How to Calibrate Google Maps Compass on iPhone or iPad

Turn on location services

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. This application has an icon and is usually located on the home screen.

Scroll down and tap Privacy . This option is at the bottom of the third group of settings.

Tap Location services . It's at the top of the list.

If the 'Location Services' switch is off or white, swipe the button to the On position.

Scroll down and tap Google Maps .

Select custom location. Tap Always if you plan to use Google Maps for navigation, road trips, location updates, and places near you. Select While Using the App if you only use Maps to get directions or locations.

Calibrate the compass

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. The application has an icon and is usually located on the home screen.

Scroll down and tap Privacy . This option is at the bottom of the third group of settings.

Click on the Location services option at the top of the list.

Swipe the 'Location Services' switch to the On position. If this button is already on or green, you do not need to press it.

Scroll down and tap System Services . This option is at the bottom of the list.

Slide the 'Compass Calibration' switch to the On position. If this button is already in the On position, it means the iPhone/iPad has been set up to automatically calibrate.

If you don't see this option (this can happen on older phones and tablets), proceed to the next step.

Open the Compass app. The app has a black icon with a white compass and a red arrow inside, which you can find on your home screen. If you have calibrated the compass in the previous steps, the current bearing will appear and there is no need to continue this method. However, if the compass needs to be calibrated manually, the 'Calibrate' screen will appear with some instructions.

Tilt the screen to move the red ball around the circle. Follow the on-screen instructions and rotate your phone/tablet so the ball moves around the circle. When the ball returns to the starting point, it means the compass has been calibrated.

Determine current location

Open Google Maps on your iPhone or iPad. The app has a map icon labeled 'Google Maps' and is usually located on the home screen.

If you haven't turned on location services or calibrated your compass, you'll need to do so before continuing.

Besides GPS/compass, Google Maps also uses Wi-Fi and local cell towers to determine device location. To get the most accurate results, connect to a Wi-Fi or mobile data network.

Tap the location icon on the bottom right of the map. Look for the gray dot inside the circle with 4 direction points. The map will shift to show your current location in the center as a blue dot surrounded by a light blue circle.

Inside the light blue circle is a darker blue signal. This signal points in the direction the device is facing.

Troubleshoot location issues.

If the green dot does not appear or is gray, it means Google Maps cannot determine the current location. You need to make sure that location services are turned on and that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or data network.

If the location of the blue dot is not accurate, there is a possibility that there is a tall building or construction block between you and the cell tower. In this case, you may need to restart your phone or tablet.

Jessica Tanner

Update 01 November 2023