FAQs

Every message sent from a connected device should get a response. If you're not seeing one, a few things to check: make sure your message was sent successfully, confirm you're texting the correct service number from the right device, and, if you're in service, verify the device shows as "Connected" on your dashboard. Messages from unrecognized devices will still receive a reply letting you know.

Satellite messages can be slow to send and receive, so allow extra time before assuming something is wrong.

The most common cause is a coordinate issue. Check the coordinates shown at the top of the summary message and confirm they match the location you intended. If they look wrong, see GPS coordinates for accepted formats and tips on copying them from common apps. If the coordinates are correct, you can try a higher-resolution or region-specific weather model for more localized results.

All forecast times use the local timezone of the requested location (shown as the UTC offset in the summary message), not necessarily your current timezone. If you're requesting a forecast for a location in a different timezone, the times will reflect that location.

Check the message count in the summary (e.g., "MSG 1/4" means 4 messages total, including the summary). Satellite messages may arrive out of order or with delays. Wait for all of them before assuming data is missing.

If something in your message isn't recognized, you'll receive a reply explaining what wasn't understood. Check for typos and verify coordinate format. You can also try being more explicit by labelling a value with its option name (e.g., model ecmwf instead of just ecmwf).

Your device is connected by number, so if your number changes, the service won't recognize it.

For satellite messengers, some brands recycle device numbers after long periods of inactivity. You can reconnect in the field using your backup code. This code was texted to your device when you first connected it, and it can also be found in your device details on the dashboard.

For phones, if you've switched to a new number, disconnect the old one and reconnect with your new number through the dashboard.

Make sure you've sent the connection code from your satellite device to the service number. You can find the code and instructions on the pending device card on your dashboard. Once the code is received, you'll get a confirmation message on your device and the dashboard will update to "Connected." If the wrong code was sent, you'll receive a message letting you know.

Each account supports one phone and one satellite messenger. To connect a different device, disconnect the existing one first from your device details on the dashboard.

Satellite message delivery depends on the network your device uses, your location, and sky visibility. Cloud cover and obstructions like dense tree canopy or steep terrain can also affect signal quality. Delays can affect both outbound and inbound messages. This is a characteristic of satellite networks, not the forecast service. If messages seem slow, moving to a spot with a clearer view of the sky generally helps.

Some satellite messengers automatically append a custom signature to every outbound message, such as your name. If you save this signature in your device settings on the dashboard, the service will recognize it so that it doesn't get misread as part of your forecast request.

Go to Configure, in the menu at the top of every page.

Service numbers are permanently assigned to your account. You can always find yours at the top of your dashboard. If you're having an issue with your number, please get in touch and we'll help.

If you get a new phone number in the same country, just disconnect your old phone on the dashboard and connect the new one. Your service number stays the same.

If your new phone number is in a different country, your current service number may result in international SMS charges from your phone. Contact us and we'll help you transition to a local number. Note that changing your service number means updating your saved contacts and reconnecting your satellite messenger if you have one connected.

If you're traveling with a temporary SIM or eSIM, you can connect it as your phone for the trip and reconnect your regular number when you're home. Your service number stays the same. Just check that your temporary SIM's plan includes texting to your service number's country, or you may incur international SMS charges.

Backcountry Forecast communicates via SMS. Standard messaging rates from your carrier or satellite provider may apply to both sent and received messages, depending on your plan.