Compass
Find direction using your phone's orientation sensor.
Use your device sensors
Best on a phone or tablet. Sensor readings stay on your device.
How to use your phone as a compass
- Enable sensors. Open the tool on a sensor-equipped phone or tablet and tap "Enable sensors."
- Read the heading. Hold the phone flat and rotate it to see the heading and cardinal direction.
- Recalibrate if needed. Move the device in a figure-eight motion if the heading drifts.
What happens to your sensor data
The compass reads your device's built-in orientation sensor through the browser's deviceorientation API. Readings are processed and displayed on your device only — nothing is sent anywhere. iOS Safari requires a tap on "Enable sensors" to grant motion and orientation permission before it can start.
What this compass supports
Common reasons to use this compass
- Check which direction you're facing while hiking or traveling.
- Orient a satellite dish, antenna or solar panel.
- Quickly find north for photography or wayfinding.
- Use as a backup when a dedicated compass app isn't handy.
Frequently asked questions
Is my sensor data uploaded anywhere?
No. Readings never leave your device.
Why won't sensors enable?
It needs HTTPS (or localhost) and your browser's motion/orientation permission. Desktop computers commonly have no orientation sensor, so this works best on a phone or tablet.
Why does the heading drift?
Move the device in a figure-eight motion to recalibrate, and keep it away from magnets, metal objects and electronics, which can throw off the reading.
Is this accurate enough for navigation?
No — treat it as a convenience compass, not a replacement for calibrated navigation or safety equipment.
Does it work in an installed app?
Yes — it's supported in the mobile browser, an installed PWA, and the Android app.
Last reviewed: August 2026