GARMIN EXPLORE WEB HELP

Owner’s Manual
© 2016 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change or
improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to
www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin , the Garmin logo, Earthmate , fēnix , GPSMAP , inReach , inReach Explorer , and inReach SE are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and
® ® ® ® ® ® ®

other countries. Garmin Connect™, Garmin Explore™, Garmin Express™, and MapShare™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Powered by Garmin IERCC. These
trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
Facebook™ and the Facebook logo are trademarks of Facebook and its affiliate companies. TWITTER™ and the Twitter logo are trademarks of Twitter, Inc. or its affiliates. Other
trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
 Table of Contents Syncing Data to Your Device Using a
USB Cable............................................ 9
Getting Started.................................1 Inbox................................................9
Preparing for Your Trip........................... 1
Returning from Your Trip........................ 1 Contacts.......................................... 9
Your Contact........................................... 9
Home............................................... 1
Personal Contacts.................................. 9
Map................................................. 2 Adding a Contact.............................. 10
Editing or Deleting a Contact........... 10
Map Types............................................... 2
Zooming the Map................................... 2 Messages...................................... 10
Panning the Map..................................... 2
Preset Messages.................................. 10
Measuring Distance on the Map............ 2
Editing a Preset Message.................10
Your Location.......................................... 2
Quick Text Messages........................... 10
Latest Track............................................ 3
Adding a Quick Text Message......... 10
Monitoring a User............................... 3
Messages List......................................... 3 Social............................................. 11
Library...................................................... 3
MapShare.............................................. 11
Viewing Your Library on the Map....... 3
Enabling the MapShare Feature....... 11
Sharing Your Library on Your
MapShare Web Page.......................... 3 Receiving Messages from Map
Viewers.............................................. 11
Waypoints............................................ 3
MapShare Settings............................... 11
Routes.................................................. 4
Social Media Websites......................... 12
Tracks and Activities.......................... 5
Sharing Your MapShare Web Page..... 12
Collections.............................................. 5
Creating a Collection.......................... 5
Account......................................... 12
Editing a Collection............................. 6
Viewing a Collection on the Map....... 6 My Info...................................................12
Sorting Collections.............................. 6 Testing Your Device.............................. 12
Syncing a Collection........................... 6
Sharing Collections on Your
MapShare Web Page.......................... 6
Map Filters.............................................. 6
Adding a Bookmark............................ 7
Deleting a Bookmark...........................7
Importing Map Data................................ 7
Exporting Map Data................................ 7
Map Availability....................................... 7
Adding a Map to Your Device............. 7

Plans and Devices............................ 8

Changing Plans....................................... 8
Freedom Plans.................................... 8
Sync......................................................... 8
Syncing Data Using Your
Smartphone......................................... 8

Table of Contents i
 Getting Started
When using the Garmin Explore website for the first time, you should review these tasks to learn about the
basic features.
NOTE: The Garmin Explore website features vary based on your account type and device type. For example, if
your device has inReach technology, you will see service plan information.
®

• Monitor your monthly usage (Home, page 1).

• View your device data on the map (Map, page 2).
• Create waypoints and routes to sync to your device (Waypoints, page 3, Routes, page 4).
• View your conversation history (Inbox, page 9).
• Add people to your contacts, including emergency contacts (Contacts, page 9).
• Set up your preset and quick text messages (Messages, page 10).
• Set up your social media accounts, including your MapShare™ web page (Social, page 11).
• Sync your device and smartphone (Sync, page 8).

Preparing for Your Trip

Before you leave for a trip, you should confirm you have the setup you need, including contacts (emergency and
regular), messages, and social settings.
• Create waypoints and routes for your destination (Waypoints, page 3, Routes, page 4).
• Sync your devices so they have the latest data (Sync, page 8).
• Send a test message to [email protected], and wait for the reply (Testing Your Device, page 12).

Returning from Your Trip

After your trip, you can view your messages and tracks on the map. You can use a bookmark to save a view of
your trip (Adding a Bookmark, page 7).

