Quick Start Guide: Find North in 3 Seconds!
- Open this page on your device.
- Allow access to your device's motion sensors if your browser asks.
- Lay your phone flat. The red part of the needle will point directly to North. That's it!
How to use this compass?
Using this online compass is incredibly easy. The main display features a classic compass needle.
- The Red Needle: This is the most important part. It always points towards the Earth’s magnetic North Pole.
- The Rotating Dial: As you turn your device, the compass dial behind the needle will rotate. The direction shown above the red needle is the direction you are currently facing.
- Digital Readout: Above the compass, you'll see the exact direction in degrees (e.g., 0° for North, 90° for East) and the corresponding direction letters (e.g., N, SE, W).
For more features, enable location access to see exact GPS coordinates, elevation, and local sunrise/sunset times!
What is a compass?
A compass is a simple tool that shows you directions. Think of it as a guide that always knows the way to the North Pole. By knowing where North is, you can easily figure out all the other main directions: South (S), East (E), and West (W).
How does a compass work?
A traditional compass has a small, magnetized needle that floats freely. The Earth itself is like a giant magnet, and the needle is naturally pulled to align with the Earth’s magnetic field, pointing North.
Our online compass works in a similar way, but digitally! Your phone or tablet has a tiny built-in sensor called a magnetometer. This electronic sensor can feel the Earth’s magnetic field and tell our website which way is North.
What devices can use this online compass?
This online compass works on any device that has a built-in magnetometer sensor. This includes:
- Most modern smartphones (iPhone, Android)
- Most tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
Most desktop computers and laptops do not have this sensor, so the compass will likely not work on them.
Compass doesn't work? How to fix it.
Don't worry! If the compass isn't working, it's usually due to a simple permission or calibration issue. Here are the most common fixes.
First, Try Calibrating
Sometimes the sensor just needs a quick reset.
- Hold your device and move it in a figure-8 pattern in the air a few times.
- Keep your device away from strong magnets, metal objects, or other electronics, as they can interfere with the sensor.
- If you see a "Calibrate" button on our tool, you can press it for guided steps.
Check Browser Permissions
Our compass needs your permission to access your device's sensors.
iPhone / iPad (Safari):
- Go to your iPhone's Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Safari.
- Scroll down to the "Privacy & Security" section.
- Find "Motion & Orientation Access" and make sure the switch is turned ON.
Android (Chrome):
- When you first visit the site, Chrome should ask for permission to use your sensors. Make sure you tap "Allow".
- If you missed it, tap the lock icon (🔒) in the address bar, go to "Site Settings," and ensure "Sensors" are allowed.
Desktop Browsers (Chrome / Edge):
For advanced users, if it's not working on a supported desktop, you may need to enable a browser flag.
- Copy and paste this into your address bar:
chrome://flags/#enable-generic-sensor-extra-classes - Find the highlighted setting ("Generic Sensor Extra Classes") and change it from "Default" to "Enabled".
- Relaunch your browser.