Of the many new features and improvements Apple has announced for the Messages app, the “Check In” option is probably the most important. It’s basically a location tracker built into the messaging service, available in different form factors.
How to check in on iPhone and Apple Watch?
After visiting a friend, you can message them (check in) from your iPhone or Apple Watch. Recipients (friends) you choose will be notified when you arrive home or are delayed.
Additionally, the function check in Send your location data and other information to contacts you select. This is useful in emergencies. The information transmitted includes driving routes and device status, including battery and network signals.
The first time you use Check In, you need to configure and select the type of data you want to share. / © Xiakeng
How to use the check-in function in the message?
The check-in feature is in the Messages app for iOS. You can access the feature from the updated menu when you send a message to a contact. Also, some configuration is required before using this feature.
You can choose between two settings during setup: limit and fully. Selecting the former sends the latest location of the iPhone or Apple Watch along with battery and network status.
The second setting shows a detailed route history on the map and where the iPhone or Apple Watch was last used.
Here’s how to configure the check-in feature step by step:
- open the application post on your iPhone
- select a contact
- touch icon more (+) in the lower left corner of the input field
- Scroll up and find the “Check in” icon
- emission and complete the setup for first use
- click icon send a score.
- choose edit Extend the duration or stop sharing a recording
The Archive button is in the plus (+) menu in the iOS 17 Messages app. /© nextpit
Your iPhone automatically detects that you’ve reached your destination and notifies the other’s contacts. When you’re running late, a pop-up menu will appear on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You need to respond by adding overtime and then re-recording. If you don’t answer, the alert will be sent directly to your contact.
After activating a recording, you can edit the recording to extend its duration or end it. / © Xiakeng
If you make an emergency SOS call while using Check In, your location will be sent instantly to loved ones.
What do you need before using Check In?
Check-ins use location-based services, so your Apple Watch or iPhone must have a cellular connectivity option and an active data connection. This will find your route history and nearest coordinates on the map. This information will be sent with other data to the recipients you have previously selected.
Is your data safe by “checking in”?
The check-in feature uses end-to-end encryption to protect your data. This is the same as when you send messages and content in the Messages app. This means that data shared with contacts, including your location, is safe.
Check-in-compatible iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch
The check-in feature is compatible with iPhones running iOS 17. The feature is already enabled in beta versions of these operating systems.
The Check In feature will be available in the final version of iOS 17, which will be released in September. The following are compatible iPhone models.
- Apple iPhone XR
- Apple iPhone XS (Maximum)
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone 11 (mini) and iPhone 11 Pro (max)
- Apple iPhone 12 (mini) and iPhone 12 Pro (max)
- Apple iPhone 13 (mini) and iPhone 13 Pro (max)
- Apple iPhone SE 2022
- Apple iPhone 14 (Enhanced) and iPhone 14 Pro (Maximum)
For Apple Watch, your device needs to be updated to watchOS 10. Currently, only the iOS beta has the Check In feature, but it’s expected to appear in the final watchOS 10 release in the fall.
- Apple Watch 6
- apple watch 7
- Apple Watch SE 2022
- apple watch 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
There is no indication that the “check in” feature will be activated on the iPad (Pro). However, given the cellular connectivity option offered by some iPad models, Apple may expand it at a later date.
What do you think of the new check-in feature on iOS 17 and watchOS 10?
On the same topic, learn how to activate Live Events on iPhone. Also see how to install the iOS 17 developer beta on any iPhone.