After unpacking my new satellite messenger, it is time for my Garmin inReach Explorer Plus account setup.
Garmin Explorer+ Account Setup
Use the cable that came with your Garmin inReach Explorer to see if it is charged up. You’ll have to open the cover at the bottom of the Explorer+. Make sure you close it tightly when you’re finished as this is essential to keep it waterproofed.
After you plug it in, the first question it will ask you is what language you use. Arrow to your language and use the “check mark” key to make the selection.
Next, you’ll get a message that using this device requires a subscription.
The next message will direct you to go to www.inreach.garmin.com to complete the activation process.
Here is a screen shot of my inReach Garmin user page.
Go to “Plans & Devices”
Select “Add inReach Device”
I selected “I am Adding”
Here’s the problem. I want my son to use this device and I cannot add him to my account so, after we talked, we decided to open a new inReach account for him.
If you’re setting up a new account then you’ll need to “Create a New Account” on the bottom right of the screen.
You will see in the above image that you would need to select the “New inReach Account” on the bottom left of the screen.
Most of us will probably want to select the personal plan.
Now is the time that you’ll need your IMEI number and the Authorization number. When you select next on your Explorer+, you will see both of these numbers. Enter them now.
After you enter these numbers you will be asked to create a Garmin account but if you don’t have one, you’ll have to enter all of your information to create an account.
At this time, you will be asked for more details, such as your address, phone number, emergency contacts, emergency notes, etc.
You will need to select a service plan next.
It would be best to select a “Freedom Plan” if you only plan on going on an outdoor adventure a few times each year. This will cost more per month, but you can select the months you want and don’t have to pay for the entire year.
The “Contract Plan” is better if you know you will be using your satellite messenger nearly all year.
After this, you will need to choose between the Safety Plan, Recreation Plan and the Expedition Plan.
You need to read through each of these carefully and choose which plan is best for you. Currently, I am using the Recreation Plan but plan on upgrading to the Expedition Plan in the future. I think the 2-minute tracking is important for me as I review trails all over Colorado and it’s helpful to see more detail on where I have been.
The next screen you will see is some optional addons.
I personally chose to add the GEOS Emergency Response Coordination and the Additional GEOS Search & Rescue Benefit Program.
This is something you need to read through carefully and find what you think is important.
You will be asked for your billing information and credit card information after this.
Next, you will be asked to take the Garmin inReach Explorer+ outside so it can get access to the satellites.
It took around 4 minutes outside for the Explorer Plus to send a message through the satellites and you can see the messages below.
Once I received this last message, I went back into my office to make sure everything was complete.
You can also see in the image in the bottom right of the screen, me holding the Garmin Explorer up with the home screen shown, and everything looks complete.
Go ahead and make sure the Garmin inReach Explorer Plus is fully charged before going on your trip.
Final Thoughts
The account setup process is easy to complete and the instruction are simple to follow. I believe it took me around 15 minutes to set everything up.
You can see a short YouTube video here with more information on the account setup.
Next, we will be fielding testing the Garmin Explorer on a trail in southern Colorado and will bring you the results of that here.
Please leave a Comment Below or Email me if you have any questions or experience with the Garmin inReach Explorer+
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I love web instruction manuals for people that actually own the product. Is the garmin inreach something that people who go out to the middle of nowhere should keep with them? Looks like it is direct satellite linking where as phones depend on ground towers. I will be looking forward to the travels you take with the Garmin and see how it works. I myself I am planning to move out to the country in the future and one of these may be good for me on days where I feel like exploring
Hi Gary.
Yes, the Garmin inReach Explorer+ and the Garmin inReach Mini are satellite messengers that need no cell service, only a view of the sky.
My son and I were out today in southern Colorado, testing out both of these. We were messaging each other, following the topo maps and even sending locations to where we could meet up if we were separated or one of us found a great camp site, photo op, etc.
I have hiked for over 30 years without one of these but I never leave home on an outdoor adventure without one these days.
Rick