A compass check asks whether the displayed heading responds consistently when you turn. It is most useful away from magnetic accessories, vehicles and steel furniture.
Check heading behavior
- Open Hardware → Compass in Device Status⁺ and allow location access if requested.
- Move to an open area and remove magnetic accessories.
- Hold the phone approximately level and note the heading.
- Turn yourself and the phone a quarter turn, pause, then repeat.
- Face the original direction again and compare the heading after it settles.
Follow any calibration guidance presented by iOS. Avoid using a nearby phone as the sole reference: it may be affected by the same interference.
What should happen?
The heading should change as you turn and return reasonably close to its starting value when you face the same direction. Some movement while it settles is expected. Exact agreement depends on calibration, location and whether readings reference magnetic or true north.
If the heading jumps, repeat away from cars, reinforced concrete and electrical equipment. A result that improves after removing a case points to interference, rather than proving an internal fault.
Compass or GPS problem?
Heading describes orientation; GPS describes position. A correct location marker can coexist with an unstable heading. Use the GPS test to investigate positioning separately, and the magnetometer test to examine field changes.
Ready to try it?
Device Status⁺ · Monitor and test your iPhone hardware
Free on the App Store