How to use Check In on Apple Watch to let friends know you’ve arrived

Use Check In to automatically notify a friend when your Apple Watch has arrived at a destination, when a workout session is completed, or after a specific period of time has passed. You can choose what details they can see if you don’t complete your Check In as expected.

You can start a Check In from Messages or from Workout. And if you’re running late, you can add extra time, or cancel the Check In.

Note: Check In requires the following:

• Apple Watch must be near its paired iPhone or connected to the internet using Wi-Fi or cellular.
• Both the sender and recipient must have an Apple Watch with watchOS 11 or later or an iPhone with iOS 17 or later.

Start a Check In from Messages

1. Start the Messages app on your Apple Watch.
2. Start a new message or select an existing conversation, tap the Apps button, and then tap Check In.
3. Tap Edit, tap Check In, and then 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 Apple Watch isn’t progressing for an extended period of time or if it doesn’t reach your destination as expected. When your Apple Watch arrives at the destination successfully, Check In automatically completes and notifies your friend.

   • 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.

4. Tap Send.

Start a Check In from Workout

1. Go to the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
2. Turn the Digital Crown to the workout you want to do.

   Tap Add Workout at the bottom of the screen for sessions like kickboxing or surfing.

3. Tap the workout to begin.
4. Swipe right and then tap Check In.

Check In notifies your friend if the workout completes.

Add extra time for the Check In

1. Open the Smart Stack. (From the watch face, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or turn the Digital Crown.)
2. Tap the Check In widget.
3. Scroll down, then tap Add Time.

Cancel a Check In

To let your friend know you’ve completed your journey, or that you want to end your session for whatever reason, you can cancel your Check In.

1. From the watch face, turn the Digital Crown to open the Smart Stack.
2. Tap the Check In widget.
3. Scroll down and then tap Cancel Check In.

Choose what details you share

Your iPhone is where you can adjust the details you share with your friend during a Check In.

See also

• Safety features on Apple Watch
• Read and respond to messages on Apple Watch
• Locate people in Find My on Apple Watch