How can I "check in" at a hotspot?

Watch Dogs has the ability to "check in" at various locations throughout the game, which provides perks and some online integration.

The first of such locations that I've arrived at is the Lighthouse. I was greeted with a tutorial that discusses using the app to check in at these hotspots but when I try and use the app on my phone to check in at the lighthouse I end up caught up in a bunch of screens detailing the current mayor of the lighthouse along with a bunch of other options that say I have to check in first.

I have tried setting waypoints using the GPS to the check in location but since I'm on the island with the lighthouse on it these are doing absolutely nothing.

How can I "check in" at a hotspot? What am I missing?

Solution 1:

You need to find a square plate with a check mark on it, it's shown on the minimap as well. It could be either on a wall or the ground.

When you find it, you have to walk to it and press E if you're using keyboard or Y if you're using a gamepad. Additionally, you can check-in from distance by pressing middle mouse button or Up on a gamepad.

Doing this will "check in" and show you some information about the spot.

Solution 2:

On PS4 and PC if you're close enough to those square plates, a HUD message will tell you to check in by pushing Up on a D-Pad (for consoles or PC with gamepad) or MOUSE3 (for PC).

That way you can check in without even knowing where those plates are.

Solution 3:

You need to find a grey square with a check mark in it and "activate" that. Sometimes it's on a wall, but I've also found it on the ground next to a gate. Don't forget to collect any gifts that are there!