InReach and AT&T not working

Just bought a Garmin InReach Explorer + after researching Garmin vs. Spot. I did not find any reviews saying their were issues with AT&T. However, after buying and testing, none of the text messages will go through AT&T (mine or my family phones). I've tried every setting. Garmin really needs to advertise that their satellite is not compatible with AT&T. I'm surprised based on all the same issues being posted on the Garmin forum that it is still advertised as working with any phones. REI didn't seem aware of this issue. My InReach works with every other phone company and emails, but we are an AT&T family right now (maybe we need to swtich) or return the Garmin and buy a Spot (but I don't want to buy a Spot). Anyone found any solutions that work? I've already removed the location lins, map sharing links, etc, etc. Unfortunately, my family doesn't check their email that often so without the text option the Garmin really isn't helpful except as an SOS. However, much cheaper units for just SOS.

0 1207152 over 4 years ago

My texts to AT&T aren't working anymore either. My emails go through just fine, but I'm in the same spot as you. I actually came off the mountain early last night because I wasn't sure I could get help if I needed it. Very frustrating.

0 Garmin-Andrew over 4 years ago in reply to 1207152

dougbark & 1207152

We are currently experiencing an issue with SMS messages not being delivered to ATT phone numbers and working with ATT to resolve. I have sent each of you a PM to confirm details about your account so I can add you to the Support Ticket we have open for this.

You can also subscribe to get inReach System Status updates at https://status.inreach.garmin.com/

0 Rockup over 4 years ago

I am having the same issue and only with AT&T numbers - emails and messages to Verizon customers are going through just fine.

0 1623734 over 4 years ago in reply to Garmin-Andrew

I am having the same issue with AT&T numbers. The Garmin shows the message have been sent, including the Test message, but they are never received.

0 atlas_cached over 4 years ago

Doesn't matter who's fault this is, the inReach products are unreliable with AT&T, and you can not depend on them to work when you need them to.

Garmin have failed to resolve this well known issue, and do not advise potential customers of this all to common system failure.

It is a shame, so much potential, but can not be trusted.

0 2556357 over 4 years ago in reply to Garmin-Andrew

We in Southeast Alaska are predominately ATT provider based. If it's an issue with the locating portion being added to the text, you should give the customer an option to not include it. It's extremely dangerous and irresponsible to allow your customers to believe their life saving equipment will work when you already know there is an issue with the texting with ATT and you already have a solution to it, yet you keep turning the locating on and it keeps getting blocked.

0 1173648 over 4 years ago in reply to 2556357

This problem has been going on for at least 2 years. The inreach was purchased with the false advertising that you could text anywhere outside of cell service. Garmin says it's an ATT problem. Garmin advertised it would work! I say it's a Garmin problem. I just returned from a 10 day trip in remote Alaska. Half way through the trip the inreach quit working properly. Our link to critical aviation weather updates was severed. Even inreach to inreach took no less than 3 hours and sometimes 8 hours. We had the location turned off and it still didn't work. Unit was updated in August. We have 8 units and I am questioning the wisdom of paying as much as we do for a product with severe reliability issues. It is very unfortunate that Garmin continues to advertise and sell a product with these issues. Our trust in Garmin is rapidly falling!

0 Garmin-Andrew over 4 years ago in reply to Rockup

I have sent you a PM to confirm details to add you to the Support Ticket we have open for this issue. Additional info about this issue can be found here: forums.garmin.com/.../inreach-general

0 Garmin-Andrew over 4 years ago in reply to 1623734

I have sent you a PM to confirm details to add you to the Support Ticket we have open for this issue. Additional info about this issue can be found here: forums.garmin.com/.../inreach-general

0 atlas_cached over 4 years ago in reply to Garmin-Andrew

Please add me to the ticket....