Using the compass

The compass can be accessed and used by any app that requests access to the compass. The compass is not designed for precise work, but can provide a general heading. Most apps allow for calibration using the method below, but not all will provide an accuracy indication like Google Maps does.

Some applications display Magnetic North and others will correct for declination to display True North. Some are automatic, some are set in settings. Depending on your location in the world, the declination can be 20° or more. Be aware of what settings your app is using to get accurate results.

Calibrating the compass

CAUTION – If an Empower module is installed or removed from the device, the compass must be re-calibrated, or you may experience poor accuracy.

A device that is exhibiting poor accuracy may have bad calibration data on the device. In most cases, this will be resolved after performing one to four calibrations (figure 8 motions) to clear out bad data and correctly calibrate the device. If the compass still appears inaccurate, more calibrations may improve this.

  1. On the device, open the Google Maps app.

    NOTE – Calibration is an operating system function, it is not done by the app you are using. Any time that the compass is being used by an app, moving the device in the figure-of-eight pattern will calibrate it; however using the Google Maps app is useful because you can see the effect of performing the calibration.

  2. If the blue dot's beam is wide or pointing in the wrong direction, calibrate the compass.

  3. Make a figure 8 until your compass is calibrated. You should only have to do this a few times.

    The beam should become narrow and point in the right direction.

Be aware that local conditions, the presence of power lines and other electrical sources, or the proximity of large ferrous metal objects like vehicles can affect the output of the compass.