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Using Watch9.0 the Compass App not working

When I try to open the app, all that shows on the screen is something that looks like a radar that just tracks round and round but never stops.

Apple Watch Series 5, watchOS 8

Posted on Sep 22, 2022 11:31 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 22, 2022 2:25 PM

According to Use the compass on Apple Watch.

"Make sure that Compass can access your location

When you open Compass for the first time, it requests permission to access your location. Tap While Using the App to grant permission.

If Compass doesn't see your location, check its settings:

  1. Open the Settings app on the paired iPhone.
  2. Tap Privacy > Location Services > Compass.
  3. Tap While Using the App.



If you see a red spinning radar

If you see a red spinning radar instead of the compass when you open the Compass app, it means the Compass can't calibrate. Check these settings on the companion iPhone:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services and make sure Compass Calibration is turned on. 
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and make sure Location Services is turned on.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Compass, then tap While Using App.

If the Compass app still can't calibrate, the compass app might be affected by magnetic interference found in certain scenarios. These could include dense urban areas, indoors in spaces with limited connectivity, or while traveling in a car."


7 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 22, 2022 2:25 PM in response to Triple F

According to Use the compass on Apple Watch.

"Make sure that Compass can access your location

When you open Compass for the first time, it requests permission to access your location. Tap While Using the App to grant permission.

If Compass doesn't see your location, check its settings:

  1. Open the Settings app on the paired iPhone.
  2. Tap Privacy > Location Services > Compass.
  3. Tap While Using the App.



If you see a red spinning radar

If you see a red spinning radar instead of the compass when you open the Compass app, it means the Compass can't calibrate. Check these settings on the companion iPhone:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services and make sure Compass Calibration is turned on. 
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and make sure Location Services is turned on.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Compass, then tap While Using App.

If the Compass app still can't calibrate, the compass app might be affected by magnetic interference found in certain scenarios. These could include dense urban areas, indoors in spaces with limited connectivity, or while traveling in a car."


Using Watch9.0 the Compass App not working

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