– Garmin now allows SOS functions on “suspended” inReach subscriptions, saving activation fees.
– Pausing a subscription for up to 12 months enables year-round SOS access with just one $7.99 payment per year.
– Other features (check-in messages, photo/voice transfer, LiveTrack) still require a paid subscription.
– Voice calls and text messages via mobile network need at least the cheapest “Enabled” subscription.
– The SOS-only feature on paused plans requires a firmware update and is limited to specific Garmin products.
New SOS Access on Garmin Devices
While smartphones like the Apple iPhone 17 ($759 on Amazon) have been offering free satellite SOS features for years, users of a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, a Quatix 8 Pro or even a dedicated inReach satellite communication device have to take out a paid subscription to be able to use this function. This is now changing, at least partially, as users with a “suspended” inReach subscription can now also access the SOS functions.
Subscription Pause Changes
Until now, pausing a subscription was mainly practical in order to save the activation fee of $39.99 if the subscription was to be continued at some point. A subscription can be paused for a maximum of twelve months at a time and is then automatically reactivated. The new arrangement means that it is effectively possible to pay $7.99 once a year for the cheapest inReach subscription and use Garmin inReach emergency call features all year round. However, as this requires a firmware update, emergency calls are only available on the following products during a paused subscription:
- Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
- Garmin Quatix 8 Pro
- Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
Remaining Features Still Paid
All other inReach features, such as sending check-in messages to friends, transferring photos and voice messages via the satellite network, and LiveTrack location requests are still only available if a paid subscription has been taken out. Voice calls, text messages and voice messages via the mobile network also require at least the cheapest “Enablded” subscription