Step by Step Help Garmin Alpha 10

No — the Garmin Alpha 10 does not have a built-in map screen. The handheld shows you the direction (with an arrow) and the distance to your dog or contact, but it doesn’t display topographic or road maps like the Alpha 100, 200, 200i, 200 plus, 300, or 300i

If you want to see your dogs on a map, you’ll need to pair the Alpha 10 with the Garmin Alpha app on your smartphone. Once paired, the app gives you full mapping features, including topo maps, trails, and the ability to review hunt data after the fact.

The Garmin Alpha 10 has an **internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery** that lasts up to 40 hours on a full charge.

Charge time: about 2 hours for a full recharge.

Battery saver: turning off Bluetooth or lowering the screen brightness can extend runtime.

Real world use: heavy tracking with multiple collars may shorten battery life a bit, while lighter use often gets closer to the full 40 hours.

No — the Garmin Alpha 10 does not have a touchscreen. Instead, it uses a **physical button and toggle system** for navigation and control.

• The front buttons handle training commands and menu access.
• The lets you quickly switch between dogs or menu options.
  

The Garmin Alpha 10 can track up to 20 devices at the same time.

Dog tracking collars (like the TT15, T5, or TT15 Mini)

Other Alpha handhelds (such as a buddy’s Alpha 200i, 100, or another Alpha 10)

Each update comes in about every 2.5 seconds, showing you the direction arrow and distance to each dog or contact.

While it doesn’t have a built-in map, pairing it with the Garmin Alpha App on your phone will display all tracked dogs and contacts on a map for easier management in the field.

No — the Garmin Alpha 10 does not use the “Alpha App.” Instead, it pairs with the Garmin Alpha App on your smartphone.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Garmin Alpha app compatibility: once paired via Bluetooth, you can view your dogs and contacts on detailed topo maps, sync hunt data, and manage waypoints.
• On the handheld itself: you’ll only see distance and direction arrows — no maps.
• With the app: you unlock full mapping and hunt review features

Yes — the Garmin Alpha 10 does have basic training features when paired with a compatible training collar (like the TT15 or TT15 Mini).

Here’s what it can do:

• Tone – an audible signal to get your dog’s attention.
• Vibration – a non-stimulation correction option.
• Stimulation – momentary or continuous correction, adjustable across levels.
  

Yes — the Garmin Alpha 10 is waterproof and rugged enough for hunting conditions. It has an IPX7 water rating which means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

This makes it safe to use in:

• Heavy rain
• Wet brush and mud
• Accidental drops in puddles or shallow water

Just note: while the handheld is waterproof, always make sure the charging port cover is sealed before exposing it to water.

Adding a Dog or Contact Using Wireless Pairing

1.Make sure the dog collar device is turned off.

2. Press and hold the power button on the collar until it beeps twice (about 2 seconds), then release the button.

• The LED will flash rapidly in green, indicating the collar is ready to pair.

3. On the Alpha 10 handheld, press the Menu button.

4. Select Add Device.

5. Choose one of the following options:

• Dog > Pair Collar – if you are near the collar, follow the on-screen prompts to connect.
• Receive Shared Asset – if another handheld is sharing the dog or contact info wirelessly.
• Note: The other handheld must be actively sharing for this option to work.

6. Once paired, enter a name for the dog or contact and select Done.

Adding a Contact Using the Transmission ID

1. On the handheld, press the Menu button.

2. Select Add Device > Contact.

3. Enter the Transmission ID for the contact.

4. Enter the contact name and select Done.

Sharing a Dog or Contact Wirelessly

• Make sure both handheld devices are within 10 ft. (3 m) of each other.

1. On your handheld, select the dog or contact you want to share, or go to Device Options.

2. Select Share > Share Wirelessly.

3. Select Yes to allow the other person to track (and, if needed, correct) your dog.

4. The other handheld must be set to receive device information at the same time.

Adding a Dog Using Track and Control Codes

Note: This option may vary depending on the type of collar and features available in your region.

You can use track and control codes to link a handheld device to a dog collar. This is useful if you are not close to the dog or cannot put the collar into pairing mode. The dog’s owner must provide you with the track and control codes before starting.

1. On the handheld device, press the Menu button.

2. Select Add Device > Dog > Enter Share Code.

3. Enter the track or control code for the collar, then select Done.

• The track code allows you to track the dog.
• The control code allows you to both track and train the dog.

