To avoid this, we will walk you through the different ways to fix the issue of iPhone compass not working on iOS 16.

1. Force-quit and re-open Compass app

The first thing you might want to do when your iPhone’s compass fails is to force-close the app and restart it. This may help to recalibrate the sensor and clear any temporary glitches. To force stop the app, swipe up on the Compass app from the app drawer.

After a few seconds, re-open the Compass App to see if it is functioning properly.

2. Enable Compass Calibration

Compass calibration is another reason your iPhone’s compass may not work properly. Enabling compass calibration will allow your iPhone to use a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and motion sensors to improve the accuracy of the compass readings. To fix this, follow these simple steps

3. Update iOS to the latest version

If your iPhone’s software is outdated, it may result in compass issues. You may want to fix this by updating your iOS to the latest version.

4. Check for interference

Since your iPhone’s compass relies on magnetic sensors, any interference from magnetic fields may result in the compass malfunctioning. To fix this, avoid any potential source of magnetic interference, including metal objects or other electronic devices.

5. Turn off/on Location Services

Sometimes, all you need to fix your iPhone compass not working is to turn off and then turn on your location services. This will allow you to refresh your iPhone’s location. It can be that simple!

6. Disable True North

True North is a feature on the iPhone that allows you to navigate in the right direction. True North allows your iPhone compass to always point to the earth’s magnetic field by default. However, this feature isn’t always necessary for every situation, particularly if you find yourself in areas with high magnetic interference or near some electronic devices. If your compass doesn’t work in situations like this, you may want to disable True North.

7. Shake or back tap your iPhone

If you’re having a hard time with your iPhone compass, one trick you may want to try out is back tapping or shaking your iPhone. YES! You read that right. This may seem weird, but it provides a medium shock to the device and unfreezes the compass.  However, this method only works for iPhone X and newer models. You may want to try it out by following these simple steps:

8. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is a popular and straightforward way to resolve minor system malfunctions, including compass issues. When apps unexpectedly stop working due to glitches, the first thing you can try is to close the app and restart your iPhone. This may help clear your iPhone’s RAM and resolve other possible issues responsible for compass failure. 

9. Reset location data

Resetting your location data is usually another quick fix to get your iPhone’s compass working again. It helps you reset all location and privacy settings to the default state.  However, there’s a catch to this. It eradicates all data regarding location and privacy from your iPhone. So, before resetting your location data, ensure that location data is the real culprit behind the issue and that you have tried other earlier fixes suggested earlier. You may also want to back up your location data on iCloud or a computer to avoid data loss.

10. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the solutions above and your iPhone compass still doesn’t work, you may need to contact Apple Support. They can help you to diagnose and fix the issue.

11. Use a third-party compass app

If none of the above solutions work, you may want to try out a third-party compass app. Some third-party compass apps offer super cool features, including advanced mapping, augmented overlays, and customization options beyond what Apple’s built-in app provides. Additionally, some are handy for specific uses such as hiking and professional navigation.  However, it’s essential to be cautious about your privacy. So choose a reputable compass app. Don’t get lost! Experiencing issues with the Compass app on iPhone isn’t uncommon and can be easily fixed by following the solutions outlined in this post. Remember to take preventive measures like removing magnetic objects close to your iPhone. Read more:

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title: “Iphone Compass Not Working 11 Ways To Fix It " ShowToc: true date: “2023-07-01” author: “Daisy Zymowski”


To avoid this, we will walk you through the different ways to fix the issue of iPhone compass not working on iOS 16.

1. Force-quit and re-open Compass app

The first thing you might want to do when your iPhone’s compass fails is to force-close the app and restart it. This may help to recalibrate the sensor and clear any temporary glitches. To force stop the app, swipe up on the Compass app from the app drawer.

After a few seconds, re-open the Compass App to see if it is functioning properly.

2. Enable Compass Calibration

Compass calibration is another reason your iPhone’s compass may not work properly. Enabling compass calibration will allow your iPhone to use a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and motion sensors to improve the accuracy of the compass readings. To fix this, follow these simple steps

3. Update iOS to the latest version

If your iPhone’s software is outdated, it may result in compass issues. You may want to fix this by updating your iOS to the latest version.

4. Check for interference

Since your iPhone’s compass relies on magnetic sensors, any interference from magnetic fields may result in the compass malfunctioning. To fix this, avoid any potential source of magnetic interference, including metal objects or other electronic devices.

5. Turn off/on Location Services

Sometimes, all you need to fix your iPhone compass not working is to turn off and then turn on your location services. This will allow you to refresh your iPhone’s location. It can be that simple!

6. Disable True North

True North is a feature on the iPhone that allows you to navigate in the right direction. True North allows your iPhone compass to always point to the earth’s magnetic field by default. However, this feature isn’t always necessary for every situation, particularly if you find yourself in areas with high magnetic interference or near some electronic devices. If your compass doesn’t work in situations like this, you may want to disable True North.

7. Shake or back tap your iPhone

If you’re having a hard time with your iPhone compass, one trick you may want to try out is back tapping or shaking your iPhone. YES! You read that right. This may seem weird, but it provides a medium shock to the device and unfreezes the compass.  However, this method only works for iPhone X and newer models. You may want to try it out by following these simple steps:

8. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is a popular and straightforward way to resolve minor system malfunctions, including compass issues. When apps unexpectedly stop working due to glitches, the first thing you can try is to close the app and restart your iPhone. This may help clear your iPhone’s RAM and resolve other possible issues responsible for compass failure. 

9. Reset location data

Resetting your location data is usually another quick fix to get your iPhone’s compass working again. It helps you reset all location and privacy settings to the default state.  However, there’s a catch to this. It eradicates all data regarding location and privacy from your iPhone. So, before resetting your location data, ensure that location data is the real culprit behind the issue and that you have tried other earlier fixes suggested earlier. You may also want to back up your location data on iCloud or a computer to avoid data loss.

10. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the solutions above and your iPhone compass still doesn’t work, you may need to contact Apple Support. They can help you to diagnose and fix the issue.

11. Use a third-party compass app

If none of the above solutions work, you may want to try out a third-party compass app. Some third-party compass apps offer super cool features, including advanced mapping, augmented overlays, and customization options beyond what Apple’s built-in app provides. Additionally, some are handy for specific uses such as hiking and professional navigation.  However, it’s essential to be cautious about your privacy. So choose a reputable compass app. Don’t get lost! Experiencing issues with the Compass app on iPhone isn’t uncommon and can be easily fixed by following the solutions outlined in this post. Remember to take preventive measures like removing magnetic objects close to your iPhone. Read more:

Best GPS navigation apps for iPhone Apple Maps Voice Navigation not working on iPhone? 10 Ways to fix it! Best traffic apps for iPhone and iPad How to change your iPhone GPS location iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 58iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 99iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 88iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 17iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 19iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 7iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 48iPhone compass not working  11 Ways to fix it  - 23