Customer Reviews for Garmin - InReach GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Red/Black
Customer Rating
2
Stopped working below tree line
on August 5, 2025
Posted by: MBoucher
Inreach stopped working on miles 30 through 40 on my 40 mile mountain run, causing my support to lose track of me for over 2 hours. Very frustrating I’d pay for a GPS that doesn’t even work in the mountains, definitely regret buying and continuing my support of garmin. Definitely my last garmin device.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, August 6, 2025
We're so sorry to hear about your experience and would love to help. Please contact Garmin Product Support at the following link so this can be discussed more in-depth: http://ms.spr.ly/6429s38w9
I bought this to stay in touch in the mountains since where I horseback ride has limited to no cell service. I tried to send a couple of messages, however where I am in the Blue Ridge mountains has dense canopy so it won't send out the message until you can see the sky...so that's not helpful if it was a real emergency. Out west, where there are no/limited trees it would be great. Back to the drawing board for me.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, July 10, 2025
We appreciate your review! Garmin inReach devices require a clear view of the sky to transmit messages and track points over the Iridium satellite network. Without a clear view of the sky, the device will continuously attempt to send the information until it acquires satellite signals. For the best connection with satellites, we recommend attaching the device to a backpack or to your upper body. (KS)
The first time I took it out into the field it failed me. I turned it on and synced it to the satellite before I left on my hike in the bush upstate NY. It kept telling me it was waiting for a satellite when I’m standing in the middle of an open field. Then it kept shutting off like it was over heating or something. Very disappointed.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, July 9, 2025
We're sorry to hear you had trouble with your inReach device. We recommend making sure the software is current before using it (you can find instructions here: http://ms.spr.ly/6427SAsCz). If you still have trouble with your device, please contact our inReach support at 1-800-800-1020. They're open Monday-Friday 7am-7pm Central (closed weekends and holidays). »CP
The inReach Mini is a fantastic little device. I've owned it since 2019 and it has been great but Earthmate is by far the worst connection app I have ever had to use. The fact that there is still no way to connect to Garmin Messenger like you can with the inReach Mini 2 is in my opinion a cash grab by Garmin. They make the app so terrible that you have to get a new device instead of being able to use your old one. I know it says to focus on the device when writing a review but seeing as you have to use Earthmate in order to use the device it's one in the same in my opinion. If you could use Garmin Messenger it would be a five star. Please make something happen for us long time customers.
I used this during my hiking trip in the Appalachian trail, it was not what I expected, signal was not good, there was a huge delay in getting/sending messages to my contacts.