Digital Compass

Hold your phone flat, face-up — the dial turns as you turn. Best used for quick everyday orientation.

Not for navigation you depend on Phone magnetometers drift and are easily thrown off by nearby metal, magnets, and electronics. Don't rely on this for hiking, boating, or anywhere accuracy actually matters — carry a real compass or GPS device instead.
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Readings look unstable — try moving your phone in a smooth figure-eight motion to recalibrate.

How to use it

Tap "Enable compass" and allow motion/orientation access if asked. Hold your phone flat with the screen facing up, away from your body, and rotate — the dial rotates to match true heading, with a fixed red marker at the top showing the direction you're currently facing. If the reading seems to jump around, move the phone in a slow figure-eight a couple of times to recalibrate the sensor.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is a phone compass?

It uses a magnetometer, which is easily thrown off by nearby metal, magnets, speakers, electronics, or steel framing indoors. Treat readings as approximate.

Why do I need to calibrate it?

Magnetometers drift over time, especially after being near magnetic sources. A smooth figure-eight motion resets the internal calibration.

Should I use this for hiking or navigation?

Not as your only tool — this is for everyday convenience, not a substitute for a real compass, GPS device, or map when accuracy matters.