# SPOT Connect > Satellite messenger app for sending location-based messages and alerts via satellite. (iPhone/iPad app by SPOT LLC.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spot-connect/id423066534 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [SPOT LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/423066537) - Category: Navigation, Utilities - Price: Free - Rating: 1.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 71 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 6.0 · 10 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-09-30 - Data updated: 2026-08-12 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spot-connect/id423066534/reviews.md ## What is SPOT Connect? The SPOT Connect App pairs the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with SPOT Connect, a revolutionary satellite messenger engineered to transmit messages via satellite from virtually anywhere in the world, including remote locations. The award-winning SPOT Connect device provides connectivity to the Globalstar satellite network for sending location-based messages from areas beyond cellular phone coverage or around town. By simply downloading the SPOT Connect App, SPOT Connect wirelessly synchs via Bluetooth® with Apple® iOS devices. The SPOT satellite message features are initiated directly from the app’s intuitive user interface. SPOT Connect utilizes proven SPOT technology to notify others of one’s GPS location coordinates and current status. By sending a message to the Globalstar satellite network, the user’s selected contacts will receive a custom Type and Send or Predefined message delivered as an SMS text message or email. SPOT Connect messages contain the user’s latitude and longitude, date, time stamp and a link to maps. Established SPOT message features include Check-in/OK, Help, SPOT Assist, SOS and automated Track Progress. SPOT Connect messaging feature overview: •SOS - Emergency assistance request sent with your GPS location to GEOS every 5 min until batteries die or until cancelled. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe. Custom Type & Send messages can be sent with SOS for detailed emergency information. •Help/SPOT Assist* - Request help from friends and family or professional service providers every 5 min for 1 hour. Custom Type & Send messages can be sent with a Help/Assist message for more detailed personal help. * SPOT Assist subject to availability. •Check-in/OK - Send a Predefined Message or custom Type & Send message allowing your friends and family to get a message from you with your GPS location virtually anywhere on the globe. With a push of a button a message is sent via email or SMS to a contact group. You can also send your Check-in/OK messages to social sites like Facebook or Twitter. •Track Progress - This feature allows you to send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress in near real time using maps. With your SPOT account you have the ability to set up a SPOT Shared Page which allows you to show your SPOT GPS locations to others on a map. (Additional service required). The SPOT Connect App extends the functionality of Apple® devices while making available new features for customers. Custom messages can now be composed and sent on-the-go. Users can store up to 14 Predefined messages and 10 personal contract groups consisting of up to 50 contacts each. Additionally, the SPOT Connect App turns devices like iPod touch or iPad Wi-Fi into a satellite messenger utilizing SPOT Connect’s onboard GPS and satellite transmitter. Users can even send location-based messages to Facebook and Twitter from isolated regions such as mountainous terrain and areas off-shore. Overview: • Uses the GPS satellite system to determine location and the Globalstar satellite network to transmit that information to personal contacts or an international emergency response center • Send location-based messages via satellite to others delivered as SMS text or email • Send custom “Type and Send” 41 character text messages from your location • Update social networks including Facebook and Twitter from remote locations • Provide GPS functionality to non-GPS devices • Store up to 10 predefined messages for quick reference and sending • Store 10 contact groups on device – each group can consist of up to 50 contacts • On device SOS button for standalone emergency operation • Bluetooth wireless connection Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. ## Key features - Satellite messaging - GPS location sharing - SOS emergency alerts - Custom message composition - Automated track progress - Predefined messages - Contact group management ## Recent user reviews (10 of 71) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spot-connect/id423066534/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Won’t connect *2019-01-01* As other reviews have mentioned, this app doesn’t work any more. I was able to get my iPhone to connect to the device in Bluetooth settings (with some trouble), but the app still can’t find the device. I HOPE the SOS button on the side of the device will still work, but I’m a little apprehensive about relying on it since the app doesn’t. Sure happy I renewed the yearly contract for $200 🙄 ### 1/5 — Cannot Connect since IOS 9 *2016-07-27* It's always been tricky to make connect now fails completely. Also firmware update for device is not working. ### 1/5 — Useless as an emergency tool *2016-04-24* Been a SPOT user since gen 1 and a SPOT connect since its release. App & unit unusable after iOS 9, if I get it to connect it then goes to "sleep" after a few minutes and will not reconnect the it's Bluetooth connection for days. I've rebooted the phone, changed expensive lithium batteries in the unit and tried every tip hey give but the device just cannot be counted upon to work in an emergency any more. SPOT discontinued the item but still gladly takes my money for a messaging account. I'm going to look into Delorme's offering :/ ### 3/5 — Bluetooth issues *2015-12-22, version 1.6* Having difficulty establishing Bluetooth connection on an iPhone 6 with iOS 9.2 and the 1.6 version of the app... Even with new