Garmin Messenger™ App Negative ReviewsGarmin

Garmin Messenger™ Negative Reviews

4.5
4.55767 star

Total 63 Negative Reviews

Garmin Messenger™ App Complaints & User Negative Comments 2024

Garmin Messenger™ app received 63 complaints, negative comments and reviews by users. Have you ever had a bad experience using Garmin Messenger™? Can you share your negative thoughts about garmin messenger™?

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Garmin Messenger™ for Negative User Reviews

Doesn’t work with InReach MiniI don’t get it how they can release something that’s less than half baked..Version: 1.9.3

No support/ horrible instructions onlineNothing works because it will not upload software. Absolutely no tech support except online videos which can't solve this problem. There is no one to call. It's horrible..Version: 1.13.1

Linking to FacebookI have just started configuring this device. When attempting to link to Facebook, I had some difficulty because I have Facebook pages which I manage. This app wanted me to pick a page to post to. I didn’t want this app to post to either of those pages and it would not allow me to just post to myself because my Facebook account isn’t a separate page. So I had to go in and create a separate page so that I could pick that from the list. Thought you’d wanna know..Version: 1.15

Why can I only pair with 1 phone?This is an emergency device. I want to pair with all my phones so if one isn’t working i can use another. Why have this limit???.Version: 1.14

Scam billing fraud aggrementI got a "Safety" monthly plan but my check-in messages still cout as regular messages even though they should be free and unlimited..Version: 1.15

Not CompatibleNot compatible with the original InReach Mini. Come on Garmin, don’t be so quick to try and force us to always upgrade our hardware device with your petty software games..Version: 1.4

Won’t pair with existing deviceInstructions walk you through creating a new account (I already have one). Will not connect to my existing inReach Mini.Version: 1.11

Does not Support InReach Mini 2!That is is the message I got when I tried to pair it. Seriously Garmin? For a device that costs $100 more than the messenger, you would think this messaging app could be used on more than one kind of device..Version: 1.2

GarbageThis device is garbage..Version: 1.15

Errors trying to verify phone numberCountless attempts but error saying “Something went wrong. Try again later.” Useless at this point..Version: 1.15

MiserablePairing with iPhone in a wide open field and it fails over and over and over..Version: 1.13

Facebook posting brokenLogging into Facebook and posting is completely broken.Version: 1.13

Difficult to usePoor software implementation that barely works with an excellent hardware device..Version: 1.12.1

Broken Onboarding ExperienceButton on one of the device activation screens for inreach mini 2 is broken (leads to frozen app state).Version: 1.12.1

Useless when neededI tried to use the app while in the backcountry with no cell signal. It required authentication, which I couldn’t give, you guessed it, without a cell signal! What good is this app if it doesn’t work when I need it? The reason I bought the device and pay for a subscription is that I can communicate when I am where there is no cell signal!.Version: 1.13.1

Difficult to navigateCan’t seem to restart my plan and reactive the live tracking. Menu doesn’t allow for these changes! Frustrating experience!.Version: 1.15

Stuck at Verify Phone NumberAs others have stated the app gets stuck at the verify your phone number screen. No matter what you do or what number you use you will never get the verification code rendering the application totally unusable. This has put me off buying a Mini 2.Version: 1.15

Where is Earthmate?Not a fan of this new app. I much prefer Earthmate..Version: 1.14

Setup is GarbageThis is the most unintuitive app I have ever seen. Trying to restart my subscription and nothing works..Version: 1.13.1

Stuck at verify phone numberHowever many times I enter my UK phone number I can’t get past the verify phone number screen. It just keeps saying something went wrong..Version: 1.13.1

Not MacOS or IOS friendlyDon’t expect to operate quickly with your Mac computer and hardware. Software hasn’t been update for Mac hardware in several years.Version: 1.12.1

Not easyWon’t sync with my iPhone.Version: 1.12.1

Garmin messenger for inreachMy wife bought a garmin inreach for an up coming backpacking trip. She cannot figure out how to program it after days of trying. We are taking it back. The lack of information on how to program it is appalling. And she works at REI which sells these. She will not be recommending them to customers from this point forward..Version: 1.13.1

