Stay Safe: How to Use iPhone’s Check In and Android’s Safety Check Feature
Heading home after a night out? Don’t risk it alone. Both iPhones and Android devices come with handy safety features that let your friends and family know you’re getting back safely. These features can be lifesavers if you’re lost, incapacitated, or in a dangerous situation.
Credit: The Sun
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Credit: The Sun
Both features are free to use and can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and giving peace of mind to your loved ones.
iPhone’s Check In Feature
The Check In feature was introduced with iOS 17, available on most recent iPhones. To check whether your iPhone has this feature, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
To start a Check In:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the chat button to add a recipient or open an existing conversation.
- Tap on the + (plus) symbol, then select More > Check In > Edit.
You have two options: set it to notify when you arrive at a destination or after a specific time.
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Credit: The Sun
Select “When I Arrive” to input your destination, mode of transportation, and any additional time. Check In will monitor your journey and alert your friend if your iPhone stops moving unexpectedly or doesn’t reach its destination.
If you choose “After a Timer,” you can specify how long the Check In should last before it expires.
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Credit: The Sun
Changing Your Check-In Sharing Details
To adjust your sharing preferences:
- Go into Settings > Apps > Messages on your iPhone.
- Scroll down to Check In Data.
- Select Limited or Full sharing options.
Limited sharing includes your current location, phone signal, and battery details. Full sharing adds information about your travel route, last unlock time, and last Apple Watch removal.
