Garmin Messenger™

Name: Garmin Messenger™
Rating: 4.354651 (5332 reviews)
Author: Garmin

By: Garmin

Message with Friends & Family

Features & Capabilities

Garmin Messenger™ is a companion app for compatible inReach® satellite communicators, offering fast and reliable global messaging beyond cellphone coverage. The app enables direct messaging, interactive SOS alerts, group chats, and photo or voice messaging when paired with select Garmin devices. It automatically switches between internet, cellular, and satellite networks to maintain optimal connectivity and efficiency.

With LiveTrack™, friends and family can follow your location in real-time, viewing stats like distance, time, and elevation. The app works seamlessly even if your inReach device is powered off, ensuring continuous communication on and off the trail. Please note that an active satellite subscription is required, and users are responsible for adhering to regional regulations regarding satellite devices.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Communication Navigation & Mapping

By:

Garmin

Downloads:

974,571 9.38K

Rating:

4.35

(5,332) 0.03

Version:

2.8.1 Last updated: 2026-05-18

Version code:

1518396

Creation date:

2022-09-19

Publisher country:

Permissions:

android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE Very high risk
android.permission.READ_CONTACTS Very high risk
android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Very high risk
android.permission.MANAGE_OWN_CALLS High risk
android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT Moderate risk
android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN Moderate risk
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE Moderate risk
android.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT Moderate risk

Size:

34.67MB

Email:

pr*****@garmin.com

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Google Play Store

Data ingested on:

2026-06-30

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 67,648 ▲ 283

Other rankings

#97 in Communication (Free) ▼ 8

Other platforms

Garmin Messenger™ (v2.8)

4.60

(11,190)

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Android app. Please use these information below to contact the Android app developer.

Developed by:

Garmin

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.garmin.android.apps.messenger

Email:

pr*****@garmin.com

Website:

https://support.garmin.com

User Reviews

Most reviews say Garmin Messenger for Android is unreliable: pairing often fails, updates break functionality, and the Garmin app ecosystem is fragmented, making subscription and use frustrating. A minority note the offline messaging capability is beneficial when it works.

Pros

Provides messaging when there is no cellular signal, which is valuable for emergencies.
Some users report the app works and is quick when functioning (i.e., it can work alright).
The app offers core messaging functionality within the Garmin ecosystem when it is working.

Cons

Frequent pairing/connectivity problems: device shows as paired but the app reports not paired, with numerous resets and reinstalls needed.
Updates can break functionality, rendering the app unusable (e.g., 'needs attention', inconsistent pairing states).
Fragmented Garmin ecosystem leads to a confusing, multi-app flow and lack of integration between apps.
Subscription/activation flow is poorly designed or not intuitive, with reports of difficulty subscribing or activating satellite service.
Usability and support issues: hard to navigate, lack of manuals/help, occasional compatibility problems (e.g., Android 13), and intermittent performance.

Recent reviews

It does what it says, but I don't know how Garmin can continue charging subscription money for something so limited in capability that uses the old iridium network when Starlink is offering free satellite emergency calling to every single newer cellphone on the planet (yes your phone is now sat capable thanks to starlink). Garmin's not the only player in the game anymore and the new guy is giving it away for free out of genuine concern for humanity's wellness.