Since iOS 17 you can already use the Check-in function for Messages. This allows you to let users know that you have arrived at a location. From watchOS 11, this is also possible on the Apple Watch and, if desired, in combination with a workout.
Once you use the feature, the location of your iPhone or Apple Watch is automatically updated and people can view your location until you arrive at your destination. If there is no progress, you will be asked to respond actively.
Check-in for Apple Watch
With Check-in you ensure that a friend or family member is automatically notified as soon as you arrive at your destination. To do this, all you have to do is indicate your destination or your arrival time in Messages. This was already possible on an iPhone and from watchOS 11 this also works on the Apple Watch. Are you going for a run in the dark? In the Workout app on your Apple Watch, you can start a workout and a check-in at the same time, so your loved ones stay informed.
Although the function is similar to Find My, it works a little differently. With the Find My feature you can always share your location with a specific person or for a shorter period of time. The recipient can then consult the exact location and set notifications if necessary. With Check-in you share your location for a short period of time or when you arrive at a certain place. In addition, the recipient can also consult the battery status, unlocking, etc. and automatically receive a message when you arrive.
Start check-in via Messages
- Open the Messages app
- Navigate to the person or group you want to share your location with
- Tap the plus button next to the text field
- Choose ‘Check-in’
- Wait a few moments and tap ‘Change’
Now decide how long you want to share your location. This can be done using a timer or when you arrive at a certain place. You can adjust this via ‘Check-in’. Confirm with the check mark and tap ‘Send’ to start location sharing. Recipients can access the check-in feature in the Messages app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac running iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, or later.
Link check-in to Workout
- While performing a workout, swipe to the first page
- Scroll down and tap ‘Check in’
- Tap the profile photo at the top to customize the contact
- Tap Send to share your location
Current location and details will be shared
You can choose how you share your data. You set this by default via Settings on your iPhone â–¸ Messages â–¸ Data (under Check). Restricted only allows you to share your current location plus battery and network signal information from your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can also fully share your location, this is all data including your current location, route traveled and when you last unlocked your iPhone.
As soon as you have arrived at your location, the recipients will receive a notification and sharing will stop immediately. This is different from sharing your location in the Find My app. This continuously shows your location for a selected period and without information about your device.