Check In is the new featured introduced by Apple in iOS 17. It helps to automatically send messages to selected contacts based on the actions like reaching a location. If there is a delay in reaching, Check In will remind you and then inform the contacts. If Check In feature is not working on your iPhone Messages app, here are the options you should consider for fixing the issue.
Using Check In in iPhone Messages
The feature is kind of hidden in the available options in Messages app.
- Open Messages and create a new message.
- Tap on the + icon showing left side of the text box.
- Select “More” options to reveal hidden menu items.
- Tap on “Check In” from the list.
- Follow the instructions to customize information to be shared in the notification message and add recipient to start the Check In process.
Follow the below recommended suggestions if you have any problems in sending Check In messages.
1. Update to iOS 17
As mentioned, Check In is available as part of iOS 17. So, make sure both you and the recipients are using iOS 17 for this feature to work.
- Open Settings app in your iPhone and go to “General > Software Update” section.
- Download and install the latest iOS release.
Messages app will show you an error when you try to send Check In to the contacts using lower iOS versions.
2. Enable iMessages
For using Check In, you should have enabled iMessage for Messages app. otherwise, you will see “iMessage Required” error when trying to send a Check In message.
- Open Settings app, scroll down to find Messages and tap on it.
- Turn the switch on against “iMessage” option.
- Wait for few seconds and iPhone will automatically show your phone number against “Send & Receive”. Otherwise, tap on “Send & Receive” option and select your phone number.
3. Enable Location Services and Precise Location
Location tracking is needed for automatically detecting whether you have a location (like home). So, you should enable Location Services for Check In feature to work.
- Open Settings app and go to “Privacy & Security” section.
- Tap on “Location Services” option and make sure “Location Services” option is enabled.
- Scroll down to find Messages app in the list and open it.
- Select “While Using the App” option.
- Also, turn on “Precise Location” option to allow Messages app to use your precise location.
4. Turn On Significant Locations
Check In also needs Significant Locations services in iPhone to be enabled. This helps to use your location history in Messages app.
- Go to “Settings > Privacy & Security” page.
- Tap on “Location Services” option and scroll down to bottom of the page.
- Find and tap on “System Services” option.
- You will see a list of services on the next page, scroll down to find “Significant Locations” and tap on it.
- Unlock the screen with Face ID or passcode.
- Turn on the switch against “Significant Locations” option on the next screen.
Messages app may not show any error if Location Services or Significant Services is disabled on Settings. However, you will not be able to share the precise location and iPhone may use your generic location.
5. Reset Location and Privacy Settings
If Check In is not working in Messages after checking all the above options, then you can reset the location settings in iPhone and try if that helps.
- Open Settings app and go to “General” section.
- Scroll down to bottom of the page and tap on “Transfer or Reset iPhone” option.
- Tap on “Reset” option and then select “Reset Location & Privacy” option from the list of the items that appear.
- Confirm the action by entering passcode and reset your location settings.
Note that this action will delete all your location history and privacy settings. If required, take a complete backup before trying reset option.
Final Words
Updating to latest iOS version and adjusting location related settings will help to fix Check In feature not working issues in iPhone Messages app. If that does not help you can reset location/privacy settings to fix the issue.
