Everything can be done with the Apple Watch Compass app

From saving and navigating between waypoints to tracking elevation and getting back on track when you get lost, the Compass app on Apple Watch can do more than tell you which way is north. Learn how to customize this built-in watchOS app and take full advantage of its valuable features for hikers, cyclists, and other adventurers.

Change compass view

The main view in the Compass app is a detailed compass face that shows the cardinal directions - North, South, East and West - around the edge along with your bearing in the middle. At the bottom, you'll see your altitude.

You'll also see waypoints displayed as red dots around the compass. Waypoints are saved locations that you can add to the Compass app as well as places you've saved in Maps.

You can change the compass face by turning the Digital Crown.

1. Rotate it counterclockwise to display your current bearing in large font in the middle. Turn counterclockwise again to see North as a big arrow in the middle and your direction at the bottom.
2. Rotate it clockwise to zoom out up to 50 miles. You can tap the red dots to see the name of the waypoint. Rotate the Digital Crown counterclockwise to zoom in.

 Add and browse waypoints

To browse waypoints, tap the info button (i), then select Waypoints. You can view the waypoints you saved in the Compass app by tapping Compass Waypoints. Or you can scroll through guides you've created in Maps (on Apple Watch and iPhone) by tapping the guide's name. This handy feature is another reason why every iPhone user should buy an Apple Watch.

Note: Waypoints require watchOS 10 and the compass only shows locations within 50 miles.

Use Backtrack to review the route taken

Backtrack allows you to track your route from your starting position and retrace your steps to get back on track, even without an Internet connection.

Start tracking your route via GPS by pressing the footprint button. Your watch will automatically save the route.

When you're ready to get back to where you started, tap the pause button, then select Retrace Steps. Follow the white arrow that appears on the compass face to indicate the correct direction.

Add a bearing to track

If you just want to add a bearing instead of setting a specific waypoint, tap the info button (i) and select Bearing. Then use the Digital Crown to set your desired bearing and tap the check mark button.

Use target altitude warning

By tapping the mountain icon showing your altitude in the Compass app, you can tilt the compass face to display a 3D view of your waypoints.

If you want to set an alert when a specific altitude is reached, tap the information button (i), then tap Set Target Alert. Select your desired altitude and tap the check mark button to set up the alert. You can cancel it later by clicking Clear Alert.

Converts between Magnetic North and True North

Magnetic north is the default, but you can use true north instead by opening the Settings app on your Apple Watch and tapping Compass. Then just turn on Use True North.

The Compass app on watchOS continues to gain additional features, from saved waypoints to altitude monitoring and alerts. By learning how to navigate using the Compass app, you'll have a better idea of ​​where you are, which way to go, and how to get back to where you started.

Kareem Winters

Update 06 January 2024