How to let friends know you got home safe

Why the habit matters

Getting home is the part of the night when people are most often on their own: walking from the station, sitting in a taxi, or heading back after a first date. A quick "home safe" message closes the loop for the people who were with you, and it means someone will notice if you don't get there.

The habit only works if both halves happen: you send the message, and someone notices when it doesn't arrive.

Where "text me when you get home" falls down

None of these are anyone's fault. They're just the gaps in a plan that relies on everyone remembering.

• You get home tired and forget to send it.
• Your friend falls asleep before you're home, so nobody notices the missing text.
• In a group chat, everyone assumes someone else is keeping track.
• Your phone dies on the way, and nobody can tell a flat battery from a real problem.

Make it one tap

The easier the message is to send, the more reliably it gets sent. In ImSafe, you open your friends group and tap Check-In. I'm Safe tells everyone you're home without saying where. I'm Here shares where you are too, which is useful if you've only made it as far as a friend's flat.

The whole group is told at once, so it doesn't matter who's still awake. And if you're also in a family group, a check-in with your friends tells your family nothing, so you can keep the two separate.

Agree what happens if someone goes quiet

Before you split up for the night, agree how long you'll wait before you check on someone who hasn't checked in. It feels awkward to say, but it's much less awkward than worrying alone at 3am.

If someone is late, start gently. A nudge in ImSafe asks them to check in without asking for their location. If you're still worried, a location check tells them you asked and starts a countdown. They can answer I'm Safe without sharing anything. If they don't answer at all, their location is shared with the group, so you know where they were last.

If something feels wrong on the way

If you feel unsafe on the way home, being followed or stuck somewhere you don't want to be, don't wait to reach your door. ImSafe's SOS alerts your group and shows them where you are, updating as you move, until you cancel it. Your friends can tap Acknowledge so you know they've seen it.

If you're in danger, call the emergency number first. SOS reaches your friends, not the emergency services.

A few habits that help

• Charge your phone before you go out, or carry a small battery pack.
• Share your plans for getting home with someone before you leave.
• Check in as soon as you're through the door, before you take your coat off.
• If you're the one waiting, keep notifications on until everyone's home.