Does it cost extra on my ZOLEO plan?

NoService AI charges its own pricing (first 3 questions free, then $15/100 messages or $7.99/mo unlimited). On the device side, messages count against your ZOLEO plan like any other text — replies are kept as short as possible to respect that (a long answer may arrive as 2-3 texts).

ZOLEO · IRIDIUM

AI for Garmin inReach and ZOLEO

Q: Can I top up credits from the backcountry?

Yes, if you saved a card beforehand: reply BUY from the device and the saved card is charged — confirmation comes back over plain satellite text, no internet needed.

Q: Should I still use SOS for emergencies?

Always. NoService AI is an information service. For life-threatening situations use your device's SOS button, which reaches professional rescue coordination.

Your satellite messenger can already text any US phone number. Point it at ours — +1 (209) 379-8911 — and it becomes a two-way line to an AI assistant. No app pairing, no firmware tricks: just a contact in your device.

Garmin inReach setup

With an active satellite plan your inReach has its own US number, so it texts like any other phone. Add +1 (209) 379-8911 to your contacts in the Garmin Messenger app, send a question, and the answer threads back into the same conversation. Nothing to install and nothing to pair on our side.

Your SOS and check-in buttons keep working exactly as before. This adds a contact that answers, nothing more.

Garmin bills its own satellite messages against your inReach plan, so one question plus our reply is two messages there. That is why we keep every answer to a single text.

ZOLEO setup

ZOLEO sends SMS to US numbers through the ZOLEO app when connected by satellite. Add +1 (209) 379-8911 to your contacts, message it like anyone else, and the answer threads back into the same conversation. The check-in/SOS buttons keep working exactly as before — this adds a "brain" contact, nothing more.

SPOT X and Somewear users: same idea — anything that texts a US mobile number works. Overview of all satellite devices →

Field workflow that works

One question per message, specific and short: “sharp ankle pain after roll, can bear weight — tape or splint?” beats “hurt ankle help”.
Follow-ups are fine — the AI keeps short-term context, so “and if swelling doubles overnight?” continues the thread.
Check your balance anytime by texting BALANCE.
Top up from anywhere: with a card saved once (buy on the site while you have signal), texting BUY charges it and adds 100 messages — over pure satellite SMS, no browser involved. How off-grid top-ups work.

SOS stays SOS. NoService AI answers questions; it does not dispatch rescue. In a life-threatening situation, hold the SOS button — that's what it's for. Ask us the “what do I do while help is coming” questions.

FAQ

Does it cost extra on my device plan?

Messages to us count against your Garmin or ZOLEO plan like any other text. On our side: first 3 questions free, then $15 per 100 messages or $7.99/mo unlimited.

Can I top up credits from the backcountry?

Yes, if your card is saved: text BUY and it's charged off-session — the receipt comes back by satellite text. Without a saved card we text a payment link, which needs internet — so set it up at home.

Should I still use SOS for emergencies?

Always. SOS reaches professional rescue coordination; we answer questions. Both belong in your kit.

Set it up before the trailhead

Add the contact, ask one test question, save a card if you'll want top-ups. Five minutes now, a working assistant all season.

Text your first question

See pricing · Read the full guide