New iOS 17 Update ‘Checks In’ To Keep You + Your Friends Safe

We’ve all been there — you’ve had a big night out with the mates and a few too many, and as you part ways you leave with the all-too-familiar, “text me when you get home!”.

At this point, it’s almost as nonchalant as “see ya”, or “catch you next time” — a blend of safety concern and expressing love, while cementing the sobering reality of the very real dangers that some of us face in society.

With news of iOS 17 rolling out to all iPhone users this week, among the array of new features (which include StandBy mode, Contact Posters, Live Voicemail and more), one stood out as a hugely useful addition — its new Check In feature — which essentially allows your family or friends know when you arrive somewhere safely.

As per Apple’s website, “You can use Check In on iPhone to automatically notify a friend that your iPhone has arrived, and choose what details they can see if you don’t successfully complete your Check In.”

“Similarly, if a friend sends you a Check In but their iPhone hasn’t arrived as expected, you can view their location, battery percentage, cellular signal, and more.”

It’s certainly a useful feature for those wanting to keep their mates safe after a night out — so if you’re wanting to take extra safety precautions to stay safe, here’s how you can set it up on your iPhone after downloading the latest iOS 17 update:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.

2. Tap at the top of the screen and add a recipient, or select an existing conversation.

3. Tap , tap More, tap Check In, then tap Edit.

4. Choose one of the following:

   • When I Arrive: Specify your destination, how you’re traveling (driving, transit, or walking), and add extra time if needed. Check In monitors your journey and notifies your friend if your iPhone isn’t progressing for an extended period of time or if it doesn’t reach your destination as expected. When you arrive at your destination successfully, the Check In automatically completes and notifies your friend that your iPhone has arrived.

   • After a timer: Specify a period of time—for example, if you’re meeting someone new. If you don’t end the Check In before the time you set, Check In notifies your friend.

5. Tap .

   If your iPhone doesn’t arrive at your destination or you don’t cancel the Check In, and you don’t respond to the Check In prompts, the details of your iPhone’s journey will be sent to your friend.

   To change the details you want to share with your friend if you don’t complete your Check In as expected, see Choose what details you share.

   Note: If you start a Check In and then lose service or your iPhone powers off, your Check In recipient may get a delayed or early notification and have the option to view the iPhone details you shared with them.