Home
The home tab displays usage statistics so you can monitor your device each month. It has some helpful
features for anyone new to the website.
My Subscription: Shows your current subscription plan and your usage for the month. Both sent and received
messages count toward your monthly allotment. You can also edit your subscription plan.
My Bill: Shows your account balance or remaining credit information. You can edit your credit card information,
and you can add more funds to your account.
My Stats: Shows your device usage for the lifetime of your account, with your start date noted near the top.
Tips and Tricks: Presents some helpful tips and short videos.
NOTE: If an update is available for your device, it replaces this section.
Update Available: Appears when an update for one or more devices is available. It contains information about
the update and a link to install it.

Getting Started 1
 Map
The map tab is for viewing your messages on a map of the world. You can see all of the places you have
visited.
The map includes these features.
• Your library of waypoints, routes, tracks, and activities (Library, page 3)
• A list of collections (Collections, page 5)
• Topographic, aerial, and road maps with controls to change between them (Map Types, page 2)
• Zoom controls with a mouse or trackpad (Zooming the Map, page 2)
• Controls to add new waypoints and routes (Waypoints, page 3, Routes, page 4)
• A measuring tool (Measuring Distance on the Map, page 2)
• Options to export the map as a .kml or .gpx file (Exporting Map Data, page 7)
• Tools to import courses, .gpx, .kml, or .kmz files (Importing Map Data, page 7)
• Controls to select additional maps for your device (Map Availability, page 7)
• Your most recent location, marked by an arrow with your name next to it
• Your other locations, including messages and tracking points
• Lines connecting your points to show when you were tracking
• A scale bar

Map Types
You can switch between topographic, OpenStreetMap, aerial imagery, and road map types using the button
in the upper-left corner of the map.
The map types also change automatically as you zoom in, if you reach the limits of a specific map type.
If you switch to a map type but are zoomed in too far for that type, the map automatically zooms out.

Zooming the Map

There are several ways you can zoom on the map.
• Click and to zoom in or out a single level.
• Use a mouse wheel or trackpad that supports scrolling to zoom in and out.
• Double-click the mouse to zoom in on the area you clicked.

Panning the Map

Drag the map with your mouse or trackpad.

Measuring Distance on the Map

1 From the map, click .
2 Select a starting location.
3 Select additional points to create a line.
4 Double-click the last point.
The total distance appears above the last point.

Your Location
The map loads new locations every 5 minutes.
NOTE: If you are watching someone who is tracking or sending messages, you do not need to reload the map
to see new data.

2 Map
Latest Track
You can view data about your last trip.
• next to the user name allows you to hide and show their latest track data on the map.
• allows you to track, locate, send a message, or send a location to the user.
• allows you to move the map to center on the user's most recent location.
• allows you to expand the user's messages and track points on the map. This is helpful to reduce visual
clutter.

Monitoring a User
Before you can view track and locate results on the map, you must turn on the device and place it in view of
satellites.
You can monitor a user, including tracking, locating, messaging, and sending a location.
1 Next to the user name, select .
2 Select an option:
• To track at a specific interval, click Track, and enter an interval.
• To ping the user's device for a single location, click Locate.
• To send a message, click Message.
• To send a location, click Send.

Messages List
The messages list shows recent messages sent from a user's device. You can click to view more messages.

Library
You can create waypoints and routes and view them on the Map tab. You can view tracks and activities on the
Map tab and convert them to routes. If you use the mobile app, you can sync the library with your smartphone.
NOTE: On some models, you can sync waypoints and routes to your device. This feature is not available on all
models.

Viewing Your Library on the Map

You can show or hide your library on a map. This is helpful if you have many objects in one area and need to
reduce clutter on the map.
From the library list, select to hide or show objects on the map.

Sharing Your Library on Your MapShare Web Page

You can share your library on your MapShare web page.
1 From the library list, select an object.
2 Select to show or hide your library on your MapShare web page.

Waypoints
Waypoints are used to mark locations with names and icons.
Creating a Waypoint
1 From the map, click .
2 Select a location on the map for the waypoint.
3 If necessary, edit the waypoint details.
4 Click .

