Garmin Messenger™ icon
Garmin Messenger™ App Review: Satellite Communication for Remote Connectivity

by Garmin

4.6
IOSNavigation
Garmin Messenger enables global satellite messaging when paired with compatible inReach devices. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers needing reliable communication beyond cellular coverage, with SOS functionality and group messaging support.

Detailed Review

Garmin Messenger™ serves as a specialized communication tool that bridges the gap between conventional messaging apps and satellite connectivity. The iOS application functions primarily as a companion to Garmin's inReach® satellite communicators, providing users with messaging capabilities that operate independently of cellular networks. This positions the app within the niche market of outdoor safety and remote communication solutions, competing with specialized services rather than mainstream messaging platforms. The core functionality revolves around satellite-enabled messaging, SOS emergency services, and media sharing. When paired with a compatible Garmin device and active satellite subscription, the app facilitates two-way messaging through the Iridium satellite network, automatic switching between internet, cellular, and satellite connections, and interactive SOS coordination with GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center. Group messaging capabilities allow communication with multiple contacts simultaneously, while photo and voice messaging support enhances communication richness when connectivity permits. User experience analysis reveals a functional interface designed primarily for reliability rather than aesthetic appeal. The app operates through a straightforward messaging interface with clear SOS activation protocols, though setup complexity has been noted in user feedback. Real-world usage patterns indicate the app serves primarily as a safety tool for outdoor activities, with messages typically being concise and location-aware. The automatic connection switching works seamlessly in practice, maintaining communication continuity as users transition between coverage areas. User feedback trends show consistently high ratings (4.59/5) with specific praise for reliability in remote scenarios. Reviewer 'grrrrdisgusted' noted on June 13, 2025 that while the app is 'Great once you need out,' the 'set up is far from friendly,' indicating initial configuration challenges. 'rward10' emphasized on August 8, 2025 the value for 'communicating with friends and family, as well as those people who are supporting us,' highlighting its group coordination benefits. These reviews suggest users tolerate complexity for the critical functionality provided. The application demonstrates clear strengths in reliability and satellite integration but faces limitations in accessibility and setup complexity. Its value proposition remains strongest for users regularly operating beyond cellular coverage, where the satellite subscription cost becomes justified by safety requirements. The app serves as an essential tool rather than a convenience application, with ideal use cases including wilderness expeditions, maritime activities, and remote professional operations where communication failure is not an option.

Key Features

  • Satellite messaging through Iridium network enables global communication without cellular coverage, critical for remote safety
  • Interactive SOS functionality connects users to emergency services with two-way coordination and location sharing
  • Automatic connection switching seamlessly transitions between satellite, cellular and internet based on availability
  • Group messaging support allows coordinated communication with multiple contacts during expeditions or emergencies
  • Media messaging capabilities enable photo and voice messages when paired with compatible Garmin devices
  • Location sharing integration provides real-time position data within messages for enhanced safety monitoring

Why Users Love It

Global satellite connectivity
Reliable emergency SOS

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts and professionals operating beyond cellular coverage

Screenshots

Garmin Messenger™ screenshot 1Garmin Messenger™ screenshot 2Garmin Messenger™ screenshot 3Garmin Messenger™ screenshot 4Garmin Messenger™ screenshot 5

Ranking History

Track Garmin Messenger™'s performance in Navigation over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#25

6 from last week

Best Rank

#19

All-time high

Average Rank

#24

30-day average

User Reviews

grrrrdisgusted
Jun 13, 2025

Great once you need out but set up is far from friendly Necessary Great once you need out but set up is far from friendly

John_Pomer
Aug 2, 2025

There is much contained within this device. Have used a Colorado since 2010 primary for sailing but added road maps for traveling. The Montana is more like the Colorado user interface compared to the nűvi auto focused and boating chart plotters from Garmin that I also own. So it is important to spend time playing with the Montana interface before needing its features. I purchased the Montana 710 specifically for the inReach satellite functions. We planned a four week travel trailer trip through Newfoundland and Labrador with sparse cellular service. Although our iPhone 15 cellphones do have satellite emergency service, we were not sure if it would be sufficient. We did not expect to need either satellite service, our children were comforted the their 70+ year old parents did have the emergency services. In Labrador about two thirds through our trip, I started choking on a flake of hard candy that hit my soft pallet. While reaching for my water bottle, the vehicle drifted to the soft shoulder at the edge of the dirt road. We slid down the 3 meter embankment coming to a full stop when the trailer’s right front wheel impacted a boulder. My iPhone sent a message via satellite that we were in an accident. I activated the Montana’s SOS button. From that point on, we were in contact with both services. We confirmed that we had no injuries but needed a wrecker to get both the truck and trailer back on the road. The Canadian Mounties were the first to arrive. (Every vehicle that passed us stopped to render any assistance they could. ) IN SUMMARY: Purchasing the Montana 710 was well worth the expense. The iPhone satellite feature also works and will improve. The apparent redundancy of two satellite enabled devices had the added advantage of communicating with family members in ways that they were familiar with. Yes, I am very happy with the Montana 710. When not traveling remote areas, I will have it as my handheld device while on my boat. (I already added the marine charts.) One thing that I would consider if purchasing again would be to include the camera (Montana 760) especially if venturing away from the main roads. The camera is less for snapshots or serious photography, but can give rescue teams visual clues to your whereabouts. Steep learning curve BUT works reliably, used SOS Feature in real situation There is much contained within this device. Have used a Colorado since 2010 primary for sailing but added road maps for traveling. The Montana is more like the Colorado user interface compared to the nűvi auto focused and boating chart plotters from Garmin that I also own. So it is important to spend time playing with the Montana interface before needing its features. I purchased the Montana 710 specifically for the inReach satellite functions. We planned a four week travel trailer trip through Newfoundland and Labrador with sparse cellular service. Although our iPhone 15 cellphones do have satellite emergency service, we were not sure if it would be sufficient. We did not expect to need either satellite service, our children were comforted the their 70+ year old parents did have the emergency services. In Labrador about two thirds through our trip, I started choking on a flake of hard candy that hit my soft pallet. While reaching for my water bottle, the vehicle drifted to the soft shoulder at the edge of the dirt road. We slid down the 3 meter embankment coming to a full stop when the trailer’s right front wheel impacted a boulder. My iPhone sent a message via satellite that we were in an accident. I activated the Montana’s SOS button. From that point on, we were in contact with both services. We confirmed that we had no injuries but needed a wrecker to get both the truck and trailer back on the road. The Canadian Mounties were the first to arrive. (Every vehicle that passed us stopped to render any assistance they could. )IN SUMMARY:Purchasing the Montana 710 was well worth the expense. The iPhone satellite feature also works and will improve. The apparent redundancy of two satellite enabled devices had the added advantage of communicating with family members in ways that they were familiar with. Yes, I am very happy with the Montana 710. When not traveling remote areas, I will have it as my handheld device while on my boat. (I already added the marine charts.)One thing that I would consider if purchasing again would be to include the camera (Montana 760) especially if venturing away from the main roads. The camera is less for snapshots or serious photography, but can give rescue teams visual clues to your whereabouts.

