When iOS 17 was released in 2023, one of the new features introduced was the iPhone’s Check In feature. If you haven’t been using it, maybe it’s time to reconsider.
Many iPhone users may be hesitant to share their location with others, especially if they’re not close family. However, the Check In feature allows you to share your location only when necessary.
Check In is a great way to reassure your friends and family about your safety without allowing them to constantly track your movements. You can also control the amount of information shared with each contact. It’s a highly underrated security feature on the iPhone, and here’s how you can find it and make use of it.
Check In can be managed through the Messages app. When activated, it automatically notifies a selected friend or family member when you arrive at a specified location, such as your home.
The person you’re checking in with doesn’t need to be at the same location. The purpose of Check In is to inform a loved one about your expected location and arrival time, regardless of where they are. If you don’t reach your destination within a reasonable time frame, your contact will receive a notification with additional details that you can control.
Here’s how you can send a Check In:
- Open the Messages app and select a conversation with the person you want to share a Check In with.
- Tap the + icon at the lower-left of your screen.
- Scroll down until you see Check In and tap it.
- Tap Edit in the Check In message body.
- Tap Destination at the top-left of the Check In screen and enter your destination.
- Confirm the destination and select your mode of transportation to estimate your arrival time.
- Tap the blue check mark icon to send the Check In.
Apple also introduced a Workout Check In feature in watchOS 11, allowing you to automatically Check In during a run and notify your contacts upon completion.
What Happens if You Miss a Check In?
If you reach your destination, the recipient of the Check In will be notified automatically. However, if you don’t arrive on time, you’ll receive a prompt to update your contact(s) about your status.
If you fail to respond within 15 minutes or make an Emergency SOS call, your friend or family member will receive a notification with your latest location and device status.
You can configure your iPhone to share additional data such as your route by adjusting the Check In Data settings.
- Limited: Includes basic location and device details.
- Full: Includes all limited data plus route and device activity history.
Check In also triggers an alert if you lose cellular service or your device powers off to ensure your location data is still sent out.
While Emergency SOS and Crash Detection get a lot of attention, Check In is a simple yet powerful tool for personal safety. Whether you’re out for a walk, traveling alone, or your kids are on their way home, give Check In a try as part of your daily routine.