batteries installed, hope this gets resolved soon. ### 1/5 — Lame *2015-08-15, version 1.5* Dangerous doesn't work ### 1/5 — Not good *2014-05-29, version 1.4* The interface is terrible. ### 2/5 — Needs fixing *2014-05-01, version 1.4* The app once worked very well logging all crumbs in the 10 minute increments. Over the past two months the app may take log three crumbs within a 4 hour time period. The app will not show a GPS yet, the Connect I use logs everything as it should. The developers need to invest into fixing these issues. This latest issue causes me to question the viability as a safety device. ### 2/5 — Bluetooth troublesome *2014-03-19, version 1.3.1* I've had the Spot Connect for two years now. It works, but is a hassle to connect to Bluetooth each home the unit is turned on. The iPhone shows the connection, but the app doesn't see it. Cycling Bluetooth on the phone usually fixes it, but still a hassle, especially when attention is needed elsewhere and not fiddling with the phone. Unforgivable that this is not fixed yet. I'll buy DeLorme next time. ### 1/5 — Not as promised and seems to have some "shady" reviews *2014-01-09, version 1.3.1* The reviews that state it worked with no cell service and instructed you how to pair it with Bluetooth are very suspicious ...this app isn't worth the money and the staff in support are clueless ad rude. I know now where AOL sends its retiring customer service reps to continue the fight against the human race. This app is nothing what it promises and is the worst of worst ad where did all the negative reviews go?cant give it less than one star or it would be a negative two. Steer clear!! ### 1/5 — Unreliable still *2013-11-13, version 1.3.1* Threw mine in the trash where it belongs. ## Frequently asked questions about SPOT Connect ### What does the SPOT Connect App do? The SPOT Connect App pairs with the SPOT Connect satellite messenger device to enable sending messages and location data via satellite. It allows users to send custom messages, predefined alerts, and emergency SOS signals from areas without cellular coverage. ### What are the key features of the SPOT Connect App? Key features include sending SOS emergency requests with GPS location, requesting help from contacts, sending 'Check-in/OK' messages with location, and automated 'Track Progress' to share your journey. It also supports custom message composition and managing contact groups. ### Is the SPOT Connect App free to use? The SPOT Connect App itself is free to download and use. However, it requires the SPOT Connect satellite messenger device, which has its own associated costs and potentially service plans for satellite communication. ### What devices is the SPOT Connect App compatible with? The app is designed to sync wirelessly via Bluetooth with Apple iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It turns these devices into satellite messengers when paired with the SPOT Connect device. ### How can I use the SPOT Connect App for safety? The app's SOS feature sends an emergency request with your GPS location to GEOS, which alerts appropriate worldwide agencies. The 'Help/SPOT Assist' feature allows you to request assistance from friends, family, or professional services, providing peace of mind in remote or challenging situations. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.6 — 2015-10-23 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. iOS 9 updates. ### 1.5 — 2014-10-20 Updates for iOS 8 ### 1.4 — 2014-04-07 Support for iOS 7+. ### 1.3.1 — 2013-03-01 Corrected loading issue on iPod 2nd Generation Supports the use of special characters in your findmespot account username ### 1.3 — 2012-11-28 SPOT Connect App iOS version 1.3 should be used with the most up to date SPOT Connect Firmware for best results. Check www.FindMeSPOT.com for updates. The App is iOS 6 and iPhone5 compatible. Introduction SPOT Connect App v1.3 addresses several login and connection issues along with usability enhancements and some bug fixes. NEW FEATURES Login without Device: Allows a user to login even when their SPOT Connect device is not connected – review message history, contacts, etc. Syncing: Added an alert for the user when there is an account sync error and provided more syncing options when app is open and internet is available Supports Upcoming Firmware Release: Will alert the user when the required firmware is available at www.FindMeSPOT.com for Bluetooth Auto Reconnect for iOS devices. Map & Go: This feature has been removed. Battery/GPS Indicator: The status tray icon was removed and replaced by a pop-up screen. ISSUES FIXED/ENHANCEMENTS Addressed login connection issues; specifically, when off the grid logout occurs Various enhancements for Track mode and other Message Status information Additional quality bug fixes KNOWN ISSUES Upon initial install of SPOT Connect App v1.3, previous Message History could be affected for users with multiple Connect devices. ## Apps similar to SPOT Connect | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Orca: Boat GPS, Charts, Routes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orca-boat-gps-charts-routes/id1514423198) | 4.6 (352) | Free | Navigation | | [Garmin Explore™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-explore/id1276675721) | 4.1 (985) | Free | Navigation | | [Whale Alert](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whale-alert/id911035973) | 4.5 (220) | Free | Navigation | | [ETA SPOT](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eta-spot/id1021211544) | 1.5 (1,023) | Free | Navigation | | [Tread®](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tread/id1518331465) | 4.5 (400) | Free | Navigation | | [Earthmate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758) | 2.7 (271) | Free | Navigation | ## More apps by SPOT LLC - [The SPOT App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spot-app/id787229677) - [SPOT X Bluetooth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spot-x-bluetooth/id1418588767) All apps by SPOT LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/423066537 --- *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 2026-08-12.*