]

Your videos helped me a lot to choose the correct device. Thanks a lot

[@TheJohnnyBE]

Thanks again for another Excellent Report.

[@david_onthetrail]

Very informative video, thanks for sharing and answering some questions I didn't know I should ask.

[@satoshiborishi6898]

A must for when I do a road trip on my motorcycle, and you need roadside assistance in the middle of nowhere

[@Redhawk03a]

Have you used it for recovery? Who are you contacting for recovery? I bought one for this scenario in case I need recovery from my insurance company but the only method I can think of is to text my wife my location and have her dispatch.

[@satoshiborishi6898]

@@Redhawk03a I haven't used it for that purpose, but you can do that

[@Glidedon]

Don’t forget you can text anyone you want. So friends, Family and business can be reached for help also.

[@glennoverhoff6589]

Great video. Providing UTM coordinates and applying that to a topo map goes a long ways to figure where you are.

[@richardross4996]

Always good information from you. I Watch all your in reach mini 2 videos.

[@chrishyde7798]

Great video. Thank you for your thoughtful and useful content.

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@bradl2636]

Garmin needs to clean up its App suite and communication functionality... "yes, but it's tricky" is too often the answer to what in 2023 should be a perfunctory communication option

[@cavemandancer]

No kidding. Garmin is the best and worst.

[@sudo936]

GIS Tech is the confusing part it's not specially Garmin.

[@OutHereMontana]

Great video! Thanks!! :)

[@dbgfwbe1497]

This is a great review, as always; thank you; the experience with inReach is just amazing, but it's true that first hours you risk to be confused. Got my new Garmin Messenger few days ago. Great device. I've subscribed IR basic plan (safety), and it's more than enough for a trail runner. I've never got any serious injuries, rarely I run across remote areas without LTE connection, but this is not the point. IR should be seen within the Garmin context as the way to launch an emergency plan. Furthermore, the Garmin Messenger works perfectly fine with Fenix 7X, there is as well a special screen when you run (so you can check your messages). Everything well connected. The management of the whole set of "messages" is indeed a key factor indeed; from my point of view, tracking option should be included in the basic plan, limited to 3 contacts only. However inReach as system should not be confused for a social platform, this is something very serious and must be used when and if it is needed. I am very happy about Garmin Messenger and IR. Runner-forever!

[@patrickmurray1747]

Great information

[@dougschneider5948]

Great information.

[@dundas45]

Great video Chris….a lot is covered here and all of it is rather impotent. I have my inReach on me anytime I am hiking but thankfully haver never had to use it. Most of my training on using the inReach is thanks to your videos.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! Glad the vids have been helpful. Going to try and get some more up this spring.

[@robpenney6239]

This was all very useful. Thank you. Something you may want to consider noting in a future video is that search and rescue operations often involve volunteers. I was in one such organization and had missions around Cascade and Olympic mountains. This means when someone calls for help, that includes a large group of people taking time off of their job (which, yes, has it's benefits--leaving a boring meeting to snowshoe on Mountain Rainier or ride in a helicopter), grab their gear, to drive to the site, all at their own expense. So it's not just professional rescue agencies that sit around waiting for a call. You briefly addressed who pays for rescues but didn't quite nail that down. Volunteers are free, but if local, state, or federal organizations are involved, what might that cost to the person being rescued? You might also encourage users to make it easier for search and rescue operations by letting someone know their itinerary, leave a note on the dashboard of their car, leave an occasionally bamboo wand with flagging tape with their initials (like bread crumbs). Sure, that's not directly related to using Inreach, but as long as you have an audience interested in this topic you might through that in. Thanks again.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for your work as a volunteer, we all appreciate it tremendously. 👍👍👍👍 As to the other topics you refer to, I cover much of them in other videos that I have on the channel (like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paapYaymecmsna8 )

[@20Hikecdt23]

Real good. Thanks. I'm getting ready in March I'll activate the communication ability as i will hit the CDT in April. Want to practice. Thanks again. Terrific and you do such a service to us here to view and learn.

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@smurf9857]

Helpful!

