Use Your iPhone as a Compass for Free

Sometimes we need to find north for one reason or another but don’t have a compass on hand. While it is always a good idea to own a compass, and having one on hand for a long distance journeys is probably also a good idea in case something happens. However, if you just need to find north, and don’t have a compass it’s simplest to just reach for your phone. 

For iPhone users it couldn’t be easier, since a great simple compass app comes included with every iPhone. I should be on your home screen somewhere, however if it isn’t you can always just pull down on your home screen from the middle of the iPhone screen to bring up search and find it that way. 

Using iOS Compass

The first time you use it the iOS Compass app might request that you calibrate the phone, just follow the instructions on the screen and you’ll be good to go. The app is super basic, and displays a simple compass and your bearing in degrees. The centre of the app screen also displays a little level which comes in handy as well. Technically in order to get the most accurate reading you should use the level to hold your iPhone level. I use the level function all the time to level out camera equipment when I’m shooting for my YouTube channel…. Ahem, seamless plug. 

In addition to being a great and simple compass the app has a few other features that can be turned on in settings. Simply open the compass setting in your iPhone’s settings app and turn on location settings if you like. With location services enable the compass app will be able to give you your precise (reasonably anyway) longitude and latitude as well as your elevation.

You can also choose between True North and Magnetic north in the compass settings. True north is geographical north according to the map within your phone’s GPS systems and requires that locations services are turned on. By default the app is set to magnetic north which is polar north according to the North Pole and changes depending on where you are in the world.

That’s it, a simple and easy to use basic compass built right into every single iPhone. It is very handy in a pinch, but, according to apple:

The accuracy of the compass can be affected by magnetic or environmental interference; even the magnets in the iPhone EarPods can cause a deviation. Use the digital compass only for basic navigation assistance. Don’t rely on it to determine precise location, proximity, distance, or direction.

apple.com

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