How to Calibrate the Compass on Google Maps on iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to improve location accuracy on Google Maps on iOS
PDF download Download Article

Is your location wrong in Google Maps? You can calibrate your iPhone or iPad’s compass and improve location accuracy in Google Maps using the system settings or within the Google Maps app. Here's how to calibrate the compass on Google Maps on iPhone or iPad.

Quick Steps

  1. Open Settings .
  2. Tap Privacy & Security .
  3. Tap Location Services .
  4. Tap System Services .
  5. Toggle on Compass Calibration .
Section 1 of 4:

Enabling Compass Calibration

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the gray gear icon on your home screen or app library.
    • Compass Calibration will help improve your location accuracy in all areas of Google Maps .
  2. You can find this underneath Battery .
    Advertisement
  3. It’s at the top of the list.
    • If the "Location Services" switch at the top is disabled, tap the switch to enable Location Services now.
  4. This is at the bottom of the app list.
  5. You can find this underneath Call Network Search .
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Enabling Precise Location

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the gray gear icon on your home screen or app library.
    • Compass Calibration will help improve your location accuracy in all areas of Google Maps.
  2. You can find this underneath Battery .
  3. It’s at the top of the list.
    • If the "Location Services" switch at the top is disabled, tap the switch to enable Location Services now.
  4. You can find this in the list of apps.
  5. The switch will turn green.
    • If you don't see this option, make sure you have location access set to Ask Next Time Or When I Share or While Using the App .
    6. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Calibrating in Google Maps

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the multicolored pin icon.
  2. It's the blue circle surrounded by a white circle. A menu will expand.
    • If the menu is at the bottom of the screen, swipe up to expand it.
  3. This is towards the top of the menu.
  4. The warning just advises you to pay attention to your surroundings and obey the law.
    • You may be asked to allow access to your device's camera. Tap Allow to approve it.
  5. Move the camera around to cover as much of what you see as possible. Once you've captured enough information, you'll see "Done!" at the bottom of the screen, which will bring you back to the map.
    • You'll notice a blue shaded beam emanating outward from the dot that represents you on the map.
    • If Maps can't figure out your location, you'll be asked to point the camera at buildings, stores, and/or signs around you again. If that doesn't work, move to a different location and tap Try again to give it another shot.
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Improving Location Accuracy

PDF download Download Article
  1. In addition to GPS/the compass, Google Maps can also use Wi-Fi and local cell towers to find your location. For the most accurate results, connect to Wi-Fi if possible.
    • Your cellular data network can also help improve your location, but it's only accurate up to a few thousand meters. [1] Using your GPS with Wi-Fi produces the most accurate results.
  2. If you're having trouble calibrating your device, turn Location Services off and then turn it on again. This should update any old data.
  3. Sometimes, a quick restart is needed to get your iPhone or iPad working properly again.
  4. Updates provide the latest fixes to software bugs and issues. They can also improve existing features, such as GPS and location data.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Go Back in Time on Google Maps: See Historical Location Pictures
      When Will a Google Street View Car Come to Your Area?
      How to
      Change the Year on Google Maps with Google Earth Pro
      How to
      Get Current Location on Google Maps
      How to
      Find North on Google Maps on PC or Mac
      2 Easy Ways to Print a Copy of Directions from Google Maps
      How to
      Save a Photo or Map Image from Google Maps
      Find Latitude and Longitude in Google Maps: Mobile & Desktop
      How to
      Track Someone’s Location in Google Maps
      How to
      Type GPS Coordinates into Google Maps: Desktop & Mobile
      3 Ways to See Live Traffic Conditions on Google Maps
      2 Ways to Change the Voice on Google Maps
      Google Maps Directions: Adding Multiple Stops to Your Route
      How to
      Add Your Business to Google Maps
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/2839911?co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&hl=en&oco=0

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open your Settings .
      2. Tap Privacy .
      3. Tap Location Services .
      4. Tap System Services .
      5. Toggle on the "Compass Calibration" switch.
      For tips on how to troubleshoot common problems with identifying your current location, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 356,548 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement