Skip to main content

Wind Compass - True North Calibration

  • Updated

WindC_Icon.png  True North & Compass Calibration in Wind Compass

Wind Compass includes options to improve heading accuracy, including True North and Compass Heading Update. 

Wind Compass can adjust heading to True North for the most accurate directional readings, especially when hiking, boating, or navigating outdoors. If the compass ever feels slightly off, a quick recalibration will realign it right away. This guide walks you through how these settings work and how to quickly recalibrate your phone's compass if needed.

 

Compass Magnetic Declination: Magnetic North vs. True North

Choose how Wind Compass aligns the compass needle:

  • Magnetic North
    • Based on Earth's magnetic field. Can shift depending on location.
  • True North (Recommended)
    • Corrected to point toward the geographic North Pole

To switch:

Tap the gear icon to open the Wind Compass app settings.

Set Compass Magnetic Declination to True North

True North provides the most accurate heading when location accuracy is available.

 

Compass Heading Update (On/Off)

This setting determines whether Wind Compass should follow the direction you are facing or remain fixed.

Setting What happens
On (Recommended)

Compass rotates as you turn your phone
Off

North stays pointing up (locked display)

 

Settings Screen

Setting Screen.png

 

Compass Heading Update Screen

Compass Heading Update.png

 

How to Recalibrate the Compass

If the heading ever feels slightly off, your phone may need to recalibrate its magnetometer.

  1. Move away from metal objects like cars
  2. Remove the magnetic case if applicable
  3. Rotate the phone in a large figure-8 motion (∞)
    • Do this motion for 10-20 seconds

This helps Wind Compass snap back to True North cleanly.

 

Why Calibration is sometimes needed

Normal factors that can influence the phone's compass include:

  • Being inside or near a vehicle
  • Metal objects or reinforced concrete
  • Magnetic cases or mounts
  • Limited GPS/Wi-Fi signal (especially in rural areas)

Wind Compass automatically returns to True North mode as soon as accurate heading data is available.

NOTE: If the heading looks accurate in town but not in remote areas, this is expected, and recalibration typically resolves it.

 

Troubleshooting (if needed)

If heading accuracy doesn't improve:

  1. Confirm:
    • True North is selected
    • Compass Heading Update is On
    • Location Services are enabled
  2. Try stepping away from metal structures
  3. Test while standing still under a clear sky view

 

Still experiencing issues?

We're here to help. Please reach out to us via the app settings. Scroll down and tap Contact Support.

 

Setting Recommended
True North On
Compass Heading Update On
Sensor Recalibration If heading seems off

 

Wind Compass Settings Articles

 

 

Related articles