About this tool
This online compass uses your smartphone’s magnetic sensor to show which way you are facing – in degrees and as a cardinal direction (N, NE, E …). Lying flat, it shows the direction of the top edge; held upright like a camera, it shows where the back camera is looking.
“Lock bearing” remembers a direction and shows how far you need to turn left or right – handy for keeping a course in open terrain. With the declination you convert from magnetic north to true (geographic) north as used on maps. Your position and course are shown by the GPS Speedometer, tilt is measured by the Spirit Level.
How it works
- Open the page on your smartphone and tap “Start compass”. On an iPhone, allow access to “Motion & Orientation”.
- Hold the phone flat and steady in front of you, away from metal and magnets.
- Read the heading and cardinal direction. “Lock bearing” keeps a course for you.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the compass point the wrong way?
The magnetic sensor in a phone is sensitive: metal, magnetic cases, speakers, cars or reinforced concrete deflect it. Keep away from such sources and calibrate the sensor by moving the phone in a figure eight a few times. On an iPhone, the tool warns you when the accuracy is low.
What is declination?
Declination is the angle between magnetic north and true (geographic) north. It depends on your location and changes slowly over the years. In Central Europe it is currently about 2° to 5° east. Calculators from geophysical institutes such as NOAA give the exact value for your location.
Why doesn’t the compass work on my laptop?
Laptops and PCs usually have no magnetic sensor. Some budget Android phones don’t provide an absolute orientation either; the tool then reports that no compass heading is available. On a computer, the page shows a QR code to open it on your phone.
Do I have to hold the phone flat?
Held flat, the compass shows the direction of the phone’s top edge. If you tilt the phone up by more than about 60°, it switches to the direction of the back camera. In between the reading is least accurate, so hold the phone either flat or upright.