Admins choose how strict their group is about check-ins. There are three levels: Standard, Rat-ification and Custom.
Where to change it: open the group → three dots (⋮) at the top right → Settings → Check-in verification. Only admins can change it.
Standard
The default for every new group.
Check-ins for past days (backlogging) allowed
Photos and videos from your gallery allowed
In-app camera allowed
Workouts synced from a connected device allowed
Rat-ification
For groups that want stricter accountability. Only same-day check-ins are allowed.
In-app camera allowed
Gallery photos allowed only if the photo's time matches the workout. The photo has to be taken within the workout window: for a 1-hour workout checked in at 5 pm, the photo must be taken between 4 pm and 5 pm.
Workouts synced from a connected device don't need a photo
Backlogging to past days not allowed
Tip: worked out earlier and checking in later? Set the check-in time to when you actually trained, so your gallery photo falls inside the window.
Custom
Set each rule yourself:
Backlog window: how many days back members can check in (or none)
Photo and video rules: e.g. camera only, or gallery allowed
GPS required: check-ins must include a location. See Check-in Location.
Device required: check-ins must come from a device or app connected in My Connections (Apple Health, Health Connect, Samsung Health, Garmin, Fitbit). Manual check-ins with only a photo won't be accepted.
For members: my check-in was not accepted
The group probably uses Rat-ification or Custom rules. Common reasons:
you tried to backlog a check-in and the group doesn't allow it
the gallery photo was taken outside the workout time
the group requires GPS or a connected device
Ask the group admin which rules are on. Device problems? See Device sync troubleshooting guide.
Admins: changing the rules applies to new check-ins only. Check-ins already posted stay as they are.