Hi Team, it has come to our attention that GARMIN has locked some features of their Explore App so it will only work with GARMIN Messenger. This ties people to having a device only connected with GARMIN and not for our loyal customers at TrackMe NZ.
So we have developed a work around, at this stage for Android phones and tablets only. This is particularly important for the New Mini 3 and other devices to follow. If you are an iPhone user we will update you when we have a solution for you.
ANDROID USERS
There is a small app you download first, then this app converts an older version of Explore to work on your phone or tablet.
But first, uninstall GARMIN Explore and GARMIN Messenger. Very important you do this first.
Then click this link from your phone to download from our Google Drive, we have scanned and tested these links and apps first.
It will prompt you that it can't be scanned for viruses,
select download anyway.
When the download has finished,
open your My Files folder and select "APK installation Files".
Click to install.If prompted change your phone settings to allow,
then click install.
Once this is installed,
click on the GARMIN Explore 4.4 link below to download the app version 4.4 from November 2025.
Don't click open file.
Now go back into your apps and click on the APK Installer we just installed,
click BEGIN on the 3rd screen at welcome,
then allow permission.
Back, then ACCEPT.
GARMIN Explore 4.4
Now ensure you turn off auto update so this version stays with your phone. If you discover you have inadvertently updated you can repeat the process.
By doing this you will be able to use the messaging functions on your Android phone without having to load GARMIN Messenger.