iMessage Check-Ins: how to make the most of this unique safety feature
With iOS 17, Apple introduced Check-In, a privacy-focused safety feature that lets you easily let others know when you’ve safely arrived at your destination, without sharing full location data.
With iOS 17, Apple introduced Check-In, a privacy-focused safety feature that lets you easily let others know when you’ve safely arrived at your destination, without sharing full location data. It lets you enable location sharing proactively, for unexpected situations where you may wish you had enabled it.
Here’s the scenario: you’re going home from a friend’s place, and you want to let them know when you’ve arrived home safely. Before you leave, you send your friend a check-in, and drive safely. When you get home, your friend will automatically be informed that you made it home safely, without showing them your home's exact location.
Check-In is ready for anything. If you're running late, just inform Check-In. But If you don't reply within fifteen minutes, it will notify your designated recipient with the information you gave. Just in case.
The new feature allows temporary, limited location sharing for safety purposes without revealing your exact location data. You can reassure loved ones or coworkers that you're safe, without disclosing private details like your home address. It's also ideal for situations like attending events in unfamiliar areas, enabling someone to locate you if an emergency arises.
You can use Check In on iPhone to automatically notify a friend that your iPhone has arrived, and choose what details they can see if you don’t successfully complete your Check In.
Similarly, if a friend sends you a Check In but their iPhone hasn’t arrived as expected, you can view their location, battery percentage, cellular signal, and more
How to start a check-in
Requires iOS 17 or newer
- Tap the plus icon in the Messages app
- A list will appear. You may need to scroll down to reveal more options. This is the one you’re looking for:
There are two ways to set up a check-in.
- “When I Arrive:” Specify your destination, how you’re traveling (driving, transit, or walking), and add extra time if needed. ::Check In monitors your journey and notifies your friend if your iPhone isn’t progressing for an extended period of time or if it doesn’t reach your destination as expected.:: When you arrive at your destination successfully, the Check In automatically completes and notifies your friend that your iPhone has arrived.
- “After a timer:” Specify a period of time—for example, if you’re meeting someone new. If you don’t end the Check In before the time you set, Check In notifies your friend
Example use cases
- Traveling in less ideal conditions such as inclement weather or at night
- Long or unfamiliar routes
- Uncertain or dangerous situations