Check In is a feature Apple introduced alongside iOS 17 that lets you automatically alert friends and family when you’ve arrived at your destination. It’s super useful when you don’t want to constantly share your location or every move but still like to inform someone of your safety when traveling.
Even for those simple times we’re all familiar with, like forgetting to let someone know when you got home, the Check In feature comes in handy.
How to Set Up Check In on Your iPhone
Check In is one ofmany tucked-away Messages features in iOS 17. Keep in mind that the feature only works over iMessage and if both users have devices running iOS 17 or later. It also only works with one person at a time. It notifies them when you first initiate it and then again when you complete the Check In or if an issue arises.
Start by opening a conversation with someone you want a Check In with. Then tap thePlusicon next to the message field, tapMore, and findCheck Inalongside your other iMessage apps. Apple will walk you through the feature if you’re launching this for the first time.
Check In Data Sharing: Limited vs. Full Data
You have full control over how much data Apple shares with your Check In recipient if something goes wrong. Apple groups the privacy options into two:LimitedandFull. This is a setting that works universally for your contacts, but you may change it at any time inSettings > Messages > Check In Data. It’s offered as one ofmany privacy settings in iOS 17.
WithLimiteddata sharing, your contact will receive only your most recent location, battery percentage, and signal strength. If you have an Apple Watch, it’ll also send this data. However, withFulldata sharing, your contact gets everything already mentioned, plus the full route you traveled laid out on a map, the time you last unlocked your iPhone or removed your Apple Watch.
Again, regardless of whether you chooseLimitedorFull, your Check In contact only gets this information if you don’t respond to the notification about your whereabouts.
Creating Your First Check In Timer
Once you start your Check In, you can chooseWhen I arriveorAfter a timerfor the notification. For a location-based Check In, select your location by searching for it on the map.
When you choose a location, your iPhone will display an ETA (estimated time of arrival) for Driving, Transit, and Walking. Pick which transportation method you’ll use, and optionally add extra time to the ETA by tappingAdd Time—up to an additional hour.
For a time-based Check In, you’re able to set the timer from 5 minutes all the way up to 23 hours and 55 minutes.
Completing the Check In
When the setup is complete, tapDone. Then, send the Check In via iMessage to the recipient.
If you’re using a location-based Check In, your recipient will get a notification automatically when you arrive. For a time-based Check In, you have 15 minutes to respond to a Check In after your timer completes.
If you don’t respond in time or veer off track for too long when expected at your chosen location, the person will receive an alert. Before this happens, you’ll have an opportunity via a notification to add some time to your Check In if you encounter a delay.
Check In Notifies Loved Ones Without Compromising Privacy
Apple’s Check In feature is impressive because it brings out the very best of owning an iPhone. It allows you to stay connected with people you care about and inform them of helpful information about you when they need it without sacrificing your privacy when it’s not necessary.
Check In’s setup options may feel overwhelming initially, but it should become second nature in time. And don’t forget that you can switch up its privacy settings whenever you want.
