I purchased the InReach Mini 2 with the intent of having several family members use it when they engage in activities (backcountry skiing, mountain biking) outside of cell-phone coverage—a family share situation. Unfortunately, the "family share" concept does not work easily with the device. Perhaps I don't understand the information correctly but it seems that one cannot add multiple users to a single account, and using the Mini 2 on multiple phones requires deleting any bluetooth history before connecting the device to another phone, making saved routes and other data useless.As per Garmin Customer Support, "Due to recent changes in privacy laws — Garmin inReach subscribers with a personal Freedom or Annual subscription plan can no longer add new users to their ... MoreI purchased the InReach Mini 2 with the intent of having several family members use it when they engage in activities (backcountry skiing, mountain biking) outside of cell-phone coverage—a family share situation. Unfortunately, the "family share" concept does not work easily with the device. Perhaps I don't understand the information correctly but it seems that one cannot add multiple users to a single account, and using the Mini 2 on multiple phones requires deleting any bluetooth history before connecting the device to another phone, making saved routes and other data useless.As per Garmin Customer Support, "Due to recent changes in privacy laws — Garmin inReach subscribers with a personal Freedom or Annual subscription plan can no longer add new users to their Explore account....If you are not a business or professional organization, an alternative is to create a new individual inReach Personal subscription account for each additional user – provided each user will have a device attached to the individual account. You cannot switch or share inReach devices with active subscriptions between accounts."As for pairing the device on the phones of different users, they say, "Not suggested but can be done as long as you can remove the previously paired device from the unit before trying to pair the different mobile device after forgetting any reference of the Mini 2 from that devices bluetooth history before trying to re-pair back to a previously paired smart device." It is essentially one user per device per account.I was happy that our family members would have the extra measure of safety in case of an emergency while they were doing backcountry activities—and that they would have the ability to communicate with us (and us with them) while they were out of cell phone range. It seems that I would need to purchase a separate device and subscription account for each family member who could benefit from such safety protection. Disappointing.My rating relates only to the inability to share the device among different users. I thought it would be helpful to share that information with other potential purchasers. The rating does not cover the functioning of the device, which I was looking forward to using but have not done so yet.

I’ve had the Mini 2 for a little over a month and totally impressed with its performance and use. I will say I have the unlimited plan as I’ve dropped some cellphone data coverage I no longer need. I do use the mini 2 in conjunction (In-Reach Linking) with my Garmin Rino 755t and has made texting easier. I am very comfortable with leaving my phone off (Saving Battery Energy) while backpacking/hiking off-grid countrysides. I hike allot of terrain off grid with cellular coverage so it’s a no brainer the plan I selected. One of the best features of the In-Reach Mini 2 in my opinion is battery life. Please read the plans before purchasing as you will be charged for pings and texts if sharing map data. Please read all directions before purchasing, Nothing is free, and ... MoreI’ve had the Mini 2 for a little over a month and totally impressed with its performance and use. I will say I have the unlimited plan as I’ve dropped some cellphone data coverage I no longer need. I do use the mini 2 in conjunction (In-Reach Linking) with my Garmin Rino 755t and has made texting easier. I am very comfortable with leaving my phone off (Saving Battery Energy) while backpacking/hiking off-grid countrysides. I hike allot of terrain off grid with cellular coverage so it’s a no brainer the plan I selected. One of the best features of the In-Reach Mini 2 in my opinion is battery life. Please read the plans before purchasing as you will be charged for pings and texts if sharing map data. Please read all directions before purchasing, Nothing is free, and highly recommend purchasing SAR Insurance. Not sure what Garmin has planned for future gear, but In-Reach should be in all their new GPS units, obviously excluding watches as they’re just too small. I will add that a few things to consider purchasing for easy access to the unit.1) Garmin Spine Mount adapter (Needed for Backpack Tether/Additionally for accessory attachment kits also)2) Garmin Backpack tether accessory Velcro Quick Disconnect (Pictured is my modified versions)100% Satisfied Customer thus far :)

I purchased this because my son was departing on a six week ocean trip, and we wanted a way to keep in touch with him, as well as an extra layer of safety for him while on board. The inReach sends automated track points at intervals preset by us, so we can log in and view his position, and track his progress on his passage. He can also send us preset messages (choosing from three that we predetermined) for free, or he can also type his own custom message or text (that counts against our free monthly alotment.) Further, in an emergency, he can initiate an SOS message anywhere on the globe--real peace of mind. Pros: you're in touch regardless of cell phone service plan or connection; those on land can track the progress and most recent position of those at sea; free ... MoreI purchased this because my son was departing on a six week ocean trip, and we wanted a way to keep in touch with him, as well as an extra layer of safety for him while on board. The inReach sends automated track points at intervals preset by us, so we can log in and view his position, and track his progress on his passage. He can also send us preset messages (choosing from three that we predetermined) for free, or he can also type his own custom message or text (that counts against our free monthly alotment.) Further, in an emergency, he can initiate an SOS message anywhere on the globe--real peace of mind. Pros: you're in touch regardless of cell phone service plan or connection; those on land can track the progress and most recent position of those at sea; free check in messages add to peace of mind; custom written text messages are a nice extra feature for two-way communication if needed; you can operate this unit completely separate from a phone--no need to find the phone, etc.; the SOS feature is an extra safety layer on top of an EPIRB, with the added bonus of the ability to communicate two ways with rescuers, via text message. Cons: it takes a little getting used to the interface, both on the inReach device itself, as well as the Garmin Explore app, and the Garmin website; things display differently on the app versus the website; allow a week to use it and get familiar with it--both the device and the app or website for the land-based party--before you go to sea. Lastly, Garmin reduced the availability of custom check in messages in September of 2022, which was unknown to me when I made the purchase and subscribed to the service. An inquiry to Garmin customer service got the me ability to pre-customize my check in messages, so we were able to set up three meaningful messages for my son to choose from, rather than the default "I'm checking in, everything is ok," which gets repetitive and doesn't help as much as it could. After Garmin gave restored that ability, I am very happy with the purchase. More of those customizable preset check in messages would be even better (five? ten?). We will use the device on our boats for sailing and offshore fishing even after my son returns from his six week trip.