Galaxy Watch Compass app user guide

Last Update date : Aug 18. 2023

The Samsung Compass app displays the direction your Galaxy Watch is facing and helps you find your location and bearings. Follow the instructions below to ensure that the Compass app is properly calibrated and ready when you need it.

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: In order to ensure a successful calibration, step away from anything magnetic, like a wireless charger, and remove your D-Buckle Sport band. The app will not function properly if incorrectly calibrated.

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 center 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 affected by magnetic interference found in places like densely populated cities, parking garages, inside buildings, and inside cars. For the best results, the app should be used outdoors and away from tall buildings.

Note: It is not advisable to wear a D-Buckle Sport band on your Galaxy Watch when utilizing this app since the D-Buckle Sport band has a magnetic buckle that can interfere with the app’s ability to function as designed.

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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