Apple Watch compass complication
As far as I can tell, it’s accurate, however the little arrow is backwards on the E-W axis. In other words when the compass indicates west, the arrow points east, and vise Versa.
Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 9
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User profile for user:
mikeg28806
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Community Specialist
Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities mustachedmystic,
The following page may provide an explanation to what you're encountering:
The presence of magnets can affect the accuracy of any compass sensor. Apple's Leather Link, Leather Loop, Milanese Loop, and earlier Sport Loop watch bands use magnets or magnetic material that might interfere with the Apple Watch compass. The compass isn't affected by Sport Loop bands introduced in September 2019 or later, or any version of the Sport Band.
Magnets in all Apple Watch models can also affect the accuracy of an external compass. If you're using another compass during activities such as diving, hiking, or navigating, keep it separated from Apple Watch when reading the external compass.
You can find this in information, along with additional details on the subject of the compass on Apple Watch, here: Use the compass on Apple Watch
If you need further assistance, we recommend that you contact Apple Support.
Take care!