Galaxy Watch Compass app user guide

Last Update date : Aug 13. 2023

The Samsung Compass app shows the direction your Galaxy Watch is facing and assists you in locating your position and bearings. Follow the instructions below to make sure the Compass app is accurately calibrated and ready for use when required.

A backpacker standing on rocky terrain overlaid with an image of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Compass app.

Note: The Galaxy Watch compass app is available only for Watch4 Series, Galaxy Watch5 Series, Galaxy Watch 6 Series.

How to calibrate the compass on a Samsung Galaxy Watch

Before using the Compass app on your Samsung Galaxy Watch device, it must be calibrated.


In order to calibrate the Samsung Compass app, please follow these steps:

Samsung Compass app on a Galaxy Watch. Samsung Compass app on a Galaxy Watch.

Step 1. Navigate to and open the Samsung Compass app on your Galaxy Watch.

Calibrate the Samsung Compass app. Calibrate the Samsung Compass app.

Step 2. Swipe to and tap Calibrate.

Instructional for calibrating Samsung Compass app. Instructional for calibrating Samsung Compass app.

Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to calibrate your watch.

Note: To ensure a successful calibration, step away from any magnetic sources, such as a wireless charger, and take off your D-Buckle Sport band. The app will not function correctly if calibrated incorrectly.

See your current bearings, incline, and location

Compass screen showing directional bearing. Compass screen showing directional bearing.

Bearings: The main compass screen displays your watch’s current bearing in direction and degrees at the centre of the watch face.

Samsung Compass app displaying degree of incline. Samsung Compass app displaying degree of incline.

Incline Information: To find your degree of incline, swipe up on the compass screen.

Precise Location Information:

Find your location with Samsung Compass app. Find your location with Samsung Compass app.

Step 1: To find information about your precise location, scroll down and tap Location.

Location settings in Samsung Compass app. Location settings in Samsung Compass app.

Step 2: Tap Use precise location switch, and then select one of the permission options on the screen.

Location information on Galaxy Watch. Location information on Galaxy Watch.

Step 3: Once the compass gets your location, it displays the location details, such as altitude or barometric pressure.

Compass Accuracy

The accuracy of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Compass app can be negatively impacted by magnetic interference found in places such as densely populated cities, car parks, inside structures, and within cars. For the best results, the app should be used outdoors and away from tall buildings.

Note: Wearing a D-Buckle Sport band on your Galaxy Watch whilst using this app is not recommended, as the magnetic buckle on the D-Buckle Sport band could disrupt the app's intended functionality.

Additional Compass Settings

Magnetic north or True North:

The Galaxy Watch Compass app is set to magnetic north by default. If you wish to set the compass to true north, follow the instructions below:

Compass app settings Compass app settings

Step 1. Swipe to and tap Settings.

Compass app north settings. Compass app north settings.

Step 2. Tap North and select True north. Then, swipe right twice. Tap Calibrate and follow the onscreen instructions.

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