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Did you know you have a compass tool right on your iPhone? Here's how to find your phone compass, and use the Compass app on your iPhone.
Why You’ll Love This Tip:
- Learn where the Compass app is on your iPhone, and how to use your phone compass.
- See your current elevation, and tap your coordinates to see your location in the Maps app.
How to Use the Phone Compass on Your iPhone
System Requirements
This tip requires an iPhone running iOS 12 or later. Learn how to update to the latest OS. Also, elevation and coordinates may not be available in certain regions or countries.
If you're wondering, "Where is the compass on an iPhone?" or "What is my current elevation?" read on! Here's where to find the compass app on your iPhone, and how to use your phone compass. Before we begin, make sure Location Services is on, or your phone compass won't work. You can turn on Location Services only while the Compass app is in use, if you prefer.
- Open the Compass app on your iPhone.
![open compass app on iphone]( "open compass app on iphone")
- Hold your iPhone flat and align the plus sign and crosshairs at the center of the compass.
![align plus sign and crosshairs]( "align plus sign and crosshairs")
- Tap the compass dial to lock your current direction; you'll see a red line appear.
![tap center of phone compass]( "tap center of phone compass")
- A red band will appear if you go off course; the larger the band, the further off course you are.
![tap elevation and altitude to go to maps location]( "tap elevation and altitude to go to maps location")
- Tap the coordinates at the bottom of the screen to open your location in the Maps app.
![tap elevation and altitude to go to maps location]( "tap elevation and altitude to go to maps location")
Note: Apple warns, "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."
Now you know how to find the compass app, as well as how to use your phone compass!
