It is possible to navigate using the Maps app from Apple and Google Maps. This way you can follow a route by car, bicycle or on foot. The compass function is a useful tool here, especially if you are out walking.
Many users do not know how the compass in the Maps app works exactly. This helps you keep the straight path and navigate through streets, nature reserves, etc. We explain how to use the compass function correctly, so that you always move in the right direction.
iPhone compass in Maps apps
The Compass feature in Apple’s Maps app and Google Maps shows the direction your iPhone or iPad is pointing, making it easier to see where you’re going. When you activate this feature, the map rotates with your movements so that the top of the screen always corresponds to the direction you are looking. This makes it easier to navigate, especially in unfamiliar areas or while hiking.
Use Compass in Apple Maps
- Open the Maps app
- Tap the wind rose symbol (arrow) at the top right
- Your current location will immediately be marked on the map (blue dot)
- Tap the arrow again
- A line appears above the compass rose
- From now on, the map rotates with how you hold your iPhone
A blue ‘fan’ will appear at your current location, indicating which direction the top of your iPhone (or iPad) is pointing. This is your viewing direction. Use this tool to navigate. This way you can clearly see which direction you need to walk to get back to a path or something similar.
Three different arrows
When you look in Apple’s Maps app you will notice that there are three different arrows (wind roses). All three have a different meaning.
- Colored arrow: Your current and exact location is visible in the center of the map
- Colored arrow with dash: Current location is visible on the map and the map rotates with the top of your iPhone or iPad
- Uncolored arrow: Tap the arrow to see your current location on the map
Blue indicates viewing direction
In almost all navigation apps, the blue fan will be visible at your current location. In almost all cases, this blue fan is the same as the viewing direction of your iPhone or iPad. This means that the top of your device determines the viewing direction. The fan runs from narrow to wide, with the wide part indicating which way you are looking.
iPhone compass in Google Maps
- Open the Google Maps
- Tap the wind rose symbol (arrow)
- Your current location will immediately be marked on the map (blue dot)
- Tap the arrow again
- The arrow turns into a compass needle
- From now on, the map rotates with how you hold your iPhone
At your current location you will see a blue ‘fan’ indicating which direction the top of your iPhone (or iPad) is pointing. This is your viewing direction. Use this tool to navigate. With Google Maps, moving along with the viewing direction is more complicated to use than with Apple Maps.
Restore map position to the north
As soon as you rotate the map, the top will no longer automatically be north. Do you want this? Then tap the compass on the map to restore the orientation. This works in both Apple’s Maps application and Google Maps. You can also use geographic north for the compass.