Terrible user friendliness!So hard to get this sucker to work.Version: 1.12.1

Can’t pairPoor instructions on how to pair. Now in 2nd hour without any luck..Version: 1.16.2

Really not worthy of any starsNo stars. Device is just a big pain to operate. Will stick to my SPOT..Version: 1.16.2

Non functional AppApp opens to a black screen. Not sure how a black screen is useful? Edit: Consistently fails to pair to InReach device, despite successfully pairing in other Garmin app..Version: 1.8

Doesn’t size properly for an iPhone mini 13After 1 year it STILL doesn’t fit into the screen of an iPhone 13 mini. And yes, I reported this a year ago. Have any of your team ever actually tried it ???? The left 20% of left and right sides is truncated meaning I can’t read anything on those parts of the screen - such as how many messages left in my current billing period!!!.Version: 1.11.1

Not greatWon’t connect, doesn’t show tracks, no courses. Lots of room to improve..Version: 1.12.1

Does not work for old folksCould not finish setup without changing text size. Good app developers consider larger text size. App developers must hate old people..Version: 1.10

Something went wrongTry again later. Useless app does not work at all and tech support not able to fix. Returning very expensive paperweight back to the store..Version: 1.15

Completely useless and will leave you strandedThis item worked on the first day I activated it and tested it out at home. Now three days later I’m about to leave on a two month trip and the app will no longer communicate with the Garmin Messenger device. “Network Error HTTP Status code 500”. The device pairs to my phone but I can no longer send or receive messages, just the HTTP 500 error every time. I’ve tried reinstalling the app, forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings and repairing, everything. I’ve paid $400 at anaconda and another $150 for the service activation with Garmin and now I will not be able to get it fixed before the trip that I bought it for. If you need to rely on satellite communication then do yourself a favour and use a satellite phone. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t just hire one. At $4 per day it would have been cheaper than this useless doorstop..Version: 1.13.1

Need map for TracbackNeeds map incorporated in Messenger app for tracback feature. Or have the inreach messenger compatible with Explore app??.Version: 1.12

No Verification Code???Didn’t receive verification code to my phone so could not set up the app. Tried many times. :-(.Version: 1.16.2

Never receives a verification code so it doesn’t workNever receives a verification code so it doesn’t work..Version: 1.15

DangerousDon’t download this app to a secondary device like an iPad. My friend tried to check in from the field and the messages went to an iPad we hardly use and I didn’t see it for nearly a day. Once I downloaded the app to my phone, I could see meaages but could not respond from the app. Also, deleting the app does not restore your texting capability; you need to first “deactivate” your account. This option should be labeled something more accurate like “unlink phone number from Garmin Messenger” because I also have an InReach and I didn’t want to deactivate *that* account..Version: 1.12

Doesn’t support gpsmap 66iThe title pretty much says it all. The app doesn’t support the gpsmap 66i which makes no sense at all and is a huge reason to not buy that model. Wish I had known that before I bought it!.Version: 1.8

IdiotsWhat is the point of a $300 device if it’s blocked by a useless app that won’t let you use the device. This is absolutely unacceptable for a company the size of Garmin. Pull your fingers out.Version: 1.14

Purposely excluding bran loyal clientsI’ve had my inReach Mini (not Mini 2) for just a few years, and all really Garmin are excluding a model that you can still find in store. Only the Mini 2 is supported in this app..Version: 1.13

StupidWhat’s the point of this if it won’t send and receive messages without a cell signal? I can use my damned cellphone for that..Version: 1.10

Not working when you need itHorrible, this device needs further testing before you bring it out there, so bad. Garmin in reach messenger.Version: 1.15

App wont let you get past the verify your number pageCant get past the ‘verify your number’ page - just keep getting a ‘Something went wrong.Try again later’. Ive been trying for days, different phone numbers, different number formats but can’t get past this page and therefore can’t access the App. No reply from Garmin either and their help page is fairly useless too. All in all unable to use..Version: 1.13.1

I cant verify my phone numberI try to reinstall the app several times but it does not work, can verify my number.Version: 1.16.2