Map 3
Editing Waypoint Details
1 From the waypoints list, select a waypoint.
2 Select .
3 Edit the waypoint details, such as the name, symbol, and coordinates.
4 Click .
Editing a Waypoint Location
1 From the waypoints list, select a waypoint.
2 Select .
3 Select an option:
• Enter new latitude and longitude coordinates.
• Drag the icon to a new location.
4 Click .
Navigating to a Waypoint
When navigating, your device and your MapShare web page receive updates to show where you are and where
you are headed. This lets people following your trip know where you are going. An orange line indicates your
intended path.
NOTE: MapShare tracking is only available for devices with inReach technology. For some devices, such as the
GPSMAP 66i and newer devices, you can enable or disable MapShare tracking while navigating.
®

1 From your device, select a waypoint.

2 Select Navigate.

Routes
Routes provide navigation on your device and let MapShare viewers see where you are headed.
You can create routes on some Garmin devices, such as the GPSMAP 66i and newer devices. If you cannot
®

create a route on your Garmin device, you can use the Garmin Explore website or the Garmin Explore Mobile
app to create a route and sync it to your device.
NOTE: For some devices, such as the GPSMAP 66i and newer devices, you can enable or disable MapShare
tracking while navigating.
Creating a Route
1 From the map, click .
2 Select a starting location.
3 Select additional points to create a line for your route.
4 Double-click the last point to complete the route.
5 If necessary, enter a name for the route.
6 Click .
Navigating a Route
When navigating, your device and your MapShare web page receive updates to show where you are and where
you are headed. This lets people following your trip know where you are going. An orange line indicates your
intended path.
NOTE: MapShare tracking is only available for devices with inReach technology. For some devices, such as the
GPSMAP 66i and newer devices, you can enable or disable MapShare tracking while navigating.
1 From your device, select a route.
2 Select Navigate.

4 Map
Tracks and Activities
You can view tracks recorded with your inReach device. If you pair another Garmin device with the Garmin
Explore app, such as a fēnix watch, you can view your activities on the map. If you pair a compatible Garmin
®

dog tracking device with the Garmin Explore app, you can view dog locations and tracks on the map. Dog hunts
can be saved as activities. You can convert tracks or activities and add them to collections.
Converting a Track to a Route
You can convert a track to a route for future navigation.
1 From the tracks list, select a track.
2 Select > Convert to Route.
3 Select an existing collection or create a new collection (Creating a Collection, page 5).
4 Select an option:
• To keep the original track and add the new route to a collection, select Make a Copy.
• To delete the original track and add the new route to a collection, select Delete the Original.
Converting a Track for Syncing
You can determine whether a track can be synced to other devices.
1 From the tracks list, select a track.
2 Select > Convert to Track.
3 Select an option:
• To prevent a track from syncing, select Disable Syncing.
• To allow a track to sync, select Enable Syncing.
indicates tracks that can be synced. indicates tracks that cannot be synced.
Converting an Activity
You can convert an activity to a track or route, and add it to a collection.
1 From the activities list, select an activity.
2 Select .
3 Select an existing collection or create a new collection (Creating a Collection, page 5).
4 Select an option:
• To convert the activity to a track, select Convert to Track.
• To convert the activity to a route, select Convert to Route.

Collections
You can save related waypoints, routes, tracks, and dog tracks in collections. You can sync collections with
your devices and the Garmin Explore app on your smartphone.
NOTE: Collections are not available in the Earthmate app. Data can be synced with the Earthmate app, but will
®

not be organized into collections.

Creating a Collection
1 From the collections list, select .
2 Enter a name for the collection.
3 Select an option:
• Select check boxes to add waypoints, routes, or tracks to the collection.
• Select Select All on Map to add all items visible on the map to the collection.
4 Select Save Collection.

Map 5
Editing a Collection
1 From the collections list, select a collection.
2 Select or .
3 If necessary, edit the name of the collection.
4 Select an option:
• Select check boxes to add waypoints, routes, or tracks to the collection.
• Select Select All on Map to add all items visible on the map to the collection.
5 Select Save Collection.

Viewing a Collection on the Map

You can show or hide a collection on a map. This is helpful if you have many objects in one area and need to
reduce clutter on the map.
From the collections list, select to hide or show the collection on the map.

