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Its a safety feature that adds convenience to keeping your friends and family informed.

You also need iMessage to be installed as this feature doesnt work as a regular text message.

Check-in iOS 17

You should also send a message to your contact first to establish a message thread.

Mobile Data and Location services also need to be on.

It is new, after all.

Message thread open on an iPhone

Step by step guide

1.

Tap ‘+’ in the conversation

Tap the ‘+’ buttonnext to where the text message bar.

Tap on Check-In

Tap on Check Inand a preset Check In will appear in the text message bar.

iMessage Plus menu on an iPhone

Press on the Edit button

Don’t press send just yet!

Press on theEdit buttonto add the information you want to send.

If you pick ‘When I Arrive,‘put in the address for your destination.

iMessage Plus aMore options from the iMessage menumenu on an iPhone

If you pick ‘After a Timer,‘put in the amount of time you’re allotting yourself.

The info box in the text message bar will be updated with the new information.

you’re able to now press Send to share the Check In with the recipient.

Check In widget in an unsent iMessage on iPhone

If youve selected a destination, the Check-In feature will automatically notify your contact when youve successfully arrived.

That way, they can follow up or even come get you if theres reason for concern.

If the timer runs out, your contact will also be notified that you havent checked in.

Edit your Check In notification settings

That will be less of an issue with time as people buy new phones or are forced to update.

Currently, however, youll be limited to using this feature with early adopters.

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Choose Check In settings

Send your completed check in