New updated InReach plans -

[cnelk]

I used my InReach last weekend when I was out cell range for about a week.
I just logged in and got this new message.

 

[BBob]

I use and keep mine activated year round. At the rate I use it for messaging it will be cheaper to use the basic Enabled plan and pay as I go for messages. I rarely use the check ins.

 

[cnelk]

I’ve always had mine on the Essential plan and upgrade to Unlimited during hunting seasons. Now ill use the Enabled plan throughout the year

 

[mtnbound]

If you use the tracking feature it could get expensive. I have mine set to send a point every 10 minutes.

 

[BBob]

If you use the tracking feature it could get expensive. I have mine set to send a point every 10 minutes.

~$15 if you pay as you go for a 24hr period.

 

[COelk89]

I used the unlimited for the first time on a long hunt I just got back from. It was awesome being able to text as much as I wanted to a select few. I only sparingly used it before. I have not gotten these new rates in my account but I keep the freedom plan and generally deactivate in the months I don't need to use it in the off-season. Maybe that is why I don't have these rates?

Edited I do have these new options. Looks like the lowered all the plan prices and increased the texts per plan. That is great!

 

[MuleyFever]

Is a check in message just a preset message? Does the .50 for texts apply for outgoing and incoming?

Can you set the check in message or are you limited to what is on the device from Garmin?

 

[COelk89]

Is a check in message just a preset message? Does the .50 for texts apply for outgoing and incoming?

I believe so on your first question and yes to the 2nd question.

You should also keep in mind that you will send more texts than normal because of the character limit in text messages I think is 170 characters. I sent and received over 350 messages in about 2 and a half weeks earlier this month to about 4 different people.

 

[BBob]

Is a check in message just a preset message? Does the .50 for texts apply individually to outgoing and incoming?

Can you set the check in message or are you limited to what is on the device from Garmin?

Presets are now called Check In’s on the new devices and newer accounts. Yes the fees apply to both outgoing and incoming.

You can change your Check In messages within the Messenger app or on your Garmin Explore web account. Some older devices aren’t compatible with the Messenger app.

 

[JF_Idaho]

Presets are now called Check In’s on the new devices and newer accounts. Yes the fees apply to both outgoing and incoming.

You can change your Check In messages within the Messenger app or on your Garmin Explore web account. Some older devices aren’t compatible with the Messenger app.

I don't believe you can change them anymore.

It changed when they went from preset-check-in.

 

[COelk89]

Looks like more features coming with some new hardware: https://www.rideapart.com/news/734134/garmin-inreach-messenger-plus-voice-photos-sos-backcountry/

Likely related to the plan changes.

 

[BBob]

I don't believe you can change them anymore.

It changed when they went from preset-check-in.

Seems you are correct. My original custom presets stay as they are unless I setup presets in the Messenger app. If I choose that option it warns that it will wipe out my previous custom Preset messages and convert them to the fixed messages. Anybody new only gets the fixed three Check In messages. I wonder if I can still change them in my web Explorer account? I do know if you setup a new web Explorer account they are called Check In rather than my still intact Presets.

Editing Check-In Contacts in the Garmin Messenger App | inReach® Mini 2 | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

 

[dirtshooter]

You can message Garmin customer service and ask them to revert you back to the 3 customized presets..... I did it last month just ask nicely lol

 

[mtnbound]

My Presets are still working, but I don't use Messenger. I use the older Earthmate app with my Mini.

 

[swavescatter]

Just cancelled my basic plan now that iphones can text directly via satellite. I also have TMobile which should get direct starlink access very soon.

I just don't see these slow, expensive standalone devices surviving unless they're easy cheaper or even free.

 

[passinggas33]

Just cancelled my basic plan now that iphones can text directly via satellite. I also have TMobile which should get direct starlink access very soon.

I just don't see these slow, expensive standalone devices surviving unless they're easy cheaper or even free.

Not to derail the thread, but how do you text directly via satellite on the iPhone? And is that all carries or just t mobile?

 

[swavescatter]

Not to derail the thread, but how do you text directly via satellite on the iPhone? And is that all carries or just t mobile?

 

[LookinforDirt]

Nice. I like that Enabled plan for my local hunting. Nearly everywhere I hunt I’m in and out of cell service. I use the InReach only for emergency purposes and wouldn’t use it for anything but that. Or to receive or send a text that can’t wait on cell service. And of course having the “I’m screwed” button if things really go south. I literally was just wishing a few days ago Garmin had a cheaper plan for that use case.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Basically they swapped from ~$35 annual fee and the ability to go to $0 a month (and device wasn't able to be used) to the $7.99/mo enabled (standby mode) that it can still be used if needed (pay as you go). The three tiers of plans now include more messaging than before.

Basically if you had yours on suspend for more than 4.3mo before then this costs a little more. BUT if you only went to the freedom essential plan previously "just in case" and could get away with the new enabled mode it might be cheaper.

Really only an extra cost for folks that left theirs in suspend for a long time.

 

[180ls1]

Basically they swapped from ~$35 annual fee and the ability to go to $0 a month (and device wasn't able to be used) to the $7.99/mo enabled (standby mode) that it can still be used if needed (pay as you go). The three tiers of plans now include more messaging than before.

Basically if you had yours on suspend for more than 4.3mo before then this costs a little more. BUT if you only went to the freedom essential plan previously "just in case" and could get away with the new enabled mode it might be cheaper.

Really only an extra cost for folks that left theirs in suspend for a long time.

So for a guy who sends/receives 10 total messages a year but wants it ready to go. Would the $7.99 plan be the way to go?

It may fall to 0 next year since I have an IPhone 15 but I do not want problems in field should I need to get a massage out with the inreach.