Compass 180 degrees off

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Level 1

8 points

Compass 180 degrees off

When I open the Compass app either on my XR or on my Apple Watch, it is ALWAYS off by 180 degrees. I have done multiple figure eights with my iPhone, have gone to Location Services settings and redone everything there, all to no avail. Have precise location and true north setting both on.

Others have posted similar problems when using Google Maps. This is not Google-related, I don't use any Google products. This is purely an Apple phenomenon for me.

It's more of an annoyance than anything but that's no reason not to fix it.

Help!

Posted on Oct 16, 2022 08:35 AM

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Answer 1

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Cidrolin Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 17, 2022 02:09 PM in response to Sparks0829

Thanks, Sparks, for your quick answer. Unfortunately I do not believe it is interference. I have tried the compass in multiple locations, including outdoors on the street, precisely to check whether it was interference. The iPhone and Watch are consistent, they always are exactly 180 degrees off.

That's not the end of the world since all I have to do is reverse N/S to use. It's just a nuisance. Incidentally, this problem does NOT occur using Apple Maps on either my iPhone or in CarPlay on my car's screen. That's fortunate!!

I'm mystified.

-stan

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Answer 2

Vero_F1

Community Specialist

Oct 17, 2022 02:38 PM in response to Cidrolin

Hi Cidrolin,

From that same article, you can also make sure your Compass has assess to your location by following:

"If Compass doesn’t see your location, make sure you’ve turned on Location Services.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, then turn on Location Services.
Tap Compass, then tap While Using the App."

If the issue persists, Contact Apple Support or use this Get Support link for assistance.

Take care.

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Answer 3

Sparks0829

Community Specialist

Oct 17, 2022 01:58 PM in response to Cidrolin

Hi there Cidrolin,

If you're seeing inaccurate results from the compass on your iPhone and Apple Watch, have you checked for potential sources of interference? We ask because this could affect the accuracy of the compass.

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.

Learn more here: Use the compass on iPhone - Apple Support

Thanks!

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Answer 4

Cidrolin Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 17, 2022 02:45 PM in response to Vero_F1

Thanks Vero,

Yes, of course I did that first when I noticed the problem.

OK, over to Apple!

-stan

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Compass 180 degrees off

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