Sorting Collections
From the collections list, click , and select an item to sort by.

Syncing a Collection
You can choose which collections to sync to your device or smartphone. This feature is useful if you have a lot
of objects in your library, but need only a few on your device or smartphone for a specific trip.
1 From the collections list, select a collection.
2 Select .
3 Select your devices.
4 Sync your device or smartphone (Sync, page 8).

Sharing Collections on Your MapShare Web Page

You can choose which collections you want to share on your MapShare web page. Some users use this feature
for privacy purposes. You can also use this feature to reduce clutter on the map.
1 From the collections list, select a collection.
2 Select to show or hide the collection on your MapShare web page.

Map Filters
Map filters are used to alter your view of data, such as tracks or messages, on the map. Map filters can also be
used when you have too much data to load. A message appears on the map when there are more than one
million points. You can use map filters to reduce the amount of data.
From the map, open the map filters.
Bookmarks: Allows you to save a particular map view of data at a specific time. For example, if you recently
returned from a weekend adventure, you can create a bookmark that is centered on your track and set the
date to that weekend. You can return to that view at any time.
Message Types: Allows you to hide or show different message types on the map.
NOTE: SOS messages always show on the map.
Date & Time Range: Allows you to set the time frame for the map data you need to view. There are a few preset
options in the menu, or you can specify a custom range.
Clear Filters: Removes all bookmark, message type, and date and time filters on the map data.
TIP: You can clear the filters to export all map data.

6 Map
Adding a Bookmark
1 From the map, open the map filters.
2 Select .
3 Enter a bookmark name.
4 If necessary, select Keep Date Range.
5 Select Add.
After you add a bookmark, you cannot edit the map view. To make changes, you can select an existing
bookmark, make the necessary changes, and add a new bookmark. If needed, you can delete the previous
bookmark (Deleting a Bookmark, page 7).

Deleting a Bookmark
1 From the map, open the map filters.
2 Select a bookmark.
3 Select .

Importing Map Data

You can import courses from your Garmin Connect™ account and GPX, KML, or KMZ files from another device
or application. You must convert the files to add them to a collection.
1 From the map, click .
2 Follow the on-screen instructions to import the files and add them to a collection.

Exporting Map Data

You can export waypoints or routes from your account as KML or GPX files. This feature exports the current
map view of data so you can save it on your computer and use it in other applications.
NOTE: The export feature exports all data that is not currently filtered. This includes data that is not in the
current map view, such as data that is far away, but does not include data that is filtered out by bookmarks,
message types, or a date and time range.
1 From the map, zoom in on the data to export (Zooming the Map, page 2).
2 Click .
3 Select the file type.

Map Availability
Pre-loaded maps have a lock icon. You cannot remove them from your device.
NOTE: Maps are not available for all models.

Adding a Map to Your Device

If your inReach Explorer + device has pre-loaded maps, you can download additional maps for your device.
®

NOTE: For other devices, such as the GPSMAP 66i and newer devices, you must use the Garmin website to
purchase and install maps.
1 From the Map tab, click Get More Maps.
2 Click to expand areas of map coverage, such as continents, countries, states, or provinces.
3 Select a specific type of map.
NOTE: Your device has a limited amount of storage. The amount of remaining storage space is shown near
the top of the page and updates as you select more maps. File sizes are shown next to each map type.
The map name and change to green.
4 Sync your device (Sync, page 8).

Map 7
 Plans and Devices
The plans and devices tab displays your subscription information, sync status, and other device information.

Changing Plans
You can view the devices on your account, select your active collection, and edit your subscription plan.
1 From the plans and devices tab, click Edit > Change Plan.
2 Select a subscription plan.
3 Click Change Service.

Freedom Plans
If you have a Freedom Plan, you can change plans or suspend service at any time, after your first 30 days of
plan use. After you select a new plan or suspend service, the Garmin Explore website alerts you of the pending
change. You can alter or cancel the pending change at any time before the change takes effect.

