Garmin Locate is a new feature on the Fenix 9 Pro inReach that lets a designated contact request your location through the Garmin Messenger app at any time — no activity, no LiveTrack session required. Both parties must use the Garmin Messenger app: the contact makes the location request through it, and the watch owner must have it configured as part of their inReach setup. The watch returns your position over LTE. An active inReach plan and LTE coverage are both required.
The distinction from LiveTrack is straightforward. The wearer starts LiveTrack, and it runs for the duration of an activity. Garmin Locate is contact-initiated and works any time. It returns a single position on request rather than a continuous feed.
Locate uses LTE only — there is no satellite fallback for this feature specifically. Two-way messaging and SOS continue to work via satellite regardless.
Note: this feature is already working on some older models (see comments)
Quick answers
What is Garmin Locate?
Garmin Locate lets a contact request your location through the Garmin Messenger app at any time without you starting a LiveTrack session. Both the watch owner and the contact must use the Garmin Messenger app. It uses LTE and requires an active inReach plan on a Fenix 9 Pro inReach variant.
How is Garmin Locate different from LiveTrack?
The wearer starts LiveTrack, and it shares location continuously during an activity. Garmin Locate is contact-initiated, works outside of activities, and returns a single location on request.
Does Garmin Locate work via satellite?
No. LTE only. Two-way messaging and SOS still work via the inReach satellite radio where LTE is unavailable.
Which watches support Garmin Locate?
The Fenix 9 Pro inReach variants: 43mm, 47mm and 51mm AMOLED inReach, and 47mm and 51mm Solar inReach. Not available on the base Fenix 9 or Pro AMOLED without inReach.
Garmin Fenix 9 range
Every Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro model, including AMOLED, Solar, and inReach variants across all sizes. One link to the full range.
Further reading
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro specifications
- Fenix 9: new features explained
- Fenix 9 features will pass to existing Garmin watches
- Garmin Fenix 9 vs Fenix 8: which to buy
- Garmin Fenix hub
- Release Radar: latest Garmin updates
Last Updated on 27 August 2026 by tfk the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Bought both my parents Forerunner 945 LTEs so they would have emergency alert buttons if they needed it. And so I would have a way to make sure they were doing ok on daily walks etc.
Being able to locate them on demand would be huge in some circumstances.
Seems like it’s time for an upgrade!
Btw: this is also working for the F8 (non Pro):
https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-8-series/442858/new-garmin-locate-functionality-with-fenix-8-non-pro
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