rward10
Aug 8, 2025

This app helps us to communicate with friends and family, as well as those people who are supporting us or one another. Keeping in touch This app helps us to communicate with friends and family, as well as those people who are supporting us or one another.

John_Pomer
Aug 2, 2025

There is much contained within this device. Have used a Colorado since 2010 primary for sailing but added road maps for traveling. The Montana is more like the Colorado user interface compared to the nűvi auto focused and boating chart plotters from Garmin that I also own. So it is important to spend time playing with the Montana interface before needing its features. I purchased the Montana 710 specifically for the inReach satellite functions. We planned a four week travel trailer trip through Newfoundland and Labrador with sparse cellular service. Although our iPhone 15 cellphones do have satellite emergency service, we were not sure if it would be sufficient. We did not expect to need either satellite service, our children were comforted the their 70+ year old parents did have the emergency services. In Labrador about two thirds through our trip, I started choking on a flake of hard candy that hit my soft pallet. While reaching for my water bottle, the vehicle drifted to the soft shoulder at the edge of the dirt road. We slid down the 3 meter embankment coming to a full stop when the trailer’s right front wheel impacted a boulder. My iPhone sent a message via satellite that we were in an accident. I activated the Montana’s SOS button. From that point on, we were in contact with both services. We confirmed that we had no injuries but needed a wrecker to get both the truck and trailer back on the road. The Canadian Mounties were the first to arrive. (Every vehicle that passed us stopped to render any assistance they could. ) IN SUMMARY: Purchasing the Montana 710 was well worth the expense. The iPhone satellite feature also works and will improve. The apparent redundancy of two satellite enabled devices had the added advantage of communicating with family members in ways that they were familiar with. Yes, I am very happy with the Montana 710. When not traveling remote areas, I will have it as my handheld device while on my boat. (I already added the marine charts.) One thing that I would consider if purchasing again would be to include the camera (Montana 760) especially if venturing away from the main roads. The camera is less for snapshots or serious photography, but can give rescue teams visual clues to your whereabouts. Steep learning curve BUT works reliably, used SOS Feature in real situation There is much contained within this device. Have used a Colorado since 2010 primary for sailing but added road maps for traveling. The Montana is more like the Colorado user interface compared to the nűvi auto focused and boating chart plotters from Garmin that I also own. So it is important to spend time playing with the Montana interface before needing its features. I purchased the Montana 710 specifically for the inReach satellite functions. We planned a four week travel trailer trip through Newfoundland and Labrador with sparse cellular service. Although our iPhone 15 cellphones do have satellite emergency service, we were not sure if it would be sufficient. We did not expect to need either satellite service, our children were comforted the their 70+ year old parents did have the emergency services. In Labrador about two thirds through our trip, I started choking on a flake of hard candy that hit my soft pallet. While reaching for my water bottle, the vehicle drifted to the soft shoulder at the edge of the dirt road. We slid down the 3 meter embankment coming to a full stop when the trailer’s right front wheel impacted a boulder. My iPhone sent a message via satellite that we were in an accident. I activated the Montana’s SOS button. From that point on, we were in contact with both services. We confirmed that we had no injuries but needed a wrecker to get both the truck and trailer back on the road. The Canadian Mounties were the first to arrive. (Every vehicle that passed us stopped to render any assistance they could. )IN SUMMARY:Purchasing the Montana 710 was well worth the expense. The iPhone satellite feature also works and will improve. The apparent redundancy of two satellite enabled devices had the added advantage of communicating with family members in ways that they were familiar with. Yes, I am very happy with the Montana 710. When not traveling remote areas, I will have it as my handheld device while on my boat. (I already added the marine charts.)One thing that I would consider if purchasing again would be to include the camera (Montana 760) especially if venturing away from the main roads. The camera is less for snapshots or serious photography, but can give rescue teams visual clues to your whereabouts.

rward10
Aug 8, 2025

This app helps us to communicate with friends and family, as well as those people who are supporting us or one another. Keeping in touch This app helps us to communicate with friends and family, as well as those people who are supporting us or one another.

App Details

Developer

Garmin

Platform

ios

Rating

4.6

Last Updated

10/7/2025