Sync
When you make edits to some data on the Garmin Explore website, such as updates to contacts, maps, preset
messages, and quick text messages, appears on the plans and devices tab, indicating that you should sync
your device.

Syncing Data Using Your Smartphone

After making changes to your account, you can sync them to your device using the mobile app.
1 From the Plans & Devices tab, select Sync.
The Sync panel provides a link to the appropriate mobile app.
• inReach Explorer, inReach SE , and inReach Mini devices sync user data such as waypoints, routes, and
®

tracks using the Earthmate app.

NOTE: You must use the inReach Sync application to sync other changes, such as preset messages and
quick text messages.
• Other Garmin devices, including the GPSMAP 66i and newer devices with inReach technology, sync user
data such as contacts, preset messages, and quick text messages using the Garmin Explore app.
2 Install the mobile app on your smartphone, and pair it with your device.
See the owner's manual for your device for more information about pairing the device with the mobile app.
The mobile app syncs data to your device automatically while the device is paired and connected with your
smartphone.

8 Plans and Devices

Syncing Data to Your Device Using a USB Cable
After you select a map or make edits to your data, such as contacts, preset messages, or quick text messages,
you must sync them to your device. For supported devices, you can use the inReach Sync desktop application
and a USB cable to sync changes. The device also requires the inReach Sync application to update maps and
device firmware.
The inReach Sync application supports these devices:
• inReach Explorer and inReach Explorer+
• inReach SE and inReach SE+
• inReach Mini
NOTE: You must use the Garmin Express™ application to install firmware updates for the inReach Mini
device.
• Legacy inReach devices
NOTE: Other Garmin devices, including some Garmin devices with inReach technology, must sync using the
Garmin Explore mobile app.
1 Connect the USB cable to your device and your computer.
2 From the Plans & Devices tab, click Sync next to the device you want to sync.
3 If you have not previously installed the inReach Sync application, select Download and Install inReach Sync,
and install the application on your computer.
4 Select Launch inReach Sync to open the application.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sync.
The inReach Sync application copies the changes and available map and firmware updates to the device. You
may need to restart your device to apply firmware updates.

Inbox
The Inbox tab displays your conversation history. You can view all sent and received messages. When a
location is associated with a message, the message contains a link that opens the map and centers on the
location associated with the message.
You cannot compose messages from the Inbox tab. You can delete individual messages or entire
conversations.

Contacts
The Contacts tab lists your contacts and their details.

Your Contact
Your own contact is always listed first. Your contact details include the email address, mobile phone number,
and inReach address associated with your account.
The inReach address ([email protected]) allows other inReach owners to send messages directly
to you. If you know other people with inReach devices, you can exchange addresses to message each other
directly.
NOTE: The inReach address is not an email address. People cannot send messages to an inReach address
from an email client. It is only used to communicate between devices.

Personal Contacts
You can have up to 200 personal contacts.

Inbox 9
Adding a Contact
1 From the Contacts tab, click Add.
2 Enter information for the contact.
NOTE: You must enter a name and at least an email address, inReach address, or mobile phone number.
3 Click Done.
After you add a contact, you must sync your device or smartphone before using your device in the field (Sync,
page 8). You should confirm the information on your device matches the information in your account.

Editing or Deleting a Contact

NOTE: This does not include social media contacts.
You can edit or delete a contact.
1 From the Contacts tab, select a contact.
2 Click Edit to make changes to the contact.
3 If necessary, select Delete.
After you edit or delete a contact, you must sync your device or smartphone (Sync, page 8).

Messages
Preset Messages
Preset messages are a convenient way to send messages to a specific group of recipients. Preset messages
allow you to check in or let people know that you are fine. You can create three customized preset messages.

Editing a Preset Message

1 From the Messages tab, click Edit next to the preset message you want to change.
2 Enter a message.
3 Add recipients for the message.
TIP: When you start typing a phone number or email address that has been added to your contacts, you can
add the contact as a preset message recipient.
4 Click Done.
5 Sync your devices.
The message text and recipients appear on the device screen.

Quick Text Messages

You can save time by using quick text messages instead of composing a message or reply using the on-screen
keyboard. You can enter and save commonly used phrases and replies as quick text messages before you need
to use them.

