How to Turn Off Compass Backtrack on Apple Watch
What to Know
- The Compass app lets you retrace your steps if you get lost on a hike or in a busy city.
- It turns on automatically by default when you are in a remote area.
- This can drain battery life and be disruptive, but you can turn it off in your Watch app's settings.
The Apple Watch Compass Backtrack feature is great if you are worried about getting lost, but it can be a nuisance to have on all the time, between the battery drain and interruptions caused by Backtrack getting stuck and not turning off. Learn how to turn it off for good and only enable it when you need to use it.
How to Turn Off Apple Watch Backtrack
Once you've learned how to use Backtrack on Apple Watch, you'll know that tapping on the steps icon and then selecting Delete Steps is how to get Backtrack out of app mode and turn it off. Some users experience Backtrack Apple Watch turning on when not needed and getting stuck in on mode. Here's how to turn off Compass Backtrack on Apple Watch:
If you find yourself in a new area and want to use this feature, you can always turn Apple Watch backtracking back on. Don't forget to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter for more Apple Watch tips and tricks!
Now you know how to turn off Compass Backtrack on Apple Watch to prevent it from turning on when you don't need it, getting stuck turned on, and draining battery life. Next, learn how to use the Apple Watch Ultra Siren in emergencies.
FAQ
- Can you Backtrack using Apple Watch Action Button? Yes! If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can customize the Action Button to turn on the Compass Backtrack feature.
- How can you see a map of your last hike? Your Apple Watch can track your hikes on a map. You can access a detailed map that you can zoom in and out of, which shows your last hike or walk via the Fitness app on your iPhone.
- What is Apple Watch's Time to Walk feature? Time to Walk is an Apple Fitness+ feature where walking workouts meet inspirational audiobooks, allowing you to listen to celebrities and motivational speakers join you on your walk.
Olena Kagui
Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.
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