Is your iPhone’s Compass suddenly not working? Having problems following the iOS 16 Update? Many users have reported issues related to Compass problems after they upgraded their iPhone to iOS 16. Users report that compass is not able to point in the right direction. In this article, I’ll explain how to fix the problem when Compass is not working on iPhone running iOS 16 – step-by-step.
The Compass app shows you the direction iPhone is pointing, your current location, and elevation. Some of the iOS 16 Compass problems include:
- Compass freezes or points in the wrong direction.
- Compass is behaving strangely.
- Compass is unable to find the location or elevation data.
If you are also facing the above problems, this article explains how you can fix when iOS 16 Compass is not working properly.
How to fix Compass not working on iPhone in iOS 16
Here’s how to fix iOS 16 Compass problems to improve accuracy.
1. Keep Away All Magnets
Your Compass app may show the wrong direction because of magnetic interference. Your iPhone contains a Magnetometer that is used by the internal compass. Any interference from a nearby magnetic source may affect the compass readings. Make sure to remove any nearby magnets. Keep in mind iPhone cases and pop sockets often have magnetic parts built in. If your device becomes unaligned due to the magnet then removing the source will help but you may need to restart your device.
2. Disable and Re-enable Location Services
Is your iOS 16 device Compass not working after trying the above step? Refreshing Location Services can help your iPhone clear any GPS errors from previous readings. Another trick to improve compass accuracy is to simple disable and re-enable Location Services. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and Disable and Re-enable “Location Services”
3. Check date and time
Incorrect Date & Time settings can cause a variety of problems on your iPhone. Tap Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure that the date, time, and time zone are set correctly. You may also want to turn on Set Automatically.
4. Check cellular data setting
Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data and then ensure that Use Cellular Data is on for Compass. If not, turn on Compass.
5. Turn on Compass Calibration
Is your iOS 16 device Compass not working after trying the above solutions? Ensure that it’s calibrating properly. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > and scroll down and tap System Services and then turn on Compass Calibration.
6. Disable True North in the settings app
By default, iOS 16 will utilize True North for all compass readings. Depending on the compass reading you are trying to get it may make sense to temporarily disable True North and use Magnetic North for a while. Go to Settings > Compass and turn off Use True North.
7. Restart the compass app
The next thing to try when Compass is not working in iOS 16 is to close and reopen the app. This gives the app a fresh start, which is sometimes enough to fix a minor crash or software bug. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen, Swipe side-to-side through the open apps until you find Compass. Swipe up on it.
Then open Compass again and test again.
8. Restart your iPhone
When your compass becomes misaligned sometimes the fastest method of realignment is to simple restart your iOS 16 device. This may seem tedious, but it is the quickest and most reliable method for restoring your compass to provide optimal readings. Press and hold the power button and the volume up (or down) button together until the power off slider appears on the screen. Drag the slider. Wait for your iPhone to turn off. Then press and hold the power button again to turn on your device.
9. Update the Compass app
It’s possible Compass isn’t working in iOS 16 because you’re using an outdated version of the app. App updates often fix bugs and sometimes introduce new features. Since Compass is a native iOS app, it can only be updated by an iOS update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
10. Reset Location Data
Resetting your location settings to the factory default may fix your iOS 16 compass problem. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and tap Reset Location & Privacy and follow the onscreen instructions.
After resetting, you may have to adjust your location settings.
11. Delete, reinstall and calibrate the compass
Remove the app from your iPhone and then reinstall. Then calibrate the Compass app. Since Compass is digital, you may need calibration. Here is how:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find Compass and tap Delete App and tap Delete App again.
-
Now open the App Store app on your iPhone and find the Compass app and download and install.
-
Open Compass.
-
Try to hold your phone flat.
-
You will be prompted to calibrate.
-
Follow the onscreen instructions.
12. Third-party compass app not working in iOS 16
Are you having issues with a third-party compass app? If this is the case, here is what you can do:
- Ensure that the app is up to date.
- If your issue persists, contact the app developer.
13. Contact Apple Support
Hopefully the above tips help you resolve your iOS 16 compass issues. If you are still facing problems, there may be an additional software or hardware problems with the phone itself. Go ahead and contact Apple Support for any questions about calibrating your compass or to determine if your iPhone may need repair.
Compass not working on iPhone in iOS 16: fixed!
You’ve fixed the problem and Compass app is working properly on your iOS 16 device. Next time Compass is not working on your iPhone running iOS 16, you’ll know how to fix the problem! Leave a comment down below if you’re still having issues with the Compass app on your iPhone.