On your iPhone, open a Messages conversation, choose Check In from the apps menu, and edit the session before sending it. Choose a destination for an arrival-based session or a duration for a timer-based session. Review the recipient and information-sharing choices first. Check In notifications can be affected by loss of service or the phone powering off. Apple instructions.

What do both people need for Check In?

Both people need iOS 17 or later. Apple requirements. Each person also needs iMessage enabled, their own signed-in Apple Account, and two-factor authentication. Apple Check In notice. Regional restrictions can apply. Apple availability note.

How do you send a destination-based Check In?

Follow the current Apple procedure for Messages.

  1. Open your chosen conversation in Messages.
  2. In Messages, open the apps menu, then More → Check In → Edit.
  3. In the Messages Check In editor, choose When I Arrive; set the destination, travel mode, and any extra time.
  4. Review the Messages session, then tap Send.

Your Messages contact receives the destination and approximate arrival time when the session starts. Apple's disclosure.

How do you choose a timer?

For a duration-based session in Messages, select After a timer, choose the duration and send. At expiry, respond to the prompt to end the session or add time; an unanswered prompt can notify your contact. Apple timer guidance.

What information can Check In share?

Open Settings → Apps → Messages → Check In Data to review Limited or Full. Apple settings guidance.

If the Messages session does not progress as expected and prompts go unanswered, your contact may receive access to device information such as location, battery level and cellular status. Route sharing is an additional choice. Read the complete Apple Check In notice before choosing; this is not a promise that no location information is shared.

What should you check before sending?

Pause at the Messages review screen and consider these five questions.

  • Recipient: Is this the person I meant to select in Messages?
  • Session: Did I intend a Messages arrival-based session or a timer?
  • Details: Have I reviewed the destination or duration I entered on my iPhone?
  • Information: Have I read the Messages data choice and am I comfortable with it?
  • Final review: Am I ready to send this particular Messages session?

This Messages checklist is a planning aid, not a test of notification delivery.

How do you adjust or cancel Check In?

In the Messages conversation, open the Check In message's Details to Add Time. To end it, choose Cancel Check In and confirm. Loss of service or power can make recipient notifications early or delayed. Apple session controls and limitations.

Which location-sharing task do you need?

Browse the iPhone location help guide for those separate tasks.