Garmin Messenger™

What Garmin Messenger is for

Garmin Messenger is a messaging app built to work with Garmin's inReach satellite communicators. It is aimed at people who hike, paddle or travel where cellphone signal drops out, and who want to keep in touch with family and friends from there. Contacts are invited to download the app, and the conversation carries on both on and off the trail.

The app runs on a phone and connects to a compatible inReach device for satellite messaging. Compatible devices are listed on Garmin's website.

Messaging over internet, cellular and satellite

The app moves each message between internet, cellular and satellite networks automatically, using whichever route is available. When the phone has a connection, messages keep going through even if the inReach device is switched off.

Group messaging is supported. On compatible Garmin devices, the app also sends photos and voice messages. The listing does not separate which features need which device, so check the compatibility list before relying on a specific feature.

Interactive SOS beyond cellphone coverage

Paired with an inReach device, the app offers interactive SOS. The developer says this works in places without cellphone coverage. Satellite features require an active satellite subscription, so SOS and satellite messaging depend on that plan.

Sharing your location with LiveTrack

LiveTrack lets chosen people follow your location in real time. Along with position, they can see distance, time and elevation. It works in two setups: with a compatible smartphone running the Garmin Earthmate app, or with a compatible inReach-enabled Garmin device.

This gives family or a trip group a live view of where you are and how far you have gone, without you having to send updates by hand.