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How to Test the iPhone Magnetometer

Check magnetic field readings on iPhone and distinguish nearby magnetic interference from a sensor fault.

1 min readdevicestatusiPhoneHardware Testing

The magnetometer measures magnetic fields. Device Status⁺ shows field strength in microteslas (μT), which can change substantially around magnetic accessories, speakers and electronics.

Compare two environments

  1. Remove a magnetic case, wallet or charging accessory.
  2. Open Hardware → Magnetometer in Device Status⁺.
  3. Hold the phone away from a laptop, speakers and metal furniture. Observe the baseline.
  4. Turn the phone slowly and watch the individual axis values change.
  5. Move toward an ordinary electronic device, then move away and compare the readings.

There is no need to place a strong magnet against the phone. Changing the environment is enough for a basic response check.

Interpret changing values

Axis values depend on orientation. Total field strength is more useful when comparing locations, but even that is affected by local interference. A high reading beside a magnetic mount is not evidence of damage.

Repeat any suspicious result in another location with accessories removed. If readings remain unavailable, check whether the tool reports unsupported hardware or a data error rather than treating an empty display as a measured zero.

Can it detect every metal object?

No. Magnetic response depends on the material, distance and surrounding field. This tool cannot reliably locate all metal, hidden wiring or pipes. It also does not measure radio-frequency exposure.

For navigation symptoms, continue with the compass check.

Device Status⁺

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