Does Compass on iPhone Use Data? (Little Known Facts)

iphone-compass-data

Every new iPhone has an in-built compass. You may have probably seen it but never used it. A digital compass is vital because it can show you the bearings of your current location, the direction your phone is pointing, and elevation.

Yet, how does the compass on an iPhone work? Does it use data?

Data consumption when using compass on iPhone

The Compass on iPhone can work with or without data. The app uses GPS to track one’s location. The difference is that the app can show you your exact location with data, but without data, it only shows bearings of the location. A digital compass is critical to people who love traveling as it helps them stick to the right path even when there is no service.

Times are changing, and people no longer use paper maps with fragile magnetized needles for direction. Instead, everything is getting digitized; hence, it is essential to have orientation data apps.

However, since most people do not know how to use their iPhones’ compass, I will give some vital pointers on the usage of the iPhone compass. 

Does the iPhone Compass Work Offline?

Even with no data, you can still access your location’s coordinates using the compass on your iPhone. It does not matter whether you had mapped out your location before going offline. The app is designed to work without data; all you need to do is set it to the coordinates of your target location and check for a red line which will tell you if you have gone off course. 

How Can You Use an iPhone Compass with No Internet Service?

If you happen to uninstall the inbuilt compass on your phone, you will need an internet connection to install a new one from the app store. After that, you can calibrate your compass then use it without data.

How do you get your location’s bearing using your phone magnetometer? First, ensure the red arrow on the compass is pointing to the North direction, after which you can move it around and move the compass as the headings change. 

The iPhone location system has an in-built fully capable GPS and thus does not need a network connection to work. However, fixing the locations of your compass is much easier and faster if you have a Wi-Fi or data connection. 

There are also specific offline maps on the App store. They enable people to use their iPhones without GPS service. For example, with an OffMap app on your phone, you can zoom on maps till you get your desired location. 

Some compasses can link to maps and allow you to see your location on the map. Hence, it is possible to gauge the coordinates of one’s current location or a different location using an iPhone compass with no internet service. 

Does Compass on iPhone Use Data?

You can use your digital compass if your phone has data. So whether or not your iPhone has a data connection, the compass will work because its functionality does not depend on internet connectivity but the phone’s magnetometer. 

Your phone’s magnetometer must be very sensitive to read your location’s coordinates without data. With data connection, your compass can trace your location from triangulations it picks from Wi-Fi locations and cell towers. 

When calibrating your compass, allow the compass app to use your location to find your coordinates and the orientation of your iPhone. 

Even so, your compass accuracy might sometimes be faulty, yet this is fixable. This issue often arises from magnetic interference from a phone cases’ flap or any other metallic device.

If you are in remote areas, you are highly likely to get accurate results as opposed to locations with numerous constructions. I want to emphasize that a faulty compass has nothing to do with a data connection.

How Can You Enhance Your iPhone Compass’s Accuracy? 

Unlike past times, iPhone users no longer have to manually calibrate their compasses as the app can do it by itself with the correct setup.

 What can make your iPhone compass inaccurate? First, never place your phone on metallic surfaces when using the compass because it will pack a magnetic flap and become inefficient. Also, always ensure that no third-party apps are connected to the compass app as they may hinder its usability.

Even with a self-calibrating