Calibrate your Apple Watch Compass app

The magnetic Compass is a direction-finding device using principles of magnetism for operation. The instrument finds immense utility in navigation and surveying processes. However, in today’s age, the same old instrument has been replaced by a digital one. The Apple Watch Compass app, for instance, performs the same functions but in a digital mode.

How to use and calibrate Apple Watch Compass app

The app shows you the direction your Apple Watch is pointing, alongside other information like your current location, and the elevation. To know more about the Apple Watch Compass app and how to use the Compass on Apple Watch Series 5, read the instructions given below!

1. Open the Compass app on your Watch.
2. Change the direction to True North.
3. Calibrate your Smartwatch.
4. Align the crosshairs at the center of the compass.
5. Rotate the Digital Crown up to check your elevation, incline, and coordinates.

Please note that the Compass app is available only on Apple Watch Series 5. Also, when you open Compass for the first time, it requests permission to access your location. Grant permission by tapping While Using the App option.

Apple Watch Compass Application

To use the app, open the Compass app on your Apple Watch. By default, the app is configured to use the magnetic north.

To change the direction to True North, you’ll need to do Apple Watch calibration.

Open the Settings app on your Watch.

Tap Compass.

Turn on or enable Use True North option.

Now, to get a more precise reading, hold your watch flat to align the crosshairs at the center of the compass (See the image above for more information).

When you start moving, the red cone around the compass needle will display the accuracy of the heading. Unlike a wider cone that indicates average accuracy, a narrow cone means better accuracy.

To set your bearing, press firmly on the watch face. Then use the Digital Crown. Rotate it in an upward direction to see your elevation, incline, and coordinates.

If it’s showing inaccurate results, reset your watch by pressing in the Digital Crown and side button until you see the Apple logo, then release both. It should fix the problem.

This is how you can use the Compass app. Once the job is done, simply turn off the compass on Apple Watch. A good feature about the app is that the app works even when you don't have Wi-Fi or a cellular connection.

Lastly, it’s important to note, the presence of magnets can affect the accuracy of any compass sensor. So, Watch Bands that use magnets or magnetic materials might interfere with the Apple Watch compass.

Also, read our previous tutorial - Fix why my Apple Watch won’t pair with the iPhone problem.

Source - Apple.