InReach mini without USB capability on computer

I just purchased an InReach mini. Attempting to set up for days now. Synchronizing. Tech advice says “when you are sitting at your computer….”. The last time I sat at a computer, George Bush was president. As an airline pilot, I live out of a suitcase. I carry an iPhone, company issued iPad, and occasionally a MacBook Air. Thankfully I have not needed a desktop in over two decades now. It’s starting to seem like this unit will not be usable unless I start shopping for an old fashion computer with USB ports. I’m not going to do that. Is this unit really unusable now?

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Former Member over 1 year ago +2

Taildragger1 said:
and occasionally a MacBook Air

A MacBook is a computer — with USB ports.

www.garmin.com/.../

support.apple.com/.../HT201736
RMTailleFer over 1 year ago +1

For the occasional firmware update you could use a computer whenever you happen to be at a friend's place, etc - shouldn't need to happen very often anyway. The program for this is called "Garmin Express…

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0 1874793 over 1 year ago

I’ve used my Mini for over three years with only an iPad and Bluetooth connection for Garmin Explore and Earthmate. The only ‘brick wall’ I’ve had to deal with is firmware updates to the inReach unit, which does require something called a computer.

0 1874793 over 1 year ago

I have used my Mini for over three years synchronizing with only Bluetooth to connect it to Garmin Explore and Earthmate. The only ‘showstopper’ I’ve run into is firmware updates, which require something called a computer.

Bill R. (UAL Ret.)

0 Former Member over 1 year ago

Taildragger1 said:
and occasionally a MacBook Air

A MacBook is a computer — with USB ports.

www.garmin.com/.../

support.apple.com/.../HT201736

0 twolpert over 1 year ago

Also, procedures vary depending on whether you are talking about the original Mini (M1) or the Mini2 (M2).

For the M1, firmware updates are delivered via USB cable and Garmin Express. Data sync is via the Earthmate mobile app (via BT) or via wired USB connection and the desktop sync program.

For M2, firmware updates are delivered either via the Explore mobile app (via BT) OR via wired USB connection and Garmin Express. Data sync is via the Explore mobile app (BT) only.

If you have a professional account, YMMV.

0 RMTailleFer over 1 year ago

For the occasional firmware update you could use a computer whenever you happen to be at a friend's place, etc - shouldn't need to happen very often anyway. The program for this is called "Garmin Express"

For syncing your data, use the Earthmate app. My experience is that the desktop app ("inReach Sync") that uses a USB connection doesn't ever work anyway. You'll go through all the troubleshooting and it will still not work, and then you'll be frustrated to boot. Just use the Earthmate app on your i-devices.

0 twolpert over 1 year ago in reply to RMTailleFer

Earthmate for M1, Explore for M2.