Apple Watch makes sure you never get lost again

Your Apple Watch is the ideal companion when you’re out and about. Not only does it keep track of things like the calories you burn, it also shows your heart rate and warns you when it is too low. Yet it can now save you in other important situations as well.

We all get lost sometimes. You often grab Google Maps or the Maps app from Apple and you’re in no time back on your way to your destination. But how do you do that if you are not connected to the internet and have no offline maps stored? The Apple Watch shows you the way.

Find your way with the Apple Watch

Since last month we have the Apple Watch Ultra. This smartwatch is specially made for the real adventurers who like to go out into nature. There are various functions that are ideal for hikers and divers, among others. One of those features is also being brought to the ‘regular Apple Watch.

We are talking about a feature available in the Compass app on the Apple Watch. It is available on the Apple Watch Series 5 and newer. You must have watchOS 9 installed.

This new feature will help you find your way back if you’re lost. It shows the road you have traveled and so you can easily return to the starting point through the function. You must turn it on first.

This is Backtrack

Backtrack, as Apple calls the feature for the Compass app, can be found in the lower-right corner of your Apple Watch. You will see two footprints here. When you press it, the Apple Watch keeps track of exactly the route you walk.

If you’re using the feature for the first time, you’ll first need to give the app permission to access your recent location.

This is how you return

Are you ready to return? then click Repeat steps. The starting location of the route is then displayed in the compass. The white arrow points you in the right direction.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, tap the footprint icon again. There you can delete the route immediately as you no longer need it.

In the Netherlands you will probably not use the function, but if you are hiking in the mountains, this is of course the ideal function not to get lost. A nice tool if you are on the road with the Apple Watch Ultra, or any other model that has that function.