How to calibrate your Android phone compass

💡 Need to know

• Calibration may help when your compass is off. If Google Maps™ points you in the wrong direction or your direction beam is wide, you may need to calibrate your Android™ phone compass.
• Your surroundings can affect directional accuracy. Magnets, electronics, and magnetic phone accessories can interfere with your phone’s compass.
• Calibration won’t fix every navigation issue. If your location is inaccurate, the problem may be related to GPS or location accuracy settings rather than your compass.

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Your maps app says north is one way, but your Android™ phone seems pretty convinced it’s somewhere else. When the compass gets turned around, navigation can feel off even when your GPS location looks right.

At Asurion, our experts know their way around the settings and sensors that keep everyday phone features working. Here’s how to recalibrate your Android compass and get your phone pointing in the right direction again.

How to calibrate the compass on an Android phone

You can calibrate your Android compass in two ways.

Try the figure-eight calibration method

The figure-eight method recalibrates your phone’s directional sensor (magnetometer) to improve compass accuracy.

1. Turn on your phone and hold it flat in your hands.
2. Move the device through the air in a figure-eight motion.
3. Repeat step two three to six times.

However, calibration methods vary by device. If the figure-eight technique doesn't work, try resetting your compass through Google Maps.

Calibrate your compass in Google Maps

Calibrate your Google Maps compass if the blue dot showing your location has a wide beam or points in the wrong direction. You can do that in two ways.

1. The first method is to open your Google Maps app and make the figure-eight motion at least three times. You’ll know the Google Maps calibration has worked if the blue dot’s beam becomes narrow and points in the right direction.
2. The second method uses Lens in Maps. Simply tap the camera icon in the Google Maps search bar and allow the app to access your camera when prompted. Next, point your camera at nearby landmarks. Google Maps will use them to figure out where you are and which direction you’re facing.

However, you must meet three requirements to use Lens in Maps. You should:

• Be in a supported country.
• Use a supported Android device.
• Be in an area with good Google Street View™ coverage.

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How to improve compass accuracy on Android

If your compass still seems off after calibration, try these quick fixes to improve location accuracy on Android:

Turn on Android location accuracy

Follow these steps to switch on location accuracy on your Android phone:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to Location > Location Services > Location Accuracy.
3. Turn on Improve Location Accuracy.

When location accuracy is on, Google Maps can determine your precise location, even when you’re inside a building.

Remove magnetic interference

Your Android magnetometer detects Earth’s magnetic field to determine direction. Nearby magnetic sources, such as magnets, electronics, and magnetic phone accessories, can interfere with the sensor and throw off your compass reading.

Move away from magnetic interference, then check your compass again to see if the reading improves.

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What to do if your Android compass is still inaccurate

Still having compass trouble after trying all the common fixes? Here are a few more things you can try:

• Restart your phone: A quick restart can clear temporary software glitches that may be affecting your compass or location services.
• Check for Android software updates: Update your Android phone through the Settings app. Doing so can resolve bugs that affect sensors and navigation.
• Consider a hardware problem: If your location is accurate, but your phone consistently points in the wrong direction after you’ve calibrated the compass, removed magnetic interference, and restarted or updated your phone, the compass sensor may be faulty.
• Check your location settings: If Google Maps is showing the wrong location, the problem may not be related to Android phone compass calibration. Turn on location accuracy so Google Maps can determine your location more precisely.

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FAQ

How do I know if my Android compass needs calibration?

If the blue dot on Google Maps that shows your location points in the wrong direction or shows a wide beam, your compass may need calibration.

How accurate is an Android phone compass?

An Android phone compass is accurate when properly calibrated. However, accuracy can vary by phone and surroundings.

Why is my phone compass pointing in the wrong direction?

A poorly calibrated compass is one possible reason. Magnetic interference, outdated Android software, or hardware problems can also cause inaccurate compass readings.

Does calibrating your compass improve GPS accuracy?

Not directly. Compass calibration helps your phone determine which direction you’re facing, while GPS determines your location. However, an accurate compass enables Google Maps to give you reliable turn-by-turn directions.