Check-ins: Everything You Need to Know
What is a check-in? It's a simple way to confirm that a person and their device are safe and accounted for. Sometimes the person in the field sends it themselves. Sometimes an admin sets up a schedule and it happens automatically. Either way, the result lands in the Hub so your team knows who has responded and who hasn't.
A complete guide to confirming your team's status and location with EVERYWHERE check-ins.
Look Below to Find the Right Article for You:
Start by asking yourself one question: are you the person sending the check-in from the field, or the person watching for it in the Hub? Pick your path below.
I'm in the field and need to check in
| Self Check-in | Send a quick "I'm okay" message on your own schedule, using the Companion App or a preset message on your inReach device. Read: How to Create a Self Check-in → |
I manage a team and need to monitor or set up check-ins
| Check-in Dashboard | See who has responded, who is late, and who needs attention, all in one place. This is your day-to-day view for real-time status. Read: How to Use the Check-in Dashboard → |
| Global (Scheduled) Check-in | Set up a recurring check-in for a team or individual device, with optional active areas, custom messages, and escalation timeframes. Read: How to Create a Global Check-In → |
I want the big picture first
| Check-ins Overview | A short summary of the four check-in types available in the Hub: Self, Scheduled, Geotargeted, and Safety Zone. Read: Check-ins Overview in the Hub → |
The Four Check-in Types at a Glance
| Type | Who Starts It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Self | The person in the field | A quick, on-demand "I'm okay" message |
| Scheduled | An admin in the Hub | Recurring check-ins for a team or device on a set timeframe |
| Scheduled: Geotargeted | An admin in the Hub | Confirming status for devices in a specific area |
| Scheduled: Safety Zone | An admin in the Hub | Confirming status when a device enters or exits a defined zone |
Note: Geotargeted and Safety Zone check-ins are covered in the Check-ins Overview article. Dedicated step-by-step guides for these two types are in progress.