[@Sofiaeurope]

Cool video Friend 👍👍 I bought Inreach mini 2 & I can't believe how powerful this device is , It works in my apartment almost everywhere , no idea what Garmin have done but I had for several yrs iridium extreme 9575 which is one of the best phones, so compare to mini 2 this phone is garbage , not waterproof , no signal in the buildings always beside the window & it loses signal . services are more expensive too , sometimes friends of mine telling me that my voice sounds as a robot ( guessing when not above satellite probably) Good think I sold it last year , got rid of it. Conclusion : Mini 2 is best device so far & cheap service too. Now the battery is not what they say but anyway each of us will be caring power bank , this is obviously

[@dobszero100]

Awesome video

[@larrykay6606]

Another excellent and informative video. I always try to share these types of videos with my hiking group. Thanks Chris! p.s. Your meetup comment made me chuckle 🤭

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 👍👍👍👍

[@TrilobitesRTasty]

Are MeetUp groups not so reliable? Or, are the folks leading a MeetUp hike not necessarily qualified?

[@jeffmaybee5244]

Thanks

[@daven.7685]

Great info as always, Chris. I use mine on trail at least twice a week to check in with my wife and daughter. Sometimes, however, the coordinates are not sent with the message, and I think it happens at times when I get a poor GPS signal message, and there is a delay in sending the message. But when the coordinates are attached, my family has been able to cut and paste them into Google Maps and see where I am on trail.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I think when it can't get a GPS fix it will just send it (or ask you depending on which way you're doing it). I find that if I mark a waypoint before I send a message, the message goes through quickly because the GPS part is done.

[@hamish3766]

@@Hikingguy one thing I never understand is why it uses the cellphone for location if its currently connected to the phone app (Earthmate in my case)

[@ajduker]

Downloading multiple apps, using a website for certain functions, and just generally unconformity in the user experience is by far the biggest drawback.

[@pringlw]

Helpful. I am certified in Maritime radio. My interpretation is that it’s ok to hit SOS with a Pan Pan level problem. It does not have to be the terrestrial equivalent of a Mayday.

[@Hikingguy]

yup - check this out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fV6sqmCMjdeanaM

[@MrLabradorwildman]

Thanks Chris a great help i have being use Spot for years one thing i do i change my SOS profile not sure if you can on inreach but i update all the time like age,gear i have the local rescue numbers, just 911 dose not help in my area and so on

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, great tip - you can do that on inReach (and PLBs too) - at least for folks reading this, list any medical conditions, your experience, gear, etc. that you'd want a rescue team to know

[@booniebuster4193]

I have an old, very old, Garmin GPS 3 Plus. I bought it in 1998. It is a permanent fixture on my Quad. It is not an SOS communicator. I use it for tracking only. So I am very fond of Garmin products. However, the newer Garmin 66i, 67i, and inReach devices are far too complicated for me. Garmin tries to make them do far too much. The average person could have a very hard time trying to figure out all that they will do, especially in an emergency. I now use an ACR Bivy Stick communicator. That device will do all of the essential functions that Garmin will do, and do it far easier than the Garmin. Most of the other SOS communicators like Zoleo are just as good and will get help to you if needed. You don't need a portable computer when out in the field. The newer Garmins are like hand-held computers. All three devices have apps for cell phones. Which does make their use a lot more convenient. The Bivy Stick does not require watching hours of KZbin videos to figure out how to use it. I see dozens, if not more, of KZbin videos explaining how to use the Garmin SOS devices. You did cover some very good points on SOS communication in general. It is a very good informative video. Thanks...

[@aw7425]

Enjoying your info. It’s very helpful. As seniors we both have the inreach mini and only use them periodically. Garmin of course has gone from the Earthmate to explore app which the original mini are not compatible with. I get it but at some point they won’t support our older product. What suggestions do you have to upgrade to a unit that has some longevity in it and won’t be outdated tomorrow? We are day hikers, nothing to tough and the garmin is only for potential emergency use. Would appreciate your thoughts and also a segment for tips for older folks. Many thanks and take care

[@Hikingguy]

Yea unfortunately "planned obsolesces" is baked into just about everything these days. I think the Mini 2 is a safe bet for several years of use.

[@aw7425]

Thank you for your mini 2 suggestion, take care and stay safe

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks again Cris for the educating us.I have my in reach mini for 3 yrs. Now and I'm still learning how to use it .And I also have a personal locator beacon.I wonder where could I sell my in reach mini should i decide to get rid of it? I know REI does not accept it.

