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Understanding the USB Sync Process for inReach Devices

Keeping your inReach device up to date ensures it has the latest preset messages, quick messages, contacts, and team settings configured in the EVERYWHERE Hub. USB sync is a best practice for all users, and it’s especially important for organizations whose standard operating procedure (SOP) is to use the inReach device directly (without the App). USB sync requires the device to be connected to a computer.

Why is a USB Sync Important?

A USB sync applies critical updates from the Hub directly onto your inReach device. Without it, the device may not reflect the latest configuration changes.

A USB sync is required to:

  • Apply preset messages created in the Hub at the device or folder level.

  • Apply quick messages created in the Hub at the device or folder level.

  • Sync updated teammate names and contacts configured in the Hub.

  • Ensure new or updated waypoints appear on the device.

⚠️ Important: Preset and quick messages will not appear on your inReach device until a USB sync is completed and applied successfully.

You can verify sync status in the Hub under the Devices tab:

  • Green icon = device is up to date.

  • Red icon = device requires a sync (this may mean the device has never been synced, or new changes have been made to messages, contacts, or teammates since the last sync).

Firmware Updates vs. USB Sync

It’s important to distinguish USB sync from firmware updates:

  • Older Devices (inReach Mini, Explorer/+, SE/+, DeLorme SE/Explorer, etc.):
    A USB sync also updates the device’s firmware.

  • Newer Devices (inReach Mini 2, 66i/67i, Messenger/+, Montana 700 series, 86i/86sci, H1i Plus, etc.):
    USB sync does not update firmware. Firmware updates must be performed separately using the Garmin Express app, which requires Garmin credentials to register your device and download firmware updates.

👉 Authorized Garmin Apps:
The only Garmin apps authorized for use with EVERYWHERE are:

  1. inReach Sync App – for syncing older devices.

  2. Garmin Express App – for updating firmware on newer devices.

⚠️ These apps are authorized for use on computers only. You should never install any Garmin mobile app (e.g., Messenger, Connect, Earthmate) on a smartphone or tablet that has the EVERYWHERE App installed, as this can cause conflicts.

How to Perform a USB Sync

When you click the red or green circle with arrows in the top left of the device page in the Hub, a dialog box will guide you through the correct USB sync process for your specific device.

🛰️ For Older Devices (inReach Mini, Explorer/+, SE/+, DeLorme SE/Explorer, etc.)

  1. In the Hub, click the sync circle icon for your device.

  2. Download and open the inReach Sync App when prompted.

  3. Log in with your Hub username and password (⚠️ not your Hub email).

  4. Connect your inReach to your computer with a USB cable.

  5. The inReach Sync App authenticates with the Hub and updates:

    • Preset messages

    • Quick messages

    • Teammate names and Contacts

  6. Once complete, the device restarts and the Hub sync icon turns green.

📡 For Newer Devices (inReach Mini 2, 66i/67i, Messenger/+, Montana 700 series, 86i/86sci, H1i Plus, etc.)

  1. In the Hub, click the sync circle icon for your device.

  2. Download the Config File to your computer. (Hub access is required to obtain the file but not to apply it).

  3. Connect your inReach via USB — it will appear as an external drive.

  4. Drag and drop the file into the root folder of the inReach device (not inside a subfolder).

  5. Safely eject and unplug the device.

  6. Power on your inReach and follow the prompts on the device screen to apply the update.

  7. The Hub sync icon turns green once the file is downloaded, but the update is only truly complete after it is applied on the device.

Key Takeaways

  • USB sync is a best practice for everyone and critical for organizations not using the App.

  • Preset and quick messages will not load onto the device until a USB sync is completed.

  • Contacts update over the air via the App, but Hub-configured contacts must still be synced to appear on the device itself.

  • Older devices: USB sync also handles firmware updates.

  • Newer devices: Use Garmin Express for firmware updates (requires Garmin credentials).

  • Only two Garmin apps are authorized: inReach Sync App (older devices) and Garmin Express App (firmware updates). Both must be installed only on computers, never on a phone or tablet running the EVERYWHERE App.