ZOLEO · IRIDIUM
AI for Garmin inReach and ZOLEO
Your satellite messenger can already text any US phone number. Point it at ours - +1 (209) 379-8911 - and it becomes a two-way line to an AI assistant. No app pairing, no firmware tricks: just a contact in your device.
Garmin inReach setup
With an active satellite plan your inReach has its own US number, so it texts like any other phone. Add +1 (209) 379-8911 to your contacts in the Garmin Messenger app, send a question, and the answer threads back into the same conversation. Nothing to install and nothing to pair on our side.
Your SOS and check-in buttons keep working exactly as before. This adds a contact that answers, nothing more.
Garmin bills its own satellite messages against your inReach plan, so one question plus our reply is two messages there. That is why we keep every answer to a single text.
Do not tap an SMS link from the phone you are reading this on. That would start an account on your phone number, not on the device you carry. Add the number in the Garmin Messenger app instead, then send TRIP from the inReach itself. That first message is the whole sign up.
ZOLEO setup
ZOLEO sends SMS to US numbers through the ZOLEO app when connected by satellite. Add +1 (209) 379-8911 to your contacts, message it like anyone else, and the answer threads back into the same conversation. The check-in/SOS buttons keep working exactly as before - this adds a "brain" contact, nothing more.
SPOT X and Somewear users: same idea - anything that texts a US mobile number works. Overview of all satellite devices →
Field workflow that works
- One question per message, specific and short: “sharp ankle pain after roll, can bear weight - tape or splint?” beats “hurt ankle help”.
- Follow-ups are fine - the AI keeps short-term context, so “and if swelling doubles overnight?” continues the thread.
- Check your balance anytime by texting
BALANCE. - Top up from anywhere: with a card saved once (buy on the site while you have signal), texting
BUYcharges it and adds 100 messages - over pure satellite SMS, no browser involved. How off-grid top-ups work.
SOS stays SOS. NoService AI answers questions; it does not dispatch rescue. In a life-threatening situation, hold the SOS button - that's what it's for. Ask us the “what do I do while help is coming” questions.
FAQ
Does it cost extra on my device plan?
Messages to us count against your Garmin or ZOLEO plan like any other text. On our side: first 3 questions free, then $15 per 100 messages or $7.99/mo unlimited.
Can I top up credits from the backcountry?
Yes, if your card is saved: text BUY and it's charged off-session - the receipt comes back by satellite text. Without a saved card we text a payment link, which needs internet - so set it up at home.
Should I still use SOS for emergencies?
Always. SOS reaches professional rescue coordination; we answer questions. Both belong in your kit.
How long does an answer take over satellite?
Our reply is usually ready in under a minute. After that you're waiting on the device: satellite messengers check for new messages on a schedule you set, and open sky shortens the wait. If nothing has arrived yet, letting the device run its next check beats resending.
What if my message doesn't go through?
Your device tells you whether a message went out or failed. If it failed, move to open sky and send it again. Resending is free on our side: a credit is spent only when an answer reaches you, so a message that never arrives is never charged.
Which inReach models work?
Any inReach with two-way messaging on an active satellite plan: Messenger, Mini 2, Explorer+, Montana and 66i among them. The test is simple, and it is the only one that matters: if your device can text a US mobile number, it can reach us. One-way beacons that only send preset check-ins cannot.
Set it up before the trailhead
Add the contact, ask one test question, save a card if you'll want top-ups. Five minutes now, a working assistant all season.
Text your first question