Adding a Quick Text Message

NOTE: This feature is not available on all models.
1 From the Messages tab, click Add in the Quick Text Messages list.
2 Enter a message.
3 Click Save.
4 Sync your devices.

10 Messages
 Social
The social tab provides options for sharing your trip information with your social media accounts. You can set
up your social media accounts so that you can post updates from your device for other people to view.
MapShare: Allows you to share your location on the map with others (Enabling the MapShare Feature,
page 11).
Options: Sets which data and controls appear on your MapShare web page. You can set up password-only
access for other people (MapShare Settings, page 11).
Share: Sends others a link to your MapShare web page.
Facebook: Allows you to post to your Facebook™ account from anywhere.
Twitter: Allows you to post to your Twitter™ account from anywhere.

MapShare
MapShare is a web page that is similar to the Map tab of the Garmin Explore website, but it enables others to
see your location on the map. They can follow your travels in real-time and send you messages.

Enabling the MapShare Feature

From the Social tab, click MapShare: Off.
After enabling the MapShare feature, your link appears. Other people can view your location and all messages
you post there.
Editing Your MapShare Address
Before you can edit your MapShare address, you must enable the MapShare feature (Enabling the MapShare
Feature, page 11).
From the Social tab, click .

Receiving Messages from Map Viewers

NOTE: Facebook comments and Twitter replies are not sent to your device.
Select MapShare Settings > Allow map viewers to send you messages.

MapShare Settings
You can configure your MapShare web page to meet your needs, including setting a password, enabling viewer
controls, and showing waypoints.
Name & Description: Allows you to provide a name and short description for your trip. You can describe the
specific activity you are about to embark upon, giving viewers some context.
Password: Sets a password to restrict access. The password is included automatically when you use the share
feature from the website or from the device and mobile app. You can remove public access after a trip is
over.
Allow map viewers to send you messages: Allows you to receive messages sent from map viewers when
visiting your MapShare web page. Restricting use of this feature prevents viewers from impacting your
monthly subscription plan.
Allow map viewers to locate you: Allows map viewers to request your location, even if you aren't otherwise
sharing your location.
Show waypoints created in the field on MapShare: Allows you to show waypoints created on a device in the
field on your MapShare web page.

Social 11
Social Media Websites
You can link your Facebook and Twitter accounts to your MapShare web page. After you link a social media
account, statistics appear. For Facebook, you can post to pages you administer.
NOTE: Facebook requires you to authorize access to your account every 60 days. You will receive an email
before access expires. Before a trip, you should log on to the website and confirm the status of your Facebook
account.

Sharing Your MapShare Web Page

Before you can post a message to your Facebook or Twitter accounts, you must follow the on-screen
instructions to set them up.
You can share a link to your MapShare web page with other people. The system automatically adds text,
including link information, to the end of your message.
From the social tab, select an option from the share list:
• To send an email message, click Email.
• To post a message to your Facebook account, click Facebook.
• To post a message to your Twitter account, click Twitter.

Account
The Account tab displays your account details and information about testing your device.
My Info: Displays account information and preferences (My Info, page 12).
Units: Sets the coordinate version and measurement units for distance.
Test: Provides instructions for testing your device (Testing Your Device, page 12).

My Info
You can edit your personal information, including emergency contacts. You should keep your information and
emergency contacts updated.
You can update your billing information, such as credit card information. When you travel for extended periods,
you can pre-pay for services to avoid coverage interruption due to an expired or locked credit card, or a new
number being issued.
You can also make some adjustments to SMS messages that your recipients receive from your device. For
recipients who have phones that do not support linking to a web page, you can send your coordinates as text
within the message. You can hide the link if you do not want your location to be known.
TIP: You can hide your name to save message space and avoid repetition for the recipient.

Testing Your Device

You can use this feature to run a test of your device before you leave home. You are allowed five free test
messages per month.
1 From the account tab, click Test.
2 Follow the on-screen instructions.

12 Account
 support.garmin.com

September 2021 GUID-F6C8BA42-B6D4-4F68-980D-A54FF228F3F4 v6