How to use Check In on an iPhone

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Check In tells a friend or family member that you got home safely, without you having to remember to write. If something goes wrong on the way, the iPhone shares your location and other details with them. Both people need iOS 17 or later.

Step by step

1. Open the conversation in Messages

   Start a new message or open an existing conversation with the person.

   Done

2. Tap the plus button, then Check In

   You may have to tap More to see Check In.

   Done

3. Tap Edit and choose the type

   When I arrive is for a journey. After a timer is for a set time, for example when you meet someone new.

   Done

4. For a journey: set the destination

   Search for the place, choose how wide the arrival area is (Small, Medium or Large) and choose Driving, Transit or Walking. The iPhone estimates the time from that.

   Done

5. For a timer: choose the duration

   When the timer ends, the iPhone asks you to confirm that you are fine, or to add time.

   Done

6. Tap Send

   The Check In appears in the conversation. It ends by itself when you arrive.

   Done

Good to know

Your contact is notified automatically if you do not arrive, are delayed for a long time, make an emergency call, or do not answer the prompt.

You can cancel a Check In at any time, or add 15, 30 or 60 minutes to a timer.

What is shared if something goes wrong is set under Settings, Apps, Messages, Check In Data. Limited shares your current location and details about battery and network signal. Full also shares the route you travelled and where the iPhone was last unlocked.

Check In location sharing is not available in every country. Apple names South Korea as an exception.

To share your position all the time instead: how to share your location from an iPhone.

In short: Messages, plus, Check In, Edit, choose arrival or timer, Send.