TL;DR: Safety Check (Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check, iOS 16 or later) lets you review and stop what you share with other people and apps. Emergency Reset cuts off sharing with all people and apps at once and walks you through your Apple Account password, trusted numbers and signed-in devices. Manage Sharing & Access lets you go person by person and app by app. It covers Apple features such as Find My location, Shared Albums, Shared Notes, Health, Home, Shared Passwords and Check In. A Quick Exit button closes it instantly. It can’t check non-Apple apps, social media or other people’s devices.
Why it exists
Apple built Safety Check for people in, or leaving, abusive or controlling relationships; its Personal Safety guide says Quick Exit is there for people who need to hide that they’ve used it. But it’s useful for anyone. Over the years, most of us have shared our location with a partner, a parent, an ex, a friend from a festival in 2019, and given apps access to photos and contacts. Safety Check puts all of that in one place.
Before you start
According to Apple, you need:
- an iPhone on iOS 16 or later;
- an Apple Account with two-factor authentication;
- to be signed in to that account.
Find it at Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check (scroll down if you don’t see it).
What it can switch off
From Apple’s Safety Check FAQ:
| Sharing with people (Apple apps) | App access it can revoke |
|---|---|
| Location in Find My and shared items in Find My | Location Services |
| Shared Photos (Shared Library and Shared Albums) | Photos, Camera, Microphone |
| Shared Notes, Shared Calendars | Contacts, Calendars, Reminders |
| Health, Activity | Health, Motion & Fitness |
| Home | Bluetooth, Local Network |
| Shared Passwords | Files and Folders |
| Shared Maps ETA, Check In in Messages | Speech Recognition, Media and Apple Music |
Option 1: Emergency Reset
Apple describes it as an "immediate and universal reset of sharing for all people and apps." Tap Emergency Reset and follow the steps. It also lets you:
- review emergency contacts;
- review and remove devices signed in to your Apple Account;
- review the phone numbers used to verify your identity;
- change your Apple Account password.
Use it if you feel unsafe and need everything off now. Your progress saves as you go.
Option 2: Manage Sharing & Access
The calmer version. Review sharing by person or by type of information, and app access by app or by information. Then tap Continue to review:
- connected devices and trusted phone numbers;
- your Apple Account password and emergency contacts;
- your device passcode and Face ID or Touch ID;
- synced computers (iOS 17+), iPhone Mirroring computers (iOS 18+), iCloud Private Relay and Handoff devices.
A forgotten Face ID "alternate appearance" or a synced laptop at an ex’s place can matter as much as location sharing.
Quick Exit
Every Safety Check screen has a Quick Exit button in the top right. It closes Settings immediately and goes to the Home Screen. Changes made before you tap it are saved.
Check it worked
Apple recommends reopening Safety Check and checking the People and Apps/Information tabs, then confirming removed devices, numbers, emergency contacts and synced computers are gone. To share again later, just reshare from the app itself.
What it can’t do
Safety Check doesn’t cover:
- non-Apple apps and accounts (Google Maps, Life360, WhatsApp, Snapchat);
- social media sharing;
- devices signed in to a different Apple Account;
- iPads or Macs sharing information through other apps.
Screen Time restrictions or a work management (MDM) profile can limit some options, and Stolen Device Protection may change how it behaves. So also check Life360, Snap Map and apps with location access.
A safety note
Stopping sharing can be noticed: the other person may see that your location or shared album has disappeared. If you’re in an abusive situation, think about timing and safety first, and consider talking to an advocate before making changes.
If you’re worried someone is tracking you
Hardware trackers aren’t covered by Safety Check; see our AirTag check and signs of stalkerware. If you’re in danger, contact local police or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233). And check your email’s breach exposure with a free exposure check, because a leaked password can undo all of this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Safety Check on iPhone?
Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. You need iOS 16 or later and an Apple Account with two-factor authentication.
What does Emergency Reset do?
It immediately stops sharing with all people and apps, and helps you review devices, trusted phone numbers, emergency contacts and your Apple Account password.
Does Safety Check stop location sharing in Find My?
Yes. It can stop location sharing and shared items in Find My, along with Shared Albums, Notes, Health, Home and more.
Does Safety Check cover Google Maps or Life360?
No. It only covers Apple apps and app permissions. Check third-party apps separately.
Will the other person know I used Safety Check?
Apple’s guide doesn’t say they’re notified, but they may notice that your shared location or albums are no longer available. Plan for your safety first.
What is Quick Exit?
A button on every Safety Check screen that closes Settings instantly. Changes made before tapping it are saved.
Sources
- Apple Personal Safety User Guide: How Safety Check works
- Apple Personal Safety User Guide: Safety Check FAQ
- National Domestic Violence Hotline