[@Hikingguy]

you should be able to see it on eBay pretty easily

[@TrilobitesRTasty]

May I ask…do you feel the personal locator beacon is more reliable for rescue than an InReach Mini? Now that I’ve learned more of the inconsistencies of who actually does the rescuing in some locations, I’m wondering. Volunteers, police officers, firemen, whoever is available…may be doing the rescue.

[@Skylyned]

Disappointed I can't tell my wife to go activate the inReach functionality on my Garmin if I don't show up after a couple of days 😂

[@markdennis6914]

Chris, you obviously have exoerience with inreach, thanks for sharing. I want to use an inreach messenger on a boat, setup charging and place it on a window with good view of the sky. All i want to do is activate location sharing on the Recreational package so I can track my boat and share it's location, 1. Do I need to have a smart phone in range of the messenger device on the boat to enable and keep location sharing active?, 2. Is the inreach messenger smart enough to know that when the boat is not moving it does not need to waste pwr by sending location updates? Thanks appreciate any advice you can give.

[@Hikingguy]

1 - no works w/o phone 2 - it's not published but I believe if you're stopped it doesn't update location over sat 3 - they also have a marine kit on the Garmin site - haven't used it but worth checking out

[@MarkRoche-iv4fv]

Hi With this device (or any competitors) if my subscription lapses and I find myself without cell service or wifi can I reactivate using the satellite connection ? Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

I don't believe so

[@duncanwallace7760]

Probably the reason you cant gmail to inreach, is so you don't end up getting charged for spam.

[@Anukulous]

How many devices can you tether to a subscription plan? Ty

[@caroledonaldson5195]

All of the inReach videos have really been helpful. I haven’t bought yet, but am leaning towards Mini 2. I’m a 78 year old female (backpacked from age 34 to 72) who is going to Nevada for 6 weeks to solo camp (with Chihuahua) in my pickup truck on Bureau of Land Management campsites which have no cellular service. I think I’d mostly use the presets to notify my adult children and then have the safety net of the SOS if I got a flat. (Or worse.) I’m going to follow the gravel roads to campsite and not go off-roading. Also, I plan to to put my cellphone in a Faraday bag so I’m disconnected from the internet. First question: would this be a scenario where an inReach Mini 2 is a good/great choice with the monthly consumer recreation plan? Second question: if age and disabilities make adventuring solo in the future impossible, can I give the Mini 2 to a family member? Is it difficult to transfer everything? Thank you.

[@Hikingguy]

I think the Mini 2 would be a good choice but watch my latest video on Presets to make sure it will work for you. But yea, overall, this is perfect for what you describe. Just power it down when not using to totally disconnect. And yup, you can transfer to another person. Just deregister it on the website.

[@caroledonaldson5195]

Sounds like a plan! My granddaughter works for Bureau of Land Management in Nevada. I’ll probably pass it on to her when I can’t climb into my 3” raised Tacoma. 😂

[@jonwattsmusic]

Thanks for the helpful video! I've looked everywhere for an answer to this question, and still can't find anyone talking about it! Sometimes I hike with my wife, and sometimes one of us hikes solo. Is there a way to unpair the inreach messenger from my phone and pair it with her phone instead so she can take it out when I'm not with her? Thanks in advance!

[@Hikingguy]

You can, as long as the account on the phone (in Explore and/or messenger) is signed in with the same account.

[@HorusFlint]

What kind of north face jacket are you wearing?

[@Bignosetw]

Where I am in the mountain valleys, my SPOTx often just doesn't get a signal. I have been told InReach will be a better option. Do you know if an InReach SE+ external antenna will be useful?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, inReach uses Iridium sat network, and SPOT uses Globalstar, overall the inReach are much more reliable

[@rudiphoto]

Why not choose the "include coordinates as text" instead of MapShare? Especially when messaging between two inReach devices that are off-grid?

[@Hikingguy]

The lat/lon are not a link, but yea, including them wouldn't hurt

[@naftalimoses3432]

Hi--thanks for lending your expertise here. I rented a inR2 to try out and liked some of things--but I have a question about using it for navigation versus just using my phone. I have maps from different companies for Europe on my phone which allow for non-reception zone real-time navigation. Works well. Does the inReach allow me to link those maps via way points to the inReach itself or does it just allow for it's own OSM to be linked? If the latter, perhaps for actual navigation, the phone is fine and using something like Messenger for SOS and texting is enough. Appreciate any input.

