iOS 17 introduces the Check-In feature, simplifying the process of informing others about your safe arrival.
How Check-In Works
Check-In is available on iOS 17 for iPhone, set to release in September 2023. To use this feature, both you and your contacts must be on iOS 17.0 or later.
Check-In is designed to keep your contacts informed while you’re in transit. It automatically notifies your chosen contacts when you reach your destination, eliminating the need for manual notifications.
It also serves as a safety measure. If you fail to arrive at your destination or make an emergency call, Check-In prompts you to extend it. If you don’t respond or your device goes offline for an extended period, selected information is shared with your contact after 15 minutes of inactivity.
How to Use Check-In on iPhone
You can initiate a Check-In using the Messages app with anyone who has an iPhone running iOS 17.0 or later. Here’s how:
1. Open a conversation and select the “+” button.
2. Scroll down or select “More” and choose “Check-In” from the list. For first-time users, an explanation will be provided.
3. Select “Continue” to choose the data you want to share if you don’t arrive safely:
• “Limited” shares your current location, battery life, and network signal for your iPhone and Apple Watch.
• “Full” includes the route you took, the last locations of your iPhone and Apple Watch.
4. After selecting, select “Continue” to see a final summary of Check-In and how it works. Your Check-In box will appear in the message window.
5. Select “Details” to customize your Check-In, including setting a destination or timer.
6. When ready, select “Done” to send your Check-In like a regular message. Upon arriving at your destination, it ends automatically, notifying the recipient.
Share Your Location Too
Note that Check-In only shares your route or location if you fail to arrive and the 15-minute timer expires. It doesn’t replace real-time location sharing through apps like Find My or Google Maps.
Remember, you can manage permissions, including location sharing, through the Safety Check feature on your iPhone.
With iOS 17’s Check-In feature, you enhance safety and convenience during your journeys, ensuring your loved ones are always informed of your well-being.
