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Apple introduced a bunch of new features in iOS 17, and one of them is the Check In. It is a handy feature that allows you to automatically inform your friends or loved ones when you arrive at your destination. This should be a useful tool for iPhone users, especially if you want to ease the mind of your family while traveling to unknown places.

The feature works by giving the senders an estimated time (you also have the option to set it) they will need to reach a certain destination. Once they reach the place, they should cancel the Check In. Conversely, if they fail to reach the destination before the time ends or if they don’t arrive at all, their details will be sent to the selected recipients. It will send the user’s information, such as location and cellular signal, but there is an option to set the information you only want to provide.

To set it, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings and then to the Messages section.
  2. Look for the “Check In Data” and tap it.
  3. You have two options on this page: “When I Arrive” and “Full.” Choosing the former will only send the network signal, device battery details, and current location information. The latter, meanwhile, will include the details mentioned above alongside your route and the last time you accessed your device.

It is important to note that the Check In has requirements. All iOS 17-capable iPhones (iPhone XS and later) can get the feature through iOS 17, but its availability is limited to certain countries or regions. Moreover, in order for the feature to work, both iPhones must have iOS 17.

How to use Check In

Check In can be easily accessed in your Messages app. To start, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to your Messages app and select the conversation where you want to send the Check In.
  2. In the conversation you’ve chosen, tap More (+).
  3. Tap Edit to open the two options for your expected arrival time and hit Send.
  • Choose “When I Arrive” if you want Check In to monitor your journey. It will notify the recipient when you arrive at your destination, when you don’t move in your journey for an extended period of time, or when you fail to reach your destination as expected. Here, you can add extra time if you think you need more in order to reach your destination. To do it, go to the Check In you sent, tap Details, and then Add Time. Select the appropriate option you need. 
  • On the other hand, if you want to set a specific time for your arrival, select “After a timer.” In this option, the recipient will be notified when you don’t reach the destination before the timer ends. Cancel the Check In once you arrive at your destination. Just go to the Check In you sent in the conversation in Messages and tap Details. Then, tap Cancel Check In and confirm.