Garmin InReach Mini2 - How to use

Garmin InReach Mini2 - How to use

Β full user manual in pdf - here

SOS function

Button

2) Buttons: Left up/down Right OK/return

3) charging port

4) SOS

5) power

Menu

πŸ“ Check GPS Signal

  • Button: Left (Down) β†’ Navigation β†’ Make sure the GPS signal is available.
  • πŸ’‘ Tip: Power on the device at a stationary point with an open sky view to initialize GPS signal faster.

πŸ›°οΈ Start Tracking

  • Button: Left (Down) β†’ Tracking
  • πŸ’° Cost: $0.15 CAD per tracking session (updates location to MapShare every 10 /20/30 mins or 1 / 4hrs).

☁️ Get Weather Forecast

  • Button: Left (Down) β†’ Weather
  • πŸ’° Cost: $0.70 CAD per weather request.

πŸ’¬ Send Custom Message

  • Button: Right (OK) β†’ Send Message β†’ Choose contact β†’ Edit β†’ Send.
  • βœ… First 10 custom messages are free; additional messages are $0.70 CAD each.

πŸ“ Send Check-in (Preset Message)

  • Button: Right (OK) β†’ Check-in β†’ Select the preset message β†’ Send.
  • Sends your preset message with your location to predefined recipients.
  • βœ… Free and unlimited to send. However, if someone replies to your preset message, each reply counts toward your message allowance β€” the first 10 replies are free, and additional replies cost $0.70 CAD each.
  • πŸ’‘ Note: AutoBox will help set up preset messages and contacts in advance

πŸ‘₯ Add Contact for Messaging (Only for Custom Message)

  • Button: Right (OK) β†’ Contacts β†’ Add Contact.
  • βœ… Free to add contacts (first 10 messages free).

πŸ’‘ Adjust Backlight

  • Button: Right (OK) β†’ Settings β†’ Backlight.
  • Adjust for energy saving or a brighter screen as needed.

Β 

FAQ

Two most Common Use Cases for Messaging with the inReach Mini 2:

1. Location Reporting / Check-In
Use this to let others know you're okay.
For example, sending aΒ Check-InΒ message shares your location with the recipient. They can reply with a simple "Got it," butΒ you won’t be able to continue the conversationΒ unless you switch to a custom messageβ€”see Case 2 below.

2. Two-Way Chatting
For full conversations, both you and your friend need to install theΒ Garmin Messenger appΒ and register using your mobile phone numbers.
You can then chat evenΒ without cell signal, as long as your phone is connected via Bluetooth to the inReach Mini 2.

  • IncludesΒ 30 free messages, with overage charged atΒ $0.70 CAD each.

  • If your phone hasΒ Wi-Fi or cellular, messages sent through the appΒ are freeΒ and won’t count toward your satellite message limit.


Tip for Starting the GPS Signal:


Always go toΒ Left Button > Down > NavigationΒ to check if the GPS signal is active.
If you see aΒ question mark (?), it means the GPS signal has not yet been acquired.Β Β 

Use case:

  • Setup the waypoint using app
  • When go, navigate waypoint to waypoint
  • send check-in message e.g. Start
  • (if need ) Navigate > Way points or TraceBack
  • send check-in message e.g. I am OK
  • when finishing the activities, send check-in message e.g. End

πŸ“¬ Can someone reply to my check-in messages?

Yes, people can reply to your check-in messages β€” but please note:

  • βœ… Sending check-in messages is free and unlimited.
  • ⚠️ Replies to your check-ins will count toward your message allowance.
  • πŸ“ˆ If you go over your included messages (usually 10 per rental), you may be charged $0.70 CAD per message.

πŸ’‘ To avoid extra charges:
Let your contacts know not to reply to your check-in messages unless it's urgent. If you have cell service or Wi-Fi, ask them to contact you directly via phone, text, or WhatsApp instead.

Experience more by using the app

Β 

Garmin Exploreβ„’ App

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/p/614327/


Garmin Messengerβ„’ App

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/p/893837/

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