How check-ins work
A check-in is a countdown you reset by holding the switch. Every time you check in, the next one becomes due after your interval, or in your next window. If the countdown runs out and your grace period passes, your safety contacts are told.
Two kinds of schedule
- An interval asks you to check in every few hours, or once a day. Free accounts choose from set intervals between 2 hours and 1 day. Paid plans allow any interval from 30 minutes to 30 days.
- A repeating window asks you to check in during set times, such as after school, a shift, or evenings. See intervals and repeating windows.
For one trip, an errand, or a date, use Going out? instead of changing your schedule.
The pieces
Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
Interval or window | When a check-in comes due. |
How long Chillswitch waits after the deadline before telling anyone. | |
Hours when nothing comes due. | |
Stops check-ins for a time you choose. | |
The order and delays of alerts. |
Change your schedule
- Open Settings > How often you check in (or tap the schedule button under the switch).
- Choose an interval, or choose At set times for a repeating window.
- Choose how long to wait before telling anyone.
- Apply it. Applying starts the clock again; your next check-in is due one full interval later.
You cannot change the schedule while an alert about you is running. Check in first.
The countdown lives on the server
The countdown is kept on Chillswitch's servers rather than on your phone, so it carries on whether or not your phone is on. If your phone is off or dead when your deadline passes, your contacts are told.
Tips
- A schedule you keep is better than a tight one you stop answering. If you pick a very frequent interval, the app warns you. For one trip, use "Going out?".
- If your check-ins always happen at about the same time, the app may offer to turn that into a window.