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Compass Calibration Guide

Learn how to calibrate your phone's magnetometer using the figure 8 method to fix inaccurate compass readings and improve GPS accuracy.

Sensor Status: Inactive
Click the button below to check your device's magnetometer accuracy.

The "Figure 8" Method

If your digital compass is stuck, pointing in the wrong direction, or jumping around, it means the magnetometer inside your phone has lost its calibration due to magnetic interference. To fix this, you need to perform the Figure 8 motion.

  1. Hold your phone tightly in your hand.
  2. Move your arm in a large "figure 8" (or infinity symbol ∞) pattern in the air.
  3. Rotate your wrist as you move, so the phone tilts along all three axes (X, Y, and Z).
  4. Repeat this motion 3 to 4 times.

Why Does the Compass Need Calibration?

Your smartphone uses a tiny chip called a magnetometer to measure the Earth's magnetic field. However, this field is very weak and easily disrupted by everyday objects. Common culprits of magnetic interference include:

  • Phone Cases: Cases with magnetic clasps, MagSafe accessories, or metallic wallets.
  • Electronics: Laptops, speakers, microwaves, and power cables.
  • Vehicles & Buildings: Being inside a car, an airplane, or a building with a heavy steel frame (rebar) can completely distort the magnetic field.

Even when perfectly calibrated, remember that your compass points to Magnetic North, not True North. If you are navigating with a map, you will need to account for magnetic declination to reach your correct destination.

Checking iOS Compass Accuracy

If you are using an iPhone, Apple's Safari browser sometimes provides a specific property called webkitCompassAccuracy. If this number is high, it means the sensor is highly disturbed. The goal of the figure-8 motion is to lower this number to an acceptable range (usually under 15 degrees).