Apple’s Check In security feature was introduced roughly a year ago on iPhone with the release of iOS 17. Now it’s coming to your Apple Watch via watchOS 11. Currently in public beta, the operating system is set for a full release this fall.
Whether you’ve used Check In on iPhone or are new to the feature, it’s easy and customizable to set up. The tool allows you to keep a trusted contact or contacts informed of your location and well-being. It can also automatically send your location data if a check-in is unsuccessful.
However, the feature is somewhat buried within the Apple Watch’s Messages app. Here’s how to find and use Apple’s Check In security feature on Apple Watch in watchOS 11 in seven easy steps.
How to use Check In on your Apple Watch in watchOS 11
- Install watchOS 11 beta
- Open the Messages app and start a new message
- Tap the + sign at the bottom, scroll down and tap ‘Check In’
- Choose how you want to log: via timer, destination or workout completion
- Edit the details
- Submit your check-in
- Cancel or edit your check-in at any time via Messages
Read on to see complete illustrated instructions for each step.
1. Install watchOS 11 beta
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
Before you try the Check In feature on your Apple Watch, you’ll need download and install watchOS 11 beta. The full release isn’t for another few months, but anyone with a compatible device, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, the Apple Watch SE 2022, and both Apple Watch Ultra models, can do so.
Here’s how to download the watchOS 11 public beta on your Apple Watch. It took me about an hour to install. Make sure you have at least 50% battery before installation.
2. Open the Messages app and start a new message
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
First, open the Messages app and start a new message. You can register with just one contact or with multiple people. Then, tap “Create message”.
3. Tap the + sign at the bottom, scroll down and tap ‘Check In’
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
Click the + sign that appears to the left of the message field. Scroll down to the second to last option. Tap Sign Up.
4. Choose how you want to log: timer, destination or workout
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
Here you will be presented with three options. “When I arrive” is based on the destination and will notify your selected contacts when you arrive safely using GPS data.
“After a timer” is based on elapsed time. When it expires, you will be notified of Check In. Failure to do so alerts your contacts and sends your location data.
When a workout is done sends an alert to your contacts when you’ve manually completed an exercise in the Workout app, letting you know you’ve arrived home safely. This is especially useful for people who like to run, bike or walk on an outdoor trail.
5. Edit the details
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
When check-in via arrivalJUST search and select your destination. Tap the check mark in the upper right corner to verify your selection.
If you are control via a timeroptions are in increments of five minutes to eight hours. Move your finger to scroll through the minutes and hours. Click ‘Done’ when you are satisfied with your choice and again tap the sign in the upper right to verify everything.
for her Check-in through trainingyou will need it open the Workout app, choose an exercise and start it. Then, scroll left and then down to select Check In. From there you can edit the details and submit your check-in.
6. Submit your check-in
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
The last step after all the important details of your Security Registration are closed is to click ‘Send’ to launch your Check In message and alert your recipients.
7. Cancel or edit check-in at any time via Messages
(Image: © Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
If for some reason you want to complete your check-in earlyJUST return to the Messages appselect the message with your check-in, click on ‘Details’AND scroll down to “Unsubscribe”. Tap and confirm your cancellation. This is; your recipient will be notified that check-in is complete.
You can also modify and confirm your check-in parameters from here, whether that’s adding more time or changing the destination.
And there you have it, how to control your Apple Watch in watchOS 11 without getting tired. This is a great feature to use if you’re heading out on an outdoor adventure—even if you’re rolling with a crew—on a first date, road trip, or 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) stop Apple Watch Activity Rings.
Also, here’s how to use Apple’s handy double-tap gesture, how to track sleep on Apple Watch, and how to track steps and stay safe while walking with Apple Watch’s Backtrack feature.