How to Use an inReach® Satellite Communicator: Support Resources
When you acquire a new piece of technology, it’s important to get familiar with its functionalities. Fortunately, Garmin provides many support resources to help you learn how to operate your inReach satellite communication device1 before heading into the wilderness.
Quick Start Manual
The first form of support comes in your inReach device box. This small but mighty Quick Start Manual gives a device button overview, steps for initial device setup and instructions for important features such as smartphone pairing, data syncing and two-way messaging. Don’t have your Quick Start Manual? A full online device manual is always available on the Garmin Support Center.
Garmin Support Center
For more in-depth device information, the Garmin Support Center is where you’ll find inReach device resources and education. You can search by product name or serial number to pull up the list of support materials, including digital device manuals, common solution articles, webinars and short how-to videos.
Tip: To find the Garmin Support Center, visit Garmin.com, navigate to the top right corner, click (?) Support, and choose the Support Center link.
How-to Videos
How-to videos from our product support experts are found within the Garmin Support Center either on the How-to Videos page (type in your device name to search) or within the support section for each inReach device under the Videos tab. These 3- to 6-minute videos focus on how to accomplish tasks with your inReach, starting with what you’ll need for activation (inReach device, payment card, other device if required) through how to use your device on a trip.
Garmin Customer Support
If you don’t find the answer to your inReach device question within the Garmin Support Center online materials, you can always reach out to our customer support team for real-time, one-on-one assistance. Navigate to the Garmin Customer Support page, enter your device name or serial number in the entry field, and click the arrow. Once on the device support page, scroll down to the Contact Us for More Help section, and choose the Chat or Call option.
Product support specialists are available by phone Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT (UTC-7) by chat, a direct call to 1-800-800-1020 or by leaving your number for a call back.
If you’re outside of the U.S., please check the support times for your locale. For immediate help, dial 1-800-800-1020.
Practice
The adage “practice makes perfect” is especially true when it comes to getting comfortable with your inReach satellite communicator. Experimenting with features such as navigation and TracBack® routing, sending trial messages to contacts or simply familiarizing yourself with button commands ahead of a trip all help alleviate concerns about seamlessly operating the device when recreating or during an emergency situation.
Device Test
To confirm that your subscription is active and your device is ready, inReach offers an easy Test message feature:
- Go outside with a clear view of the sky.
- Navigate to the Test icon.
- Select Test.
- Wait for a successful test confirmation.
Note: Five free test messages per month are included on all plans.
SOS Test
For full confidence in your inReach device capabilities, you can schedule a test of the SOS functionality on your inReach device but only with approval from the Garmin ResponseSM team. SOS tests are scheduled through Garmin Response, and test requests must be submitted each time you wish to test the device. The Garmin Response team will confirm the date/time and provide testing instructions. Click here to complete the online SOS test request form and confirm approval/testing guidance prior to triggering a test SOS.
For a checklist of steps to take before, during and after your trip with your inReach device, check out our inReach Best Practices webinar.
1Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is your responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the satellite communication device is intended to be used.
