How can I calibrate the compass on my phone?

Question

Google Maps sometimes asks me to calibrate my compass. Last time it did so, I was in a rush and didn't bother to, and now the compass does seem a bit off. I tried to find a "calibrate compass" setting in Maps, but I couldn't find it.

score 29 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 07 '11 at 19:25

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It depends on your model of phone. If there is no built-in compass calibration application from the manufacturer, then likely you can calibrate your compass by opening up any application that uses the compass, and moving the device in a certain manner. Here are two types of movements to try:

The "figure 8 pattern" easier said than understood. Here's what it looks like YouTube Video of Figure 8 compass calibration.
Three axis rotations: Rotate 360° around each of the three axes, so one full rotation with screen facing up, one full rotation "rolling" sideways, one full rotation "pitching" forward.

answered Jun 07 '11 at 19:25

Jeremy Frank

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While you and Seth both gave pretty much the same answer, it helped that you linked in a video of what the figure 8 pattern is :-) – Nathan Fellman Jun 08 '11 at 16:23
I've found out that the "figure 8 pattern" is the best method to recalibrate the compass. – dr_ May 06 '16 at 21:31

score 9 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 10 '20 at 13:47

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There is now an official Google answer to this problem:

Open the Google Maps app and then follow these directions:

Tilt your phone forward and back

Move it side to side

And then tilt left and right

You may need to repeat the steps until your compass is calibrated.

edited Jun 10 '20 at 13:47

Community

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answered Nov 30 '15 at 01:24

chobok

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The way to calibrate has been updated. Now it's a 8-figure pattern https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eloZBMBLQ9o8CC_84rfN-JedVCdzStQhhbs1FImcgOEmUYoeijg-tS4xNh6Kmd234n4=w350 – phuclv Sep 21 '16 at 11:13
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This answer is outdated, see Siosm's answer. – mic Aug 29 '17 at 16:05
The 3 steps are fine, the pre-condition can be dropped: the sensors do not need GMaps (or any other specific app) running to work it out :D Besides, some more variants here – including the figure-8 and the 3-axis method. – Izzy Jun 29 '21 at 21:00

score 9 · Answer 3 · edited Aug 29 '17 at 16:16

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In the current version of Google Maps, you can calibrate the compass any time you like by tapping the blue dot representing your current location and selecting "Calibrate compass".

edited Aug 29 '17 at 16:16

mic

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answered Aug 24 '17 at 12:52

Timothée Ravier

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score 7 · Answer 4 · edited Jun 07 '11 at 18:57

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There may be an option in your settings, but easier, just open Google maps, start using the compass and spin your phone in figure 8 pattern. That is all there is to it.

edited Jun 07 '11 at 18:57

Matthew Read

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answered Jun 07 '11 at 18:56

Seth Hikari

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How can I calibrate the compass on my phone?

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