[@Hikingguy]

Generally the waypoints and tracks are separate from the actual maps, so you can export / import as GPX and move between platforms. You won't be able to view the maps from your phone on the Garmin but you should be able to use the waypoints, etc.

[@naftalimoses3432]

@Hikingguy thanks. Any idea how i would do that? I'm trying to figure this out before spending the cash on the device. This is all new to me, so apologies for my ignorance. From what I see, garmin base camp wants you to buy an OSM for Europe (which may have the trails I want or not?) and then using that map make routes, etc. I have, for example, topo trail maps from Italy downloaded on my phone which work for navigation real time. If I linked the phone, would the inreach "read" that to allow for me to use it to make a route?

[@Hikingguy]

@@naftalimoses3432 no worries it can be confusing - on your phone, plane out your info (waypoints, etc.) and then export them to a GPX file. Then import the GPX file into Basecamp or to your unit with Explore . The maps won't be there but the waypoints, etc. will be there. Some units come with maps (GPSMAP 67 etc.) and you can load them into Basecamp from the device (but it's slow). Overall I think if you're okay with the phone, maybe that's all you need. Otherwise, export/import GPX from phone, then use Basecamp/Explore to transfer to your device.

[@naftalimoses3432]

@Hikingguy Great. I did a test run on newly acquired basecamp and the gpx files made it into my library like butter. 👍 thanks so much!! Blessings

[@EricREvans]

Maybe you address this in another video, but I'm interested in a discussion of the wording of preset messages InReach users have/use. With 3 preset messages allowed, to me it does not make sense to "use up" one with a message saying "I'm starting my trip here" as I would only use this once per trip. Better to use that as a "Quick Text message". Seems it's better to enter messages that I would use many times per trip, like "I'm camping here tonight; All OK" or "Having lunch here" for your 3 "Preset messages." Thoughts? Anyone care to share what they use for their preset messages?

[@Hikingguy]

1 - Checking in everything okay 2 - Running late - not an emergency 3 - I activated the SOS on my device but it isn't for me.

[@il_Presepe]

Thank you for the video. Is there a way to clear the tracks that the device records automatically in the background every time the unit is turned on? Because of the multiple tracks that are recorded and overlapped in the background day by day it is impossible to use the Tracback feature. Tracks overlap and it is difficult to distinguish which one to follow. Any feedback on this or solution is greatly appreciated. (I do not have unlimited tracking so I am not using this feature but again rely on the free internal recording of the tracks).

[@Hikingguy]

If you record the hike, end the hike, save, the activities will be saved on the device, think that will solve your problem

[@il_Presepe]

@@Hikingguy Thank you for the reply and feedback.

[@dougdekuiper3194]

I used the next up plan so my wife could follow my read crumbs. She/we never were able to figure how it is used. Would you be able to help?

[@Hikingguy]

I could make a video on that - but to sum it up - when you start your hike, hit Start Tracking, then tracking points are sent to your MapShare page. You can get the URL of your Mapshare page on the website (explore.garmin.com) - you can also use the "share with" option under Tracking to send the MapShare link to people

[@Ricardo-SW]

Couldn't you share location at no additional cost by using one of the 3 free pre-set messages, which can include gps coordinates?

[@Hikingguy]

that's what I said in the video - sorry if it wasn't clear

[@michaels7499]

If I own two inreach devices can both be tied to my subscription or do I need to separate subscriptions?

[@Hikingguy]

You can only have 1 device per sub unless you get a professional plan. I wish they made it easier to switch between devices without a fee

[@TimCleese]

The price puts it... out of reach?

[@carlos_2856]

The option to edit check in message has been removed "You can customize the recipient list of your check-in messages, but you cannot customize what the check-in messages say. Check-in messages will include your location if available." NOTE: Check-in messages have replaced preset messages as of September 27th, 2022. inReach accounts set up prior to this date will still have preset messages available, but any new accounts created after this date will use check-in messages.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for pointing this out - I was grandfathered in and didn't know. For anyone else, this article from Garmin offers some clarification: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=y6jQ78qAaW6EvPvztACfj8

[@randyb168]

Can you use this with driving maps as well?

[@Hikingguy]

Most units are aimed at the outdoors and you can put driving maps in them, and there are units like this which might be better: amzn.to/44rnu5O

[@flashwhite5603]

be careful buying one second hand. if the previous "registered owner" doesn't release it from there account it becomes a red brick. and Garmin won't do anything about it!

