Using Apple Watch Backtrack feature in the background?

Just tried out the new Backtrack feature from watchOS 9 in the Compass app. It seems that while it is active, you're stuck with having the Compass app on your screen. You can switch to other apps or watch faces, but it reverts back to the Compass app after only a few seconds.


This kinds of limits the functionality of the Watch as you longer cannot choose what your Watch display shows whenever you use raise your wrist.

Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 9

Posted on Nov 1, 2022 05:48 AM

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Posted on Nov 1, 2022 06:17 AM

Backtrack is a special feature for when you are lost. Therefore it needs to be the seen at all times.

It is not really a play toy, to be used in the background.


Use the Compass app on Apple Watch - Apple Support (CA)


On an Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 6 and later with watchOS 9, you can use the Compass app to track your route and then help you retrace your steps in case you get lost.

Note: Backtrack is for use in remote settings—away from familiar places like your home or workplace—and outside densely populated areas without Wi-Fi.


6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 1, 2022 06:17 AM in response to Sekoya

Backtrack is a special feature for when you are lost. Therefore it needs to be the seen at all times.

It is not really a play toy, to be used in the background.


Use the Compass app on Apple Watch - Apple Support (CA)


On an Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 6 and later with watchOS 9, you can use the Compass app to track your route and then help you retrace your steps in case you get lost.

Note: Backtrack is for use in remote settings—away from familiar places like your home or workplace—and outside densely populated areas without Wi-Fi.


Nov 1, 2022 06:31 AM in response to Randy-12

Sure, but I am definitely not lost from the moment I start walking. Why do I have to be sort of locked out of the normal watch faces whenever I activate the Backtrack feature just in case I might get lost (but 99% of the time I actually won’t get lost)?


At the very least, the Compass app should only come to the foreground once I tap on ‘Retrace steps’, why does the Compass app have to be in my face before I actually need it? This is the very first implementation of this feature, I am almost sure that Apple will realise over time that it needs some refinement along the lines of my criticism.

Nov 1, 2022 06:57 AM in response to Sekoya

Sekoya wrote:

Sure, but I am definitely not lost from the moment I start walking. Why do I have to be sort of locked out of the normal watch faces whenever I activate the Backtrack feature just in case I might get lost (but 99% of the time I actually won’t get lost)?

This is a user-to-user forum. No one here could tell you precisely why Apple made a particular user interface decision (thought I suspect Randy-12 was pretty accurate in this case) or when/if they might change it. And Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions. However, you can let them know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple


Nov 1, 2022 07:46 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes, this user-to-user, but it is perfectly normal to ask other users whether what I perceive to be how something works is actually how it works or whether I am missing something, as well as whether my view about how something should work is based on sound logic and general user needs by asking others to challenge my position.


Or in short: I’m not crazy, am I?

Nov 1, 2022 08:36 AM in response to Sekoya

I believe your question as to how the feature is currently supposed to work was answered by Randy-12. You are certainly entitled to your opinion as to how you'd prefer the feature to work. I didn't suggest otherwise. However, sharing that opinion here doesn't let Apple know. If you have any interest in seeing the feature change, letting Apple know your thoughts seems like something you'd want to do.

Nov 2, 2022 02:35 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Apart from testing the validity of my arguments (by seeing if somebody can show me where I might not have thought things through), my post also helps others that have run into the same issue (if they manage to find my post) that this an actual problem and not just them being stumped and thinking they don’t understand how to use their Watch properly.


An example for is a question of mine I had yesterday as to why my Screen Time was so high on my iPad. I had suspected that when using Split View, the system would add up the usage hours of both apps that were used together in Split View. Google found a Reddit post on this topic that confirmed my suspicion.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Using Apple Watch Backtrack feature in the background?

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