How to Use Apple's Check In Safety Feature on Your Apple Watch

Apple's Check In safety feature, initially introduced on the iPhone, is now making its way to the Apple Watch via watchOS 11. Currently in public beta, the operating system is set for a full release this fall. Whether you're familiar with Check In on your iPhone or new to the feature, it's easy and customizable to set up. This tool allows you to keep trusted contacts informed of your whereabouts and well-being, and it can automatically send your location data if a Check In isn't successfully completed.

Here’s how to find and use Apple's Check In safety feature on your Apple Watch in watchOS 11 in seven easy steps:

1. Update Your Apple Watch: Before trying the Check In feature, you'll need to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 11. The full release isn’t for another few months, but anyone with a compatible device, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, Apple Watch SE 2022, and both Apple Watch Ultra models, can give it a go.

2. Open the Messages App: First, open the Messages app on your Apple Watch. You can Check In with just one contact or multiple people.

3. Select a Contact: Next, select the contact or contacts you want to Check In with.

4. Access the Check In Feature: Tap the ‘A’ icon that appears to the left of the message field. Scroll to the second to last option and select ‘Check In’.

5. Choose Your Check In Option: Here you'll be presented with three options. ‘I’m Here’ and ‘I’m Leaving’ will alert your selected contacts when you safely arrive using GPS data. ‘I’m On My Way’ lets them know you're en route.

6. Set a Timer: When you select ‘I’m On My Way’, you’ll be prompted to set a timer. Options are in increments of five minutes up to eight hours. Tap ‘Done’ when you’re happy with your selection and again to verify everything.

7. Send the Check In: The final step once all the important details of your safety Check-In are locked down is to send the Check In.

If for some reason you want to cancel the Check In, simply open the Messages app, select the message with your Check In, scroll to the left and then down to ‘Cancel Check In’. From there you can cancel the Check In. Your recipient will be alerted that the Check In has been terminated.

This is a great feature to use if you're heading out on an adventure outdoors—even if you're rolling with a crew—on a first date, on a road trip, or in any other scenario where safety is paramount.

Want more ways to get the most out of your Apple Watch? If you've already made the jump to watchOS 11 beta, you can now (finally) retrace steps and stay safe while hiking with the Apple Watch.

Before trying the Check In feature on your Apple Watch, you'll need to update your device. The full-on release isn’t for another few months, but anyone with a compatible device, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, Apple Watch SE 2022, and both Apple Watch Ultra models, can give it a go.

Here’s how to update your own Apple Watch. It took me roughly an hour to get it installed. Make sure to back up your data before the installation.

First, open the Messages app. You can Check In with just one contact or multiple people. Next, select the contact or contacts you want to Check In with.

Tap the ‘A’ icon that appears to the left of the message field. Scroll to the second to last option and select ‘Check In’.

Here you'll be presented with three options. ‘I’m Here’ and ‘I’m Leaving’ will alert your selected contacts when you safely arrive using GPS data.

When it expires, you'll be notified to Check In. Failing to do so alerts your contacts and sends your location data.

‘I’m On My Way’ lets them know you've made it home safely. This one is particularly useful for folks who like to solo run, hike, bike, or walk an outdoor route.

When selecting ‘I’m On My Way’, simply set a timer. Options are in increments of five minutes up to eight hours. Tap ‘Done’ when you’re happy with your selection and again to verify everything.

To cancel the Check In, you'll need to open the Messages app, select the message with your Check In, scroll to the left and then down to ‘Cancel Check In’. From there you can cancel the Check In.

The final step once all the important details of your safety Check-In are locked down is to send the Check In.

If for some reason you want to cancel the Check In, simply open the Messages app, select the message with your Check In, scroll to the left and then down to ‘Cancel Check In’. From there you can cancel the Check In. That's it; your recipient will be alerted that the Check In has been terminated.

You can also edit the Check In from here, whether that's adding more time or changing the destination.

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Dan Bracaglia covers fitness and consumer technology with an emphasis on wearables for Tom's Guide. Based in the US Pacific Northwest, Dan is an avid outdoor adventurer who dabbles in everything from kayaking to snowboarding, but he most enjoys exploring the cities and mountains with his small pup, Belvedere. Dan is currently training to climb some of Washington State's tallest peaks. He's also a big photography nerd.