How to use a compass on your phone: installation, calibration, application reviews

Often, owners of mobile devices find that they have a compass on their phone. What kind of device this is, on what principle it works, not everyone knows. Therefore, in today’s publication we will consider the features of using this module, how to download a free smartphone application to gain access to advanced functionality.

Verdict on the best Compass app for Android

All of these compass apps are great and work very well - there are plenty of Compass apps in the Google Play store that just don't work. With so many fake or bad compass apps out there, it can be quite overwhelming trying to purchase a decent compass app that works well and runs smoothly, but also has all the essential geographic information you need.

So, we have some great compass apps that work well and are not broken like many other compass apps. What's your best compass app? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to calibrate a compass without Google Maps

The user can check the correctness of calibration without using an already installed or third-party application. Information about the sensor settings can be obtained from the Android service code – *#0*#.

Setup steps:

1. Enter the service code on the telephone keypad and press “Call”.
2. If the service menu opens (sometimes you will need root rights for this), select the “Sensor” or “Sensor” section in it.
3. Check the readings of the built-in sensors. If you managed to calibrate the device correctly before this, you will see a black circle with a blue line and the number 3 in the list of settings.

If the check shows that the electronic compass of your Xiaomi smartphone is not calibrated correctly, you should configure it. The Google Maps application or third-party programs will help you calibrate the sensor.

Calibration on MIUI

Despite the availability of universal methods for calibrating mobile devices, there is an option that is designed specifically for Xiaomi models. Before calibrating the compass on Xiaomi, you should find it in the list of running programs, clear its cache and reboot the gadget. Sometimes the application is located in "Tools".

The calibration process looks like this:

1. When you start the program, it automatically prompts you to calibrate the sensor.
2. The user performs all the manipulations with the mobile device that the utility asks to do.
3. After completing the first stage of setup, the program reports this using vibration. The coordinates and a message appear on the display.
4. To continue setting up the sensor, the user holds the smartphone in a horizontal position, parallel to the ground.
5. If a message appears indicating that the sensor needs to be recalibrated, it is recommended that you run the test again.
6. Once the setup process is complete, the screen should display a calibrated and properly functioning compass.

To increase accuracy, it is recommended to calibrate the sensor away from sources of electromagnetic radiation, including power lines and electrical appliances. The best option is on the street, or even better - in a vacant lot. If none of the methods bring the built-in compass into working condition, you can try using the GPS Status & Toolbox application for calibration. In cases where the result is still negative, the gadget will have to be sent in for service - it is possible that the cause of the problem is the failure of one of the sensors.

Calibrating the compass using Google Maps

An application that allows you to use maps from the Google Maps service can be used to determine your coordinates and to calibrate the compass.

In order to calibrate the compass, the user should perform the following steps:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Take the device in your hand in the usual position - with the screen facing you.
3. Tilt the gadget forward (with its upper part away from you) and return it back.
4. Rotate your tablet or phone at an angle of 90 degrees, waiting for the screen orientation to change.
5. Check the functionality of the sensor by comparing its readings with information received from other sources (a second phone or Google Maps service opened in the browser).

If the method does not help, you should open the utility again and try to draw a figure resembling the number 8 with your mobile gadget. Another method involves rotating the mobile device around each of its axes.

How to download, install and configure a mobile compass on an Android smartphone?

Of the three applications listed above, we chose “ 3D Compass Plus”

", since it's the only one that needs minor tweaking.
It’s worth noting right away that for it to work correctly, you must have a Google maps package
. Otherwise, the application may begin to conflict with the device. So, follow these steps:

• First of all, you need to download and install the compass on your device. This can be done either through the Play Market
  on a smartphone or through a computer on
  the official Google Play website
  .

• After installing and launching the application, the compass itself will appear on the screen of your device on the left, and a Google map
  with your location on it will appear on the right.

• In the lower left corner of the screen you can adjust the brightness by tapping on the sun-shaped icon, and above are icons for taking photos and recording videos from your smartphone screen.
• In the lower right corner is the main menu icon in the form of the usual three dots. Enter it.

• In the main menu you can purchase the full version of the application, adjust the zoom, switch the external camera to the front camera and vice versa, and also lock the compass in the position you need. In the “ Settings
  ” section the compass is calibrated.
  Just press the “ Calibrate
  ” button and wait a few seconds.

In general, this is all the configuration that the application requires. Its interface is simple and clear, and all data is reliable. The main thing before use is not to forget to activate GPS

on your phone to display your location on Google Maps.

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IMPORTANT: To avoid infecting your device with viruses, download applications only from the official Play Market

or previously verified sources.

Application overview

The games and application store Play Market and Google Play offer users utilities from different manufacturers. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide which compass to install on your phone.

