If you always forget to text your loved one that you’ve arrived home, or you feel safer when someone can track your journey to a destination, Apple’s Check In makes it super easy. Available with iOS 17, the feature not only allows you to check in with someone when you arrive at a location but will also send you safety prompts if you don’t get there. If you don’t answer, it’ll then provide those on the other end of the Check In with important information like location data, battery level, and network signal. Below, we break down all the steps on how to start a Check In session.
For a full list of all the top features of Apple’s latest operating system, be sure to also check out our iOS 17 roundup. If this doesn’t sound like a fit (or if you have an Android phone), check out our guide to the Best Personal Safety Devices, Apps, and Wearables.
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How to Send a Check In
It’s important to note the Check In work only if both parties are on iPhones running iOS 17. You can see whether you’re running the latest OS by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
To start a Check In session, you’ll have to complete a few steps before heading to your location.
- Open Messages and tap on the contact you want to share your trip with.
- Tap the “+” sign to the left of the text box, tap More, and then select Check In.
- Choose between When I Arrive and After a Timer.
Apple via Brenda Stolyar
If you choose When I Arrive: Whoever you’re sharing your trip with will know your destination and how you’re traveling (driving, walking, public transit). It will automatically update your Estimated Arrival Time based on driving conditions and traffic. It will also notify the person when you’ve arrived and will complete the trip.
If you choose After a Timer: This specifies a period of time, so it’s a better choice if you’re going on a first date or meeting up with a new friend and don’t want to share too many details. You’ll have to end the Check In before the set time manually, or else the person on the other end will receive a notification.
Apple via Brenda Stolyar
When a session is in progress, you’ll see a notification on your lock screen that lists the name of the contact you’re sharing it with and your ETA. When you arrive at your destination or end the Check In, they’ll receive a notification both on the lock screen and within the Message thread.
If you don’t arrive at your destination and ignore the Check In prompt (within 15 minutes), or cancel the session manually, the details of where your iPhone has traveled will be sent to the contact you sent the Check In to. They’ll also be notified if your iPhone is offline for an extended period or if you place an Emergency SOS call.
Control the Data You Share
When you start your first Check In, you’ll be asked to choose the data you’d like to share if you don’t arrive at your location or respond to the iPhone prompts. According to Apple, the data used within the feature is end-to-end encrypted.
You can pick between:
- Limited: This provides information on your current location, details about battery life on your iPhone (it will also display Apple Watch battery life if you’re wearing one), and network signal.
- Full: This provides information on your current location, the route traveled, the location of where you last unlocked your iPhone (and removed your Apple Watch), battery life, and network signal.
You can change this later via Settings. Once you’re in the Settings menu, go to Messages > Check In > Data and choose Full or Limited. This will then be applied to all future Check In sessions.
How to Add Extra Time
Apple via Brenda Stolyar
If you use the After a Timer setting and end up stuck in traffic or need to make a quick pit stop, you can always add extra time to your Check In. To do this:
- Open the Messages app.
- Open the text window with the person you sent the Check In to.
- Tap on the Check In window within the message thread. Tap Details, then Add Time, and select one of the available options.
How to Cancel a Check In
Whether it’s because you’ve arrived at your destination or you just want to end the session, you can cancel it whenever you want. To cancel a Check In:
- Open the Messages app.
- Open the conversation with who you’re using Check In with.
- Tap on the Check In window, tap Details, and then tap Cancel Check In.
What About the Find My App?
Check In is somewhat similar to Find My—in addition to tracking items and devices, Apple’s location tracking app allows you to share your location with those close to you and vice versa. You can also stop sharing your location whenever you’d like. It’s accessible within the Messages app, too.
But there are a few major differences. For starters, Find My gives you the option to share your location for one hour, until the end of the day, indefinitely. You can also follow the journey in real time. Check In only pinpoints the destination on the map.
Unlike Check In, Find My doesn’t come with the same safety features like prompts when you’ve gone off track, the route traveled, details on battery life, and the aforementioned details above. Those you share your location with will also have to constantly check the Find My app to see your status.
Those you’re sharing your location with via Find My won’t receive updates or an ETA on your journey. Plus, you have more control over the amount of data you share with Check In (like location versus time). It’s a better option for those who want the ability to see someone’s location at a glance when necessary.
