Your mobile device has a sensor called a magnetometer that measures the strength and direction of magnetic fields. The onX Backcountry App uses the magnetometer to analyze the Earth's magnetic field and determine your orientation. Occasionally, you may need to recalibrate the magnetometer for the compass to work correctly.
Magnetic phone cases, other magnets near your device, and external phone batteries may disrupt the magnetometer's reading. If you have a magnetic phone case or any other electronic tools near your device, remove these items to improve your compass' accuracy.
Table of Contents:
- Fixing the compass on iPhones and iPads.
- Fixing the compass on Android devices.
Fixing the compass on iPhones and iPads
Open the Setting app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap "Privacy & Security."
Tap "Location Services."
Tap "System Services."
Turn on Compass Calibration.
Fixing the compass on Android devices
Open the Google Maps app () and make a figure 8 until your compass is calibrated. You should only have to do this a few times.
The "flashlight beam" on your blue location dot should become narrow and point in the right direction.
Click here for Google's instructions on calibrating your device's internal compass.