4. Enter the dog’s name and select Done.

1. From the tracking screen, select the dog you want to edit or select Device Options

2. Select Share.

3. Select View Legacy Codes to view the previous track and control codes for the dog collar device.

Sharing a Dog’s Track or Control Code

1. A track code lets another person track your dog.

• A control code lets another person both track and train your dog.
• Select the dog you want to share, or go to Device Options.

2. Select Share.

3. The dog’s and control code will appear under the dog’s name.

Editing Dog Settings

1. From the tracking screen, select the dog you want to edit, or go to Device Options.
2. Select Edit.
3. Choose one of the following options:

• Collar Light – change the collar light mode.
• ID – change the dog collar device ID.
• Update Rate – adjust how often the collar sends position data.
• Update Share Code – change the dog’s share code.
• Dog Type – set which alerts are sent from the collar
  Battery Saver – turn battery saver on or off
• Note: Automatically switches to a 2-minute update rate when the collar battery drops to 25%.
• Color – set the collar color used to identify the dog on external devices.
• Collar Sleep Mode – turn sleep mode on or off.
• Note: Sleep mode conserves battery when not actively tracking, but only works when the collar is connected to the handheld.
• Name – edit the dog’s name.
• Remove – remove the dog from your device.

You can record your hunts directly on the handheld.

Note: If your handheld is connected to the Garmin Explore app, your hunt data will automatically upload to your Garmin Explore account when you end the hunt

• Press the Menu button.
• Select Start Hunt.
• Choose the hunt you want to begin.

To end a hunt, return to the menu and select End Hunt

Marking

You can mark the location of the truck, so you can navigate back to your truck after the hunt.
1. Press the menu button.
2. Select Mark Truck.

Deleting

You must delete the previously marked truck location before you can mark a new location.
1 Press the menu button.
2 Select the marked truck.
3 Select Delete.

Sending and Receiving Messages

The Alpha 10 allows you to send and receive preset automated messages.

• When a message is received, it appears at the top of your screen.
• Press any button to dismiss the message.
• There are 18 preset messages to choose from (examples include “Help” and “I’m coming”).
• Messages are sent with your name in front of them, and anyone tracking your handheld will receive the message.

To send a message:

1. From the tracking screen, use the thumb stick to scroll right.
2. Select Send Message.
3. Choose the message you want to send.

Finding Your Contact ID

Press the Menu button.

Select Setup > Transmission ID.

Your Contact ID is displayed under My ID.

Changing Your Contact ID

Press the Menu button.

Select Setup > Transmission ID > My ID.

Choose a new Contact ID.

Make sure Transmitting is turned on before another Garmin handheld can add you as a contact.

Important:

Your Contact ID is what allows other Garmin handhelds to find and track you. If transmitting is not turned on, your handheld will not be visible to other devices, and they will not be able to add you as a contact. Always double-check that transmitting is enabled when you want to be tracked.

You can customize the type of alert your device gives for messages and warnings.

1. Press the Menu button.
2. Select Setup > Alerts.
3. Choose an alert type for each category (for example: tone, vibration, or off).

To use the connected features of the device, it must be paired directly through the Garmin Alpha app, instead of from the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone.

1. Bring your compatible smartphone within 10 m (33 ft.) of your device.
2. Press the Menu button on your handheld device.
   
3. Select Setup > Phone.
   
4. If necessary, select the toggle switch to enable Bluetooth technology.
   
5. Select Pair Phone.
   
6. On your compatible smartphone, enable Bluetooth, and open the Garmin Alpha app.
   
7. From the Garmin Alpha app, select Devices > Pair Device.
   
8. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Garmin Alpha app to complete pairing.
   
   

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Pairing Issues

If Bluetooth pairing fails or shows an error , try the following steps:

1. Check for updates – Make sure both your Alpha 10 handheld and the Garmin Alpha app are fully updated.

2. Restart Bluetooth – Turn Bluetooth off and back on for both the handheld and your phone.

3. Check phone settings – On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for the Alpha 10 in the list of paired devices.

• If the Alpha 10 is listed, delete/remove it from the Bluetooth devices.

4. Reattempt pairing – Try pairing the Alpha 10 and your phone again through the Garmin Explore app.