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4 Ways to Fix Compass Not Working on iPhone

Quick Tips
  • Move your phone in the shape of the infinity symbol to manually calibrate the Compass app.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Compass > select While Using the App to enable location permissions for the app.
  • Additionally, go to System Services in the Location Services Page and turn on the toggle for Compass Calibration.

Before you begin, try restarting the Compass app and your iPhone. This may remove any temporary bugs and glitches and help you use the app without problems.

Fix 1: Re-Calibrate iPhone Compass Sensors

To calibrate and improve the accuracy of all the sensors responsible for the compass app’s function, move your phone in the shape of the infinity symbol. This is a proven method for improving the accuracy of compass sensors.

Also Read: How to use the Compass app on iPhone

Fix 2: Check for Magnetic Interference

The iPhone uses a sensor called a magnetometer to measure the earth’s magnetic field and move the needle accordingly. However, if any objects cause interference, the compass app may misread the magnetic field. Ensure you move away from a heavy metal object or other electronic devices.

However, Apple mentions that the Compass app is often affected by magnetic interference by objects in the environment and it should only be used for an approximate measurement and not a precise one.

Fix 3: Enable Location Services on iPhone

While the Compass app does not need location services, enabling it can only improve accuracy. So, ensure you turn it on on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open Settings > go to Privacy & Security.

Step 2: Tap on Location Services > enable the toggle for Location Services.

Also Read: How to fix Location Services not working on iPhone

Fix 4: Provide Permissions for the Compass App

The Compass app on your iPhone needs various permissions to function properly and provide more accurate results.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > tap on Privacy & Security.

Step 2: Tap on Location Services > select Compass.

Step 3: Ensure you turn on While Using the App to grant compass access to your location.

Step 4: Return to the Location page and scroll down to find and select System Services.

Step 5: Turn on the toggle for Compass Calibration.

If none of the above methods work, try to reset your iPhone to the default settings.

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Last updated on 02 August, 2024

1 Comment

  1. iPhone compass apps will be inaccurate regardless of whether or not the apps/compass has been recalibrated or not. This will known circumstance is due to residual (after calibration) compass azimuth deviation error. The calibration procedure accounts for placement of magnetic/electromagnetic influences within the iPhone itself and (to a limited extent) magnetic/electromagnetic influences within the immediate surroundings of the iPhone. Certainly, all environmental influences are NOT accounted for; and the iPhone compass app error varies throughout the entire 360 degree range of measurement.
    Take a look at a new set of blog posts that deals with this compass error issue. Go to “tru-path.org” for multiple tests and examples of what can be done to correct iPhone compass error.

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