Compass Test
Press Start and hold your phone flat. The dial turns with the heading reported by your device’s magnetometer.
Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded—
Tilt front/back —Tilt left/right —
How to use Compass Test
- Open this page on a phone or tablet and press Start.
- Allow motion/orientation access if asked.
- Hold the device flat and turn slowly; compare with a known direction.
Formula & assumptions
- Readings come straight from your device’s sensors — nothing is simulated, recorded or sent.
Questions
Why is the heading wrong?
Magnets, metal and electronics nearby disturb the magnetometer. Move away from them and calibrate by moving the phone in a figure-eight a few times.
Is it true north or magnetic north?
iPhone reports a heading close to true north when location is available; most Android browsers report magnetic north. The difference (declination) depends on where you are.
Why does it say no heading on Android?
The browser may only expose relative orientation. Chrome on Android supports absolute orientation; other browsers may not.