[@bilaltahir9978]

Which do you prefer between the garmin inreach messenger and mini 2?

[@Hikingguy]

If you need nav or nav backup, Mini 2, otherwise Messenger

[@brianphillips3541]

Can you set up a group chat so you can send the same message to multiple people at the San me time?

[@Hikingguy]

Think you can in the Messenger app

[@vernonmartin9737]

will a Firmware update to my Mini change my Presets to Check-in?

[@Hikingguy]

It shouldn't - it's only if you opt-in to it

[@suewheeler5795]

If I enable map share is that private to my contacts? It seems as if it's public for everyone to see 🤔

[@Hikingguy]

You can give it a password

[@kathyhemeon9342]

I am trying to set a course- the TRT through hike. When I go to in reach mini app on my phone and go to Courses- I get a message that says to use my garmin device to create courses. I can't create a course on the device. do you have a step by step I can watch?

[@Hikingguy]

I'll make one shortly, but you should be able to do it in the Explore app. Just did it yesterday and it works.

[@MrRedFox13Photography]

safe than sorry.

[@nc2988]

Im mainly wondering about battery life.

[@Hikingguy]

check out my reviews on the individual units

[@johnc3225]

Looking to buy the inreach2. I’m confused about map sharing. If the basic inreach account uploads map sharing every 10 min, can’t anyone you give a link to your map sharing account just look at it and see your location without you paying extra?

[@Hikingguy]

You can send messages with the location as part of the basic account. The location is part of the message. If you want to have it automatically track you, get one plan up or pay $0.10 each.

[@Cys62]

Anyone knows if the inreach facility can be used or subscribed to, outside of the USA. Thank you.

[@Hikingguy]

support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=Z0mdgyBwqaAHP4QLy78UcA#:~:text=Generally%20yes%2C%20our%20inReach%20satellite,The%20Islamic%20Republic%20of%20Iran

[@Cys62]

@@Hikingguy very helpful... and thank you....

[@helvettefaensatan]

Am I understanding this correctly? Are my contacts going to get SMS from different numbers, claiming to be me (being me)? How can truth of identity be verified? This is a huge security flaw!

[@bpdp379]

I think he’s confused. I’ve just verified it by sending a text to my wife, and it is using the same number it has for the last eight years…

[@squirelova1815]

What is this "Google" thing I keep hearing about?

[@markmalinowski6975]

Can I send emails to my wife’s iPad, using the Garmin mini ? Can she reply back to me ?

[@scottyTy]

Can I order a pizza with this when I am on the trails?. That would be handy.

[@MrGreenLeaf420]

If I run out of weed during my hike is it ok to hit the SOS button?

[@chili1593]

Why are the closed captions in Arabic? They’ve now reverted to English 😅

[@HuskyMike]

Mine were in english at first. I stopped the video and came back a couple hours later and they were in Arabic. Not sure what happened. You can change this using the settings (gear/ wheel) next to the CC icon.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea not sure what's up - not on my end - something with KZbin

[@chili1593]

Now no captions are available

[@billruttan117]

Because there can be impediments to delivery of text/SMS Messages, I try to also include an email address with all messages sent out from the Mini (email may be slower, but seems to be more reliable).

[@HughRae]

I purchased a cell phone for our dispatch center to communicate with crews working out of area with their inreach devices. Have tried multiple test messages from the field and the cell phone doesn't receive the message. I tried using my inreach to message the new phone and the message went through. Thoughts?

[@truthpopup]

There could be a premium rescue service for the wealthy, rescue guaranteed within one day, with a fee of $1 million if you press the SOS button. The rescuers could benefit by being paid a generous bonus.

[@Sofiaeurope]

Now the problem will be, if something happen to the earth all satellite communications will be junk , can't forward 😲😲 I wish if they could connect directly without going to the earth , for now not possibly , in future maybe 🙄🙄

[@kdum8]

You need to cut down on the marijuana my friend

[@bufunga]

Now I just want to get rid of it

[@mrcohiba1662]

These devices seem as old and useful as pagers in the 80’s.

[@du3223]

Do you ever actually go off the grid?

[@mrkymrk99]

Thank you! Curious, does the waypoint feature work without the basic subscription?

[@Hikingguy]

WHOA thank you!!! Yes, the navigation features work without having to activate inReach

[@abcputra6985]

Nice hp redme OILFIELD global successful