# Garmin Messenger™

> Message with Friends & Family

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.messenger](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.messenger)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.garmin.android.apps.messenger`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Garmin
- **Category:** COMMUNICATION
- **Downloads:** 1,109,501
- **Rating:** 4.46 / 5 (6,167 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.0.2
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-02
- **First published:** 2022-09-19
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 37 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-24
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.garmin.android.apps.messenger)
- **Website:** [https://support.garmin.com](https://support.garmin.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.garmin.com/privacy/outdoor](https://www.garmin.com/privacy/outdoor)

## Description

**Garmin Messenger™** keeps you connected with friends and family wherever your adventures take you. Pair the app with a compatible Garmin inReach® satellite communicator to send direct messages and access interactive SOS beyond cellular coverage with an active satellite subscription.

The app supports group conversations, photo and voice messaging, and automatic switching between internet, cellular, and satellite networks for efficient connectivity. With LiveTrack™, loved ones can follow your location in real time and view details such as distance, time, and elevation. Garmin Messenger can also continue working over internet or cellular connections when your inReach device is turned off. Availability and satellite device use may be subject to local laws and regulations.

## Rankings

- #64,498 — Overall
- #96 — Communication (Free)
- #20 — messenger

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_OWN_CALLS`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_PROFILE_WATCH`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_RUN_IN_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_USE_DATA_IN_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_OBSERVE_COMPANION_DEVICE_PRESENCE`
- `android.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.alphamobile.develop.permission.READ_DATA`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.alphamobile.permission.READ_DATA`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.connectmobile.permission.READ_DATA`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.explore.develop.permission.READ_DATA`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.explore.permission.READ_DATA`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.messenger.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.garmin.android.apps.messenger.permission.RECEIVE_BROADCASTS`
- `com.garmin.android.driveapp.tread.permission.READ_DATA`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`

## Review summary

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.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.messenger)