Cannot create an accountSo, like most responsible adults, I use a password manager app. For some reason, if I navigate to my password manager during the create account experience, it will start over. I also can't paste the password from my app into the set password field. Why do you need to make this so difficult? I love needing to have my laptop open on the side just to type a password in to my phone 🙄.Version: 1.7

UnusableI am stuck at the verification message (step 0). Per Garmin’s instructions I have tried “without VPN,” disconnecting Apple’s private relay, wifi only, cell only, etc..Version: 1.9.1

HorribleHorrible to pair device.Version: 1.16.2

Garmin GPS vs Smartphone Location serviceGarmin apps work great overall but it would sure be nice if the Garmin apps could pull GPS location information from compatible Garmin device rather than relying on smartphone’s location services. On multi day trips I have to turn off my phone’s location service to save battery. What’s the point of having two separate GPS systems running simultaneously???.Version: 1.13.1

Please add Mini2 to compatible devicesI was stoked to get this app until I found out that it won’t pair with my Mini2 device. Garmin team, add this device and I’m sure you will get more positive reviews..Version: 1.2

Doesn’t work with first gen inreachJust a heads up that you can’t use this with your first gen inreach mini. Makes it difficult when trying to communicate with someone who is using a newer device..Version: 1.12.1

JunkNo idea what this app is supposed to do? Doesn’t link with my 66!. No instructions. Binned don’t bother.Version: 1.0

Non functionalDoes not work.Version: 1.16

Typical Garmin: interesting idea, HORRIBLE EXECUTIONThis has to be one of the dumbest apps out there. Won’t message my contacts directly, they must be “ invited into the community…” Who thinks this stuff up? Fire some marketing weenies and hire competent app designers and programmers..Version: 1.11.1

Won’t connect to iPhoneUsed to be ok…terrible now..Version: 1.16.2

InReach mini won’t pairI can pair to my phone (iPhone 14) via standard Bluetooth connect. I can see on my inreach that it is paired. However it never pairs in the app. I have updated the firmware to latest on the mini. Very disappointed as the device is not old at all….Version: 1.13.1

Unusable: validation sms never delivered.App requires a valid phone number, but no sms arrives (never had a problem with the 30+ other services that validate with that number). Makes the app unusable..Version: 1.13.1

Randomly makes you verify but doesn’t send you a text code.Like the title says, so now I can’t message anyone and Garmin has bad customer support. The app simply won’t text me the code, and I was in the middle of a conversation..Version: 1.13.1

Frustrating and Waste of TimeGot a new Garmin InReach Messenger and a new iPhone 14 and can’t get the two devices to pair. Don’t know if it’s the app or the InReach device, but both are Garmin. Worthless device and application combination. Garmin, you can do much better….Version: 1.7

Won’t pairIts useless. I can pair with earthmate for my inReach mini, but not messanger.Version: 1.16.2

Still can’t ping other InReach devicesI was hoping to be able to directly ping another InReach device from this app. I can send a message, but if the other user is unable to respond, there is no good way to locate them unless I have web access to MapShare. This is a longstanding gripe I have with Garmin InReach. Maybe they should call them “CantReach.” Very confusing as to why some devices support the Messenger app vs. the Explore app It would be more powerful to have a consolidated app with the same features across all devices. As stated in another review, it is important to deactivate the account when switching phones. The app should automatically support the paired phone. Also, kind of weird that they named the app “Messenger.” That is the name of the new minimalist device itself, as well as the Facebook Messenger app..Version: 1.16.1

AwfulAwful instructions, can’t understand app UI..Version: 1.11.1

Fantastic device let down by lack of supportUnfortunately the Garmin Messenger app is buggy and the support website is completely useless, with no way of contacting them except an office hours phone number, even though it says you can email..Version: 1.9.1

AnnoyingShouldn’t have to re add all my contacts from the other garmin apps.Version: 1.12.1

Poor device support and lost messagesGarmin supports a weird subset of the inReach devices with this Messenger app — in particular no support for the original inReach mini. This app also suffers the iMessage problem in that if you’ve used it once it will default to send all text messages there rather than to SMS, even if you’ve since uninstalled the app..Version: 1.13.1


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