# Bullitt Satellite Messenger — user reviews > 57 indexed App Store user reviews of Bullitt Satellite Messenger by Bullitt Group Services Limited, rated 2.57/5 from 7 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bullitt-satellite-messenger/id6444013639/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bullitt-satellite-messenger/id6444013639.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 2 · 4★ 1 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 3 ## What do users think of Bullitt Satellite Messenger? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Works well with device - 👍 Great for trails - 👍 Easy setup - 👍 Helpful connectivity - 👍 Good for remote areas - 👍 Fast satellite acquisition - 👍 User-friendly interface - 👍 Connects quickly - 👍 Good value service plans **Cons** - 😞 Unreliable connectivity - 😞 Does not work in Canada - 😞 Poor customer support - 😞 Expensive subscription - 😞 Device not working - 😞 Subscription issues - 😞 Untrustworthy for safety - 😞 Not intuitive - 😞 Requires data for login - 😞 Price increase without notice - 😞 No SMS fallback - 😞 Verification code expired - 😞 Unable to activate device - 😞 Poor implementation - 😞 Not worth the hassle - 😞 Requires app to be open - 😞 Can't delete account - 😞 Bluetooth connection issues - 😞 App won't open on Mac **Commonly reported bugs** - Keeps logging out - Requires login with data coverage - App won't let me sign up - Unable to connect/re-pair device - No response from tech support - Messages not received by recipient - Responses never received - No notifications on iOS - Verification code expired - Unable to activate device - Bluetooth connection hit-or-miss - App won't open on Mac - Login issue with phone number - Cannot connect to Bluetooth - Trouble signing into account - Won't connect to Motorola Defy - Free year becomes 3 months - Does not notify send/receive - App must be open for notifications - Won't accept UK phone numbers - Unable to create an account - No notification when message arrives - Notifications not working iPhone - Unable to register (SMS not received) - New message notification issue - Background refresh needed for notifications - Notification issues on iOS - Messages not sent/received reliably - App badge works, banner notification not confirmed **Most requested features** - Apple Watch support - Prominent battery indicator - Dark mode option - Advanced analytics dashboard - FAQ or instructions for recipients ## Newest reviews (13 of 57) ### 3/5 — Would like more features *2026-07-11, version 3.4.24* Going from an Inreach to this (not by choice) I would really like to see more features. A map view would be very useful. Not sure what that would look like in the app but if I have to also use my phone, I should get the red carpet. That aside, no real issue with the app as far as functionality. ### 3/5 — Not the best but works *2025-02-18, version 2.2.7* It is not the best satellite messenger. But it still work. I have subscribed one more year. Will see how it goes. May need to switch if it does not improve. ### 2/5 — Keeps on logging out *2025-02-18, version 2.2.7* The new version of the app keeps on logging out when the Bluetooth beacon is disconnected. So if you are out of cellular network and it logs out, there is no way to continue using the app to send messages. ### 3/5 — Meh *2024-07-06, version 1.6.4 (2.2)* How the app works is not intuitive and there doesn't seem to be a F.A.Q. or instructions anywhere on the developers website for message recipients to learn how to use the app. App badge does work but I can’t confirm having received a notification on the banner. ### 1/5 — Not reliable *2023-10-23, version 1.5.3 (2.6)* When I send a satellite message to my wife's iPhone she doesn't get a notification unless the Bullitt app is open, or she opens it later. Great, so I need immediate response due to an emergency but I have to wait for her to open the app to see the message, or hope she already has it open. I notified Bullitt support 2 weeks ago and they said it's a known bug they are working on. One FW and two app updates later and it still doesn't work. Follow up with support and "we're still working on it, so sorry". My InReach account is still active thankfully and I will return this thing if it's not fixed in the next week. UPDATE: I gave up on Bullitt and returned the device for a refund. The problem now is that after canceling my subscription and numerous support conversations, I cannot delete my account and payment info because it says I have an active subscription. Nor can Bullitt figure out how to cancel my account. Clearly the Bullitt SW Dev team has done an incredibly poor job with no hope of ever getting this right. DO NOT buy into this failed product and app. ### 1/5 — Button on website doesn’t work *2023-10-13, version 1.5.0 (2.2)* Can’t activate on desktop or app - WTH ### 1/5 — Does not work *2023-10-13, version 1.5.0 (2.2)* After downloading the app, I created an account, attempted to pair the device, attempted to add a plan, attempted to add a billing payment method and nothing works. I have tried on my iPhone, my iPad, and Windows laptop browsers via cel data and wifi. Nothing. May be more of an issue about the service itself rather than the app but as of today, October 13, I am unable to activate my device. This is probably going back to REI. ### 1/5 — Do not buy any product associated with this company *2023-10-12, version 1.5.0 (2.2)* This company has quite possibly the worst product support on the planet, I would rather talk to Comcast support reps than these guys, and the product that I bought of theirs, the Motorola defy satellite link, was able to send one message one time and never again even if I didn’t move an inch. They publish a map of North America that shows 100% coverage and yet after days of hiking in the Appalachian mountains, around very popular places like grandfather Mountian and the Mountian Trail actually getting a message through proved to essentially be impossible. I returned the device to Amazon and have repeatedly attempted to delete my account but despite multiple emails and phone calls this company has thus far refused to comply with my request claiming that I have an active subscription and yet I have canceled that subscription but they will not cancel my account. do yourself a favor, spend the extra money and buy an established product that has well-trained support personnel. ### 2/5 — Premise is nice, but notifications don’t work. *2023-10-11, version 1.5.0 (2.2)* Linked to a Motorola defy. Neither my phone or my wife’s phone receives new message notifications until the app is opened. Bother phones have background refresh turned on. Doesn’t work. ### 1/5 — Notifications not working *2023-10-09, version 1.5.0 (2.2)* When receiving a message notifications are not working: one needs to open the app to know that a message was received. This is made even worse by the service not sending SMS if you’ve registered with Bullitt - so you absolutely don’t know if someone sent you something. ### 3/5 — Check app before going remote. *2023-09-23, version 1.4.1 (2.5)* Don’t make the mistake I did. I went remote for a weekend backpacking trip, I went to message in the app and somehow I got signed out. The latest update logged me out and you can’t log back in without service. I was unexpectedly without messaging capability. ### 1/5 — Verification does not work! *2023-09-01, version 1.3.5 (2.2)* On signup the verification code arrives after several minutes, and by that time is expired. Ridiculous for a messaging company… ### 3/5 — No notifications *2023-08-22, version 1.3.5 (2.2)* Messenger works but you have to constantly check it for messages notifications are on but do not come through iPhones. Multiple phones tried still no luck. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Worthless ripoff *2026-03-02, version 3.1.26* DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use this!! It didn’t work where there was no service and they won’t cancel your subscription for a year!! I’m out $480 for my husband and I for these pieces of junk. ### 1/5 — The app that could literally kill you *2025-08-18, version 2.7.22* That’s not a hyperbolic title. The most recent versions of the app require users to be logged in, which requires data coverage. I’ve started hikes and been logged out by the end. While the app may be useful for entertainment purposes, it is completely unacceptable to have a safety application which logs users out routinely and arbitrarily, and does not allow a login without the coverage which makes satellite communications meaningless. ### 1/5 — 3x price increase *2024-12-07, version 1.7.8* Raised monthly fee 300% overnight without notice. ### 1/5 — Don’t do it! *2024-08-31, version 1.6.4 (2.2)* The device did not work and was returned after 7 days and the $59.99 mandatory annual subscription was cancelled within the 14 day window but the company has not responded to emails nor issued a refund. Not worth it. ### 1/5 — Absolute Trash *2024-01-29, version 1.6.4 (2.2)* THIS DEVICE/APP CANNOT BE RELIED ON. I’ve taken this out of cell service twice. My wife has never received any of the messages I’ve sent her. My brother finally received something but once he responded I got a message that I’d exceeded my monthly allotment of messages and get this: needed an internet connection to manage my subscription. I was unable to send or receive any further messages. Dead in the water. IF I COULD ACCESS THE INTERNET WHAT WOULD I NEED A SATELLITE MESSENGER FOR?! This unit is going back to REI. BUYER BEWARE. ### 1/5 — I’d love to give it a real rating… *2024-01-18, version 1.6.4 (2.2)* I tried a handful of times to sign up for the app… it won’t let me. Just loading… loading… loading… Figure it out, please (iOS) ### 1/5 — Does not work! *2023-12-26, version 1.6.4 (2.2)* The design concept is good as is the packaging, but neither the app nor the device work. After the initial pairing/registration between the app, device, and account creation, the app was unable to connect or re-pair with the device. I never once was able to send a test message. Then, no response from tech support, so I’m now in a “pending cancellation” status. Need to check to make sure there are no charges to my credit card before deleting my account. This is so bad I almost wonder is this is some sort of fake service scam to generate revenue. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work in Canada *2023-11-20, version 1.5.7 (2.4)* This messenger service doesn’t work in Canada ### 1/5 — DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY *2023-10-31* I had my Defy stolen, so I contacted Tim and almost 2 months later, not even as much as a response. I got an email saying it’s time to renew my account, it came with a year of service, did not even get that. I emailed and said I don’t want to renew my account. I then emailed Tim to discuss and ask him if my card would be charged, no response, emailed again, no response. Emailed a third time today. Good luck ever connecting to an actual satellite, would NEVER trust this to call SAR! AVOID THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS!!!! ### 1/5 — Can’t even access the message part of app *2023-10-31, version 1.5.3 (2.6)* This is absolutely horrible. Utter trash. I bought two Motorola devices and set up accounts, downloaded apps, etc. and now the app does not even provide for Messages only accounts and dashboard accessible and when reboot recaptcha just cycles over and over … so many issues. It’s hard to believe this app is four years old. Still feels like it’s early alpha stages. I highly recommend no one purchased this product until they can put together proper support. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — A big improvement, I recommend. *2026-03-21, version 3.1.26* Very good app now and really great coverage. ### 5/5 — Good app *2025-07-10, version 2.6.27* App works well, does what it says, if you have the satellite device from them ### 5/5 — Great app *2024-06-04, version 1.6.4 (2.2)* Great app and service for when I’m on the trails ### 5/5 — AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE! *2023-11-02, version 1.5.3 (2.6)* I had my Defy stolen, so I contacted Tim. It took him quite a while to get ahold of me. I wanted to make sure my account wouldn’t be charged, etc. Tim with Bullitt was amazing! Not only did he help me with my account, but he sent a whole new unit! I got it the next day! If you have an issue, I highly recommend contacting them directly. Tim was so helpful. ### 5/5 — It does what I need it to do *2023-09-10, version 1.3.9 (2.2)* I’m using this app in conjunction with a Motorola Defy and an iPhone 13. Over the past several weeks I have utilized this app while hiking on section 14 of the Colorado Trail. Initially, I ran into issues with sending messages. Come to find out, it was all user error. So far, I am very satisfied with this app. With that being said, I have only used it in areas that have intermittent cell coverage. I look forward to trying it out in areas with zero cell coverage. ### 5/5 — Works Well *2023-09-06, version 1.3.9 (2.2)* I think a lot of the negative reviews are from during the beta trial. It’s not perfect in every way, but for the price and cheap service plans I think this device is awesome for someone like me who only goes on a handful of trips a year. It can take a second to get set up and use to everything (I definitely recommend watching some YouTube tutorials, and taking the time to test this device before you actually need to use it), but it works! I was able to communicate with home on a backpacking trip with no service. One thing I like is you can power it on only when you’re using it (you’ll get any messages sent to you while it was powered off) and you hardly use any battery life. I went on a three day backpacking trip, turned it on about three times a day, but only ended up using like 5% of the battery life. You do need to have the person you want to be communicating with download an app if you want to be able to receive messages back from them! ### 5/5 — Easy to use and very helpful *2023-08-31, version 1.3.5 (2.2)* The app is very useful whenever you’re out and about, as it always has your back keeping you connected ### 5/5 — Plz Apple Watch Support *2023-07-14, version 1.2.9 (2.4)* I love the app and Motorola Defy Sat Link but I would love it more with Apple Watch support. ### 5/5 — 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 *2023-07-05, version 1.2.7 (2.3)* connected in no time ### 5/5 — Motorola Defy Satellite Link *2023-07-03, version 1.2.7 (2.3)* I started using my MDSL with the app this week, and it’s super easy to setup and send and receive messages. Fast acquisition to satellites. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-13.*