The Garmin Enduro 3 can receive and send messages, but its messaging capabilities are dependent on connection with a compatible smartphone and the use of specific apps and features.
Receiving and Sending Messages
The Garmin Enduro 3 allows users to view, compose, and reply to messages through the Garmin Messenger app on the watch, which connects to the Garmin Messenger app on a compatible phone using Bluetooth technology. The watch itself does not operate independently for messaging but acts as an extension of the phone. To use this feature, the watch must be paired with a phone that has data connectivity, and the Garmin Messenger app must be installed on the phone. Users can scan a QR code on the watch to connect and set up the messaging feature for the first time.
Once connected, the watch enables the user to compose new messages by selecting a recipient and either choosing a pre-written message or composing a custom one. Users can also scroll through conversations, view received messages, and reply directly from the watch by selecting one of several quick replies or writing a custom message. However, the messaging service uses the phone's cellular plan, so standard text message limits and charges from the carrier may apply.
Quick Reply to Text Messages
For text message notifications received on the watch, the Garmin Enduro 3 allows quick replies from a list of customizable messages. This feature is only fully supported when the watch is paired with an Android phone. The messages are sent via the phone, not independently by the watch. Users can customize the pre-set replies through the Garmin Connect app, enabling tailored responses that suit the user's preferences. This integration lets users respond to incoming texts without having to access their phone physically, enhancing convenience during activities.
Limitations with iPhone and Messaging
Garmin Enduro 3's messaging capabilities are more limited when paired with an iPhone. While call and message notifications are received on the watch, interactive messaging features like replying through canned responses or composing new messages are primarily functional with Android devices. iPhone users generally can view incoming messages as notifications but cannot respond directly from the watch except potentially through third-party apps or via the phone itself. Furthermore, the customization and control over which app notifications appear on the watch are limited when paired with iOS, as the system usually sends all notifications that appear on the phone to the watch without finer selective controls.
Garmin Messenger App Ecosystem
The Garmin Messenger app, which powers messaging on the Enduro 3, is a closed ecosystem. It allows communication not only through SMS but also among Garmin Messenger app users. In this app, users can send text and audio messages to friends and family who also use the app. The messaging works through internet connectivity on the phone or satellite network if integrated with inReach devices and service plans. For satellite messaging, the user must have an active inReach service plan and compatible devices. This adds another layer of messaging that is independent of cellular networks but is mostly intended for outdoor and remote communication scenarios.
Spectator Messaging
The Enduro 3 supports a feature called Spectator Messaging during activities, particularly runs. This feature allows LiveTrack followers (people monitoring the activity in real-time) to send audio and text messages to the athlete during their run. For audio messages, Bluetooth headphones must be connected to the watch to listen. The phone needs to have data connectivity for this feature to work properly. Spectator Messaging adds an interactive element during long or competitive activities where external support or communication might be helpful.
Text Messaging via Android Only
The ability to reply to text messages using the watch's interface is restricted to pairing with Android smartphones. Only with Android does the Garmin Enduro 3 show full support for sending SMS replies through pre-set quick responses, which can be customized via Garmin Connect. This feature includes the ability to reply to incoming texts and calls without needing to pull out the phone. Apple iOS devices do not support this full interactivity, limiting iPhone users to message viewing and receiving notifications only.
Practical Use and Constraints
The Enduro 3's messaging features rely heavily on the smartphone it is connected to. The watch itself requires Bluetooth connectivity to the phone for normal SMS texting and messaging functions. If the phone is not nearby or disconnected, the Enduro 3 cannot send or receive standard text messages independently. For users who require satellite messaging, integration with Garmin's inReach devices and service plans is necessary.
Messaging charges and data use are managed by the phone carrier and the phone's data plan, meaning users should be aware that replying or sending texts via the watch uses the phone's messaging service, subject to typical carrier fees. The Garmin Messenger app messages sent over internet and satellite connections may have different fee structures depending on the user's subscriptions and network environment.
Summary of Messaging Features on Garmin Enduro 3
- The Enduro 3 receives notifications for calls and texts when connected to a smartphone.
- It supports viewing, composing, and replying to messages through the Garmin Messenger app when paired to a compatible phone.
- Quick replies to messages using customizable canned responses are supported only when paired with Android phones.
- iPhone users generally only get message notifications with limited interaction.
- The Garmin Messenger app allows communication with other app users, supporting messaging beyond SMS.
- Satellite messaging is available with an active inReach plan and appropriate hardware.
- Spectator messaging enables receiving audio and text messages during live tracked activities.
- The watch depends on Bluetooth and phone connectivity for messaging; it does not function as a standalone messaging device.