Check-in is sent via iMessage while notification is displayed via Dynamic Island
Checking in is a great way to let a family member or friend know that you've arrived safely at your destination, but it can also be useful in other scenarios. Here's how to use Check in for alternative purposes in iOS 17.
When activated, Check-in will automatically notify a friend that your iPhone has arrived, and you can choose what data they can see if you don’t complete your Check-in. If a friend sends you a Check-in but their iPhone hasn’t arrived as expected, you can similarly see their location, battery percentage, cellular signal, and more.
However, the feature has other uses, such as a timer to inform a loved one of your safety when meeting someone new. You can also use it to inform a recipient of your arrival without using ETA in Maps if you already know the route.
As primarily marketed, Check In is for when you get home, but it’s also useful in other scenarios. Digging deeper into the menu and customization options will open up new applications you may not have thought of before.
How do you let someone know you've arrived at your destination?
Letting someone know you’ve arrived safely at your destination is the most common scenario for Check In, and it’s easy to enable. Here’s how to set it up before your next trip.
- Open messages
- Start a conversation with the person you want to send the Check In to
- Tap on the plus (+) icon next to the message field
- Tap on Check-in
- Crane Editing at the bottom of the prompt
- Enter the destination you are going to
- Select Done in the top right corner and Send the Check In
When you enter the address you’re going to, you can choose which mode of transportation you’ll use — whether you’re driving, taking public transportation, or walking. Selecting the mode of transportation you’ll use is essential so your device can accurately calculate how long it will take to arrive.
If you know you’ll be arriving a little later than Check In predicts, you can manually add extra time to the calculation. You can add 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour extra, which you can also remove after you set them.
Entering a recipient's location instead of your home address lets them know that you've arrived to meet them instead of when you arrived home. This is great if you want to notify them of your arrival without a AND in Maps.
ETA used in Maps vs. Check In used in iMessage
Check-ins can only be sent to individuals, not within group chats, and you can only have one active at a time. If you want more people to know you've arrived at your location, use ETA in Maps.
How do I send a Check In timer?
Check-ins don’t just have to be used to send location-based alerts; they can also be sent after a certain time. This is great when you’re in an unfamiliar location or meeting someone new and your loved one wants to ensure your safety.
You will be notified multiple times when the timer is about to expire before this happens. Once the time is up, you will need to manually dismiss the Check In, otherwise the recipient will be notified that you have not responded.
Send a check-in when the preset timer has expired
Here's how to send a Check-in Timer to a friend or family member.
- Open messages
- Start a conversation with the person you want to send the Check In to
- Tap on the plus (+) icon next to the message field
- Tap on Check-in
- Crane Editing at the bottom of the prompt
- Switch to “After a timer”
- Select the amount of time you want to pass before a notification is sent
Timer amounts can only be set in five-minute intervals, meaning you can't set it to 23 minutes, for example. So you can set the timer from five minutes all the way up to 23 hours and 55 minutes.
You have 15 minutes to respond to the prompt. Once the timer is up, you can either end the Check In altogether or add more time and be prompted again.
Add time to the check-in timer when it expires
If you do not respond to the notification within 15 minutes, the recipient will be notified and will be given access to the information you initially provided.
How to Change the Amount of Information You Provide to the Recipient
Whether you’re returning home or to another location, if you don’t respond to a Check In timer or don’t arrive at your destination on time, a notification will be sent to the recipient, allowing them to access the information you initially gave them.
Options to choose when the timer expires without confirmation at check-in
The information they can access can range from Limited to Full. And depending on which you choose, determines how much information the recipient gets.
Limited shows the receiver your most recent location, battery, and network signal data. This data applies to both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Options in Messages Settings for how much information is given to the recipient
The full information includes the same information plus the route you've recently taken and the location where you last unlocked your iPhone or took off your Apple Watch.
Please note that these settings will apply to every Check In you send, regardless of who it is sent to. However, you can change how much information is accessible.
Here's how to change how much information you provide when you don't respond to a Check-in notification.
- Open Settings
- Scroll down to Messages and tap on it
- Scroll down to the Data option under the Check-in section
- Select either Limited or complete
When you submit a Check In, your chosen option will be included, but you can change it at any time.
When customizing Check-in, you can also access Check-in settings by tapping 'Message Settings' under Check-in Details.
Keeping an eye on each other
Check In is a great way to let others know that you have arrived at your final destination or are experiencing traffic delays. It also sends important information if you do not respond to Check In notifications.
A check-in notification will be sent to the recipient to let them know that the shipment has ended.
It is a basic feature that replaces typing a text message or calling someone to check in. It automatically does all the necessary work and notifies you and the recipient when you check in.
You must have an iPhone running iOS 17 or later to use Check In. Additionally, both devices must be running iOS 17 or later. iOS 17 to send Check Ins to each other.