🧭 Compass Web

An online compass that displays directions in real-time using your smartphone's compass sensor. Supports 8-point cardinal direction display, night mode, and direction lock.

⚠️

Compass is not available on PC

PCs don't have a compass sensor (magnetometer), so compass data cannot be accessed from the browser.On any website

Open this page on a smartphone or tablet to use it as a real compass.

Permission is required to use the compass sensor. Tap the button below to grant permission.

📍 Current Location

Permission is required to display location information (latitude, longitude, altitude).

Usage and Application Examples
  • Hold your smartphone horizontally with the screen facing up.
  • If accuracy is low, calibrate by moving your smartphone in a figure-8 pattern.
  • Use the lock feature to fix a target direction and check the deviation from your current heading.
  • Night mode is perfect for stargazing and camping in dark environments.
  • Accuracy may decrease near metal or magnetic objects.

What is Compass WEB?

An online compass tool that leverages your smartphone's built-in compass sensor to display real-time directional information. This web-based application provides accurate bearing readings and helps you navigate with precision. It's particularly useful for hiking, traveling, or any activity where knowing your direction matters. The tool works instantly without requiring separate apps or installations.

How to Use

• Open the Compass WEB tool on your smartphone
• Hold your phone horizontally with the screen facing upward for optimal accuracy
• The compass dial will display your current bearing in degrees
• Rotate your phone to see how the needle responds in real-time
• If you notice inaccurate readings, perform calibration by moving your phone in a smooth figure-8 pattern several times
• Use the lock feature to set a target direction and monitor your deviation from that heading throughout your journey

Use Cases

Hiking and outdoor navigation: Set a target bearing to a landmark and use the deviation indicator to stay on course even when trails become unclear. Travel and sightseeing: Quickly determine which direction famous landmarks or attractions are located without needing to consult maps. Photography and videography: Identify exact sun positions for golden hour shoots or determine which direction offers the best landscape composition. Emergency situations: Maintain directional awareness when lost or in areas without digital navigation services, using cardinal directions as reference points.

Tips & Insights

Magnetic declination—the difference between magnetic north and true north—varies by location and can affect accuracy by up to 20 degrees in some regions. Calibrate regularly, especially after traveling long distances. Metal objects, electronic devices, and building structures can interfere with compass accuracy; move away from these when possible. For professional navigation, compare readings with topographic maps to account for local magnetic variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What devices can I use this compass on?

You can use it on smartphones and tablets with a compass sensor (magnetometer). Most iPhones, iPads, and Android devices are supported. PCs cannot use it as they don't have a compass sensor.

Why isn't the direction displaying on my iPhone?

On iOS 13 and later, you need to grant permission for compass sensor access. Tap the "Enable Sensor" button displayed on the screen to grant permission.

How accurate is this compass?

Accuracy depends on your device's magnetometer. Smartphone compasses typically have ±5-10 degree accuracy. Accuracy may decrease near metal or electronic devices. You can improve it with figure-8 calibration.

What is night mode?

A display mode optimized for dark environments. The background turns black and text turns red, allowing you to check the compass while maintaining dark adaptation. Useful for stargazing, camping, and other nighttime activities.

How do I use the direction lock feature?

Press the lock button to fix the current direction. It's useful when recording a target direction and checking your deviation from it as you move. Press again to unlock.

Can I also see latitude, longitude, and altitude?

Yes. Press the "Get Location" button and grant permission in your browser to display latitude, longitude, altitude, accuracy, and speed in real-time. The compass works even if you don't grant location permission.

Why does the compass need permission to access my device's sensors?

The compass app needs access to your device's magnetometer and accelerometer sensors to provide accurate direction readings. These sensors measure magnetic fields and device orientation, which are necessary to determine where true north is and how your device is oriented in space.

How do I calibrate my compass for better accuracy?

To calibrate your compass, try gently rotating your device in a figure-eight pattern, especially at the beginning of a session. Some devices may also benefit from being moved in circular motions. If calibration is still poor, try moving away from sources of magnetic interference like electronics or metal objects.

What does the bearing number represent?

The bearing number shows degrees measured clockwise from true north, ranging from 0° to 360°. For example, 0° or 360° is north, 90° is east, 180° is south, and 270° is west. This bearing reading helps you understand the exact direction the device is pointing.

Can I use this compass for hiking or outdoor navigation?

Yes, this compass works well for general outdoor direction-finding like determining which way is north or identifying landmarks. However, for serious hiking or orienteering, we recommend using it alongside a physical map and other navigation tools, since smartphone compasses can be affected by nearby magnetic interference.

Why might the compass show different directions in different locations?

The Earth's magnetic field varies by location, and local magnetic interference from buildings, power lines, and electronics can affect readings. Additionally, magnetic declination—the angle between true north and magnetic north—differs around the world. These factors can cause compass readings to vary as you move to different areas.

How does the compass work indoors versus outdoors?

The compass works better outdoors where it has a clear view of the sky and fewer magnetic interference sources. Indoors, metal structures in buildings, electrical wiring, and appliances can distort the magnetic field, leading to inaccurate readings or erratic needle movement. For best results, use this compass outdoors.