# Garmin Messenger™ — Message with Friends & Family > Global messaging and SOS via satellite communicator, with automatic network switching. (iPhone/iPad app by Garmin.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-messenger/id1550351929 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) - Category: Social Networking - Price: Free - Rating: 4.60/5 from 12,922 App Store ratings · 416 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 18.0 · 106 MB - Languages: Russian, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Vietnamese, American English, Arabic, Hungarian, Dutch, Greek, Danish and 26 more - Released: 2022-09-26 - Data updated: 2026-08-29 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-messenger/id1550351929/reviews.md ## What is Garmin Messenger™? Stay in touch with friends and family. Enjoy the security and connectivity of global messaging with the Garmin Messenger™ app. Pair with your compatible inReach® satellite communicator for fast, easy direct messaging and interactive SOS that’s not limited to cellphone coverage areas (active satellite subscription required). The app supports group messaging as well as photo and voice messaging when paired with a compatible Garmin device (1). Automatic switching between internet, cellular, and satellite networks gives you the best connectivity and efficiency for all your messaging. When you have connectivity, the app will work seamlessly even if your inReach device is turned off. Invite your friends and family to download the app to stay connected and keep the conversation going on and off the trail. With the use of the LiveTrack™ feature, loved ones can follow your location in real time (2) and see data such as distance, time and elevation. (1) See compatible devices at garmin.com/p/893837#devices (2) When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Earthmate® app or when used with your compatible inReach® technology-enabled Garmin device. Note: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication 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. ## Key features - Global messaging - Interactive SOS - Group messaging - Photo and voice messaging - Automatic network switching - Real-time location sharing (LiveTrack) ## Chart rankings - #39 in Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store) ## What do users think of Garmin Messenger™? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 🚀 Excellent app - 👍 Easy to use - 🚀 Great messaging functionality - 👍 Seamless cellular and satellite communication - 🚀 Consolidated messaging experience **Cons** - 🐛 Activation and verification issues - 🐛 Pairing problems with InReach devices - 🐛 Buggy and unstable app - 👎 Difficult to use and navigate - 👎 Lack of support for older InReach models - 👎 Expensive subscription plans **Commonly reported bugs** - No verification code received - App freezes during activation - Inconsistent behavior between app and device - Messaging not working in areas with no cell coverage **Most requested features** - Ability to message non-Messenger contacts - Improved contact management and syncing - Apple Watch compatibility - Ability to delete messages on paired devices - Better integration with Garmin Explore app ## Recent user reviews (10 of 416) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-messenger/id1550351929/reviews.md ### 1/5 — 한글좀 쓸 수 있도록 해주세요 *2026-08-24* 업데이트 때 한글 키보드좀 사용할 수 있게 해주세요 ### 2/5 — Inaccurate customer service *2026-08-22* Customer helpline says help is available after hours for a fee then instructs you to press 2. Then it cycles tou back to the original message. Great customer service for those who don’t live in the central time zone and are further west! Our personal safety is indeed your priority. ### 1/5 — Terrible app *2026-08-21, version 2.8.1* Terrible. The software geeks totally screwed up when they went to messenger from Earthmate. Not user friendly. Unable to delete threads. Not possible to turn off unwanted notifications. Locations for messages sent are off by more than a mile. Earthmate is better. ### 1/5 — Wish it worked! *2026-08-16, version 2.8.1* Half the time this app doesn’t work! Very frustrating to use! ### 1/5 — Hard to set up *2026-08-16, version 2.8.1* I had a hard time getting it set up ### 2/5 — Terrible app *2026-08-13, version 2.8.1* Can’t find any stats on my hike really very intuitive. Sucks ### 1/5 — Приложение *2026-08-09* Не войти ### 3/5 — Telefonnummernbindung und Werbung *2026-08-04* Ich weis nicht warum man zu den Messengern die man eh auf dem Telefon hat noch einen weiteren haben soll. Habe ich Netz nutze ich keinen Garmin Messenger. Dazu noch der nervige Punkt „Freunde Einladen“, warum sollte man jemand dazu einladen, hat jemand ein inreach kann er das selber entscheiden. Aus meiner Sicht zuviel unnötiges Zeug für nen Outdoor Messenger, irgendwie das Ziel verfehlt. ### 5/5 — Garmin Satellite Texting and tracking *2026-08-04, version 2.8.1* Fantastic app to connect to Garmin Inreach devices. Keeps me connected to my family during hiking, fishing and back country trips in areas of the Southern Appalachian Mountains like the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounding National Forest and Wilderness’s ### 1/5 — Useless feature *2026-08-03, version 2.8.1* Your contacts have to download garmin maessenger and open the app every time they want to text you. You will not receive text they send using their phone only. Useless feature for garmin watch. Very disappointed. ## Frequently asked questions about Garmin Messenger™ ### What does the Garmin Messenger app do? The Garmin Messenger app allows you to send and receive messages globally, even in areas without cellular coverage. It pairs with a compatible inReach satellite communicator to provide secure messaging and interactive SOS capabilities. The app also offers features like group messaging, photo and voice messaging, and real-time location sharing. ### What are the key features of this app? Key features include global messaging, interactive SOS for emergencies, group messaging, photo and voice messaging when paired with a compatible device, and automatic switching between internet, cellular, and satellite networks for optimal connectivity. It also supports LiveTrack for real-time location sharing with loved ones. ### Is there a cost to use the Garmin Messenger app? The Garmin Messenger app itself is free to download and use. However, to utilize its satellite messaging and SOS features, you will need to pair it with a compatible inReach satellite communicator and have an active satellite subscription. Specific device compatibility and subscription details can be found on the Garmin website. ### What devices is the Garmin Messenger app compatible with? The app is designed to pair with compatible inReach satellite communicators. A list of compatible devices can be found on the Garmin website at garmin.com/p/893837#devices. The LiveTrack feature may also require a compatible smartphone and the Garmin Earthmate app or a compatible inReach-enabled Garmin device. ### When would I use the Garmin Messenger app? This app is ideal for outdoor adventurers, hikers, climbers, and travelers who venture into areas with limited or no cellular service. It ensures you can stay in touch with friends and family, and provides a critical safety net with its SOS functionality in remote locations. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.0 — 2026-08-25 Added Garmin Locate and LiveTrack notifications. ### 2.8.1 — 2026-07-07 • Fixed an error when attempting to view LiveTrack settings ### 2.8 — 2026-05-20 Lots of bug fixes. ### 2.7.1 — 2026-03-04 • Fixed using VoiceOver to compose a message • Fixed incorrect UI shown after activating a device ### 2.7 — 2026-02-18 Improved app experience when multiple inReach devices are paired. ## Apps similar to Garmin Messenger™ | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Signal - Private Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/signal-private-messenger/id874139669) | 4.7 (1,077,317) | Free | Social Networking | | [Beer Buddy - Friends Alerts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beer-buddy-friends-alerts/id1487915470) | 4.9 (112,876) | Free | Social Networking | | [Heylo \| Build community groups](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heylo-build-community-groups/id1445966180) | 4.9 (5,652) | Free | Social Networking | | [PI.FYI - Log Your Favorites](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pifyi-log-your-favorites/id6474037926) | 4.9 (3,155) | Free | Social Networking | | [Circle Communities](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/circle-communities/id1509651625) | 4.9 (81,673) | Free | Social Networking | | [Mighty Networks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mighty-networks/id1081683081) | 4.8 (73,515) | Free | Social Networking | ## More apps by Garmin - [Earthmate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758) - [Garmin Audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-audio/id520377783) - [Easyhunt](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/easyhunt/id566838181) - [Garmin Smartphone Link](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-smartphone-link/id567725209) - [Garmin Connect™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-connect/id583446403) - [Garmin VIRB](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-virb/id723092894) All apps by Garmin: https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952 ## Related topics [garmin messenger app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-messenger-app) · [garmin inreach](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-inreach) · [garmin inreach mini 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-inreach-mini-2) · [inreach messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/inreach-messenger) · [garmin messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-messenger) · [rossi messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/rossi-messenger) · [cross messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cross-messenger) · [inreach](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/inreach) · [inreach app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/inreach-app) · [geosafe messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/geosafe-messenger) · [inreach mini](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/inreach-mini) · [everywhere garmin](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/everywhere-garmin) · [float plan messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/float-plan-messenger) · [garmin explore](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-explore) · [garmin earthmate](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/garmin-earthmate) · [zoleo](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/zoleo) · [napco ibridge messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/napco-ibridge-messenger) · [bnow messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bnow-messenger) · [fennec messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/fennec-messenger) · [earthmate](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/earthmate) --- *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 2026-08-29.*