Compass Steel 3d

This program immediately after downloading and launching prompts users to calibrate. As you complete the procedure, you will be taken to the main menu.

The main advantage the developers note is the presentation of the image in 3D format. When the angle of inclination changes, the picture continues to “follow” the hand. Initially, the arrow points to magnetic north, but in the settings you can switch to the true course.

After changing the mode, the function of searching for directions to the Sun and Moon will be available. Information about the magnetic field strength is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

As a nice bonus, you can choose several graphic designs in different colors and a “Low Power” function to preserve battery power in emergency situations.

Smart Compass

A beautiful interface and versatility make this utility not just a toy, but a reliable virtual companion on the road. First of all, it is necessary to highlight the ability to connect to GPS satellites for accurate operation without the Internet. With it you can easily plot a route on a map of any area.

Smart Compass for Android is based on a magnetic sensor, so the developer decided to supplement the functionality with a metal detector. Information about the strength of the magnetic field is displayed on the screen, and when approaching metals, the indicators will begin to increase and a signal will appear.

This will be very convenient for those who are tired of constantly looking for keys and other items in their travel bag. You can also try yourself as a treasure hunter while on a long hike.

The user has several color options and operating modes to choose from:

1. Standard compass.
2. Telescope - darkening the screen around the main working area.
3. Night - presentation of information in contrasting red and black colors.
4. Moving - movement along the cursor (arrow) in a given direction.

Compass 360 Pro Free

High precision digital compass that offers 2 north directions: true and magnetic. In the center of the display, information about the field strength is displayed, and at the bottom you can find a switch for displaying information on the locked screen, which significantly saves battery life.

3 designs available:

1. Modern - black.
2. Golden - golden with a blue center.
3. Nice - silver with blue.

As disadvantages, it is necessary to highlight the poor-quality translation into Russian (the English version was initially proposed). Also, the user will not be able to switch to map mode to determine the current location.

Compass from NixGame

This is a compass from a group of Russian developers. Its operation is based on searching for a GPS signal, meaning it can point to the true or magnetic pole. The choice of direction is left to the user.

Moreover, it can make a mark and record the deviation from a given course relative to the initial recorded route point. Minimalistic design and accurate information are the main advantages of the downloaded utility.

Compass by Fulmine Software

Easy to use and at the same time multifunctional tool. It can work from the network or via a GPS satellite in offline mode. To save battery, it is possible to display information on the locked screen.

You will find your favorite places or cars without an exact reference to the address - just put a mark on the map and the compass will lead you.

Additional functions:

• 8-ray compass rose;
• determination of altitude above sea level;
• longitude/latitude coordinates, units of measurement in different formats;
• determination of azimuth and return path.

A variety of beautiful and interesting designs makes it possible to find one that suits you.

DigitalCompass

The list of popular compass applications for Android ends with Digital Compass. This is a free and easy-to-use application that, like many others, can work based on satellite data to measure magnetic field strength. It can be switched to landscape mode if desired.

Compass 360 Pro Free

You can download it here.

A compass that has been installed about 100,000 times, which may indicate its popularity . I will highlight some of the possibilities:

1. A simple interface that any user, even a beginner, can understand;
2. Does not require a connection to the World Wide Web - the Internet;
3. Supports a large number of languages.

A compass for Android is something that won't let you get lost.

Using it, you can find out latitude and longitude, that is, the coordinates where a person is located. This function will be very useful if you need to transfer important data, for example, to the rescue service. In addition, the owner of the program has the opportunity to make notes on the map that can be saved until deleted by the user himself. The program can run on an Android tablet.

Main advantages of the Compass application:

1. Bright and harmonious interface with large icons. The bright design greatly simplifies working with the application and allows even an inexperienced user to understand the program. It is worth noting that the program interface is designed very competently; the application is not replete with unnecessary information blocks, so only the information that interests the user is displayed on the screen of the mobile device.
2. The application is very easy to use. Therefore, if, for example, you need to put a topographical mark, then this can be done in just a few clicks.
3. The program has the ability to calibrate the magnetic field strength. This function allows you to use a metal detector to search for metal objects at various distances.

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Why do you need a compass on your phone?

First, let's figure out why you need a compass in a smartphone. It helps you navigate in space even in the absence of a map of the area. If you know the approximate location of a settlement or a specific object, this device in capable hands will help you find it.

Sometimes the arrow on a mobile navigator begins to move chaotically. If this disruption continues for a long time, it will become difficult to navigate the road. The compass, although an outdated device, is still a relevant and proven way to determine location. Of course, carrying a compass with you in the usual sense is not always convenient, so smartphone developers have integrated a corresponding sensor into their devices.

The compass feature is available in pre-installed apps on many Android devices and works through and. To see the treasured arrow, always pointing north, just open the Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator application.