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User profile for user: Leif53
Leif53 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

iPhone 7 compass not working

The compass works fine when Settings>Compass>Location Never is checked. When While Using the App or Ask Next time Or When I Share is checked the compass does does not work. How can this be fixed?

iPhone 7

Posted on Jun 3, 2022 12:48 PM

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User profile for user: Eric_G1
Eric_G1
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Jun 4, 2022 12:58 PM

Hello Leif53,



Do you have any screen protectors or cases on the iPhone? If so, does removing them seem to help?


Do you have 'Use True North' enabled in Settings > Compass? If that's on then we’ll need to ensure Compass Calibration is enabled in Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Compass Calibration.


Check to see if it happens in all areas, including while the device is on a non-metallic surface with a clear view of the sky for 2-3 minutes.


Be sure to also check out the "Improve GPS accuracy" section here for some further steps: About privacy and Location Services in iOS and iPadOS - Apple Support



Cheers.

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User profile for user: Eric_G1
Eric_G1
User level: Community Specialist

Jun 4, 2022 12:58 PM in response to Leif53

Hello Leif53,



Do you have any screen protectors or cases on the iPhone? If so, does removing them seem to help?


Do you have 'Use True North' enabled in Settings > Compass? If that's on then we’ll need to ensure Compass Calibration is enabled in Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Compass Calibration.


Check to see if it happens in all areas, including while the device is on a non-metallic surface with a clear view of the sky for 2-3 minutes.


Be sure to also check out the "Improve GPS accuracy" section here for some further steps: About privacy and Location Services in iOS and iPadOS - Apple Support



Cheers.

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User profile for user: Leif53
Leif53 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jun 4, 2022 2:37 PM in response to Eric_G1

Hi Eric_G1,


Removing the case does not help (no screen protector is used).


Bingo!!! The compass calibration was off. Turned on and it works!


I noticed the problem using an app, Avenza Map. It gave my location on a map, but no longer gave the direction the device was pointing. Working as a Forester in the woods, this was annoying in the extreme. It now works as well.


Thanks a heap!

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iPhone 7 compass not working

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