Buzz
Learn how to make the most of the Compass app integrated into your iPhone.
This Mytour guide shows you how to utilize the Compass app on your iPhone for checking directions, tracking your current location's elevation, and finding true north. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.
How to Use the Compass Feature on Your iPhone
- To find directions, tap the compass face, hold your iPhone flat in your hand, and rotate until the compass points the right way.
- To enable true north, head to Settings > Compass and activate the "Use True North" option.
- Although newer versions of iOS (iOS 10 and beyond) don't require calibration, older iPhones can be calibrated by laying the phone flat and rotating the screen until the ball moves correctly.
Instructions
Locate Your Directions
Launch your Compass app. If it’s not visible on your Home Screen, swipe left to access the App Library and search for it among your apps.
- The red arrow on the compass always points towards North.
- The direction you're facing will be displayed in white beneath the compass face.
Tap the compass face. This action will set the bearing (degree) you wish to follow. If you stray from this path, a red circle will appear on the compass face to indicate the deviation.
Hold your iPhone flat in your hand. The compass needle should remain steady and stop moving.
Rotate until your compass aligns with the direction you want to go. Slowly turn your body while keeping an eye on the compass. This will help you stay oriented and maintain your desired direction.
Check Elevation
Launch the Settings app. This app can be identified by its grey gear icon, typically found on your Home Screen.
Navigate to Apps > Compass. The apps are listed alphabetically, so you’ll find the Compass app in the "C" section.
Tap Location. By enabling location services, the Compass app will display the elevation for your current location.
Choose While Using the App. Don’t forget to toggle on the Precise Location option.
Launch the Compass app. If you don’t see it on your Home Screen, swipe left to access the App Library and search for it there, scrolling through your Home Screen pages.
Find your elevation displayed at the bottom of the screen. The app will show both your current location and its elevation.
View Your Location on Maps
Launch the Settings app. This is the app with the grey gear icon, which you can find on your Home Screen.
Go to Apps > Compass. The apps are sorted alphabetically, so you’ll find the Compass app under "C".
Tap on Location. By enabling location services, the Compass app can determine the elevation of your current location.
Select While Using the App. Make sure that the Precise Location toggle is also enabled.
Launch the Compass app. If it’s not on your Home Screen, swipe left and search for it in the App Library as you scroll through your Home Screen pages.
Tap the coordinates displayed at the bottom of the screen. This action will open your current location in Apple Maps.
Enable True North
Launch the Settings app. This is the app with a grey gear icon, typically located on your Home Screen.
Tap on Apps > Compass. Since apps are arranged alphabetically, the Compass app will appear under the "C" section.
Slide the toggle next to True North to the "On" position. It will turn green once enabled. The Compass will now use your iPhone’s GPS data to give you the most accurate reading of true north based on the North Pole’s location.
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The leveling feature of the Compass app has been relocated to the Measure app. To access it, simply launch the Measure app and select the Level tab to measure the levelness of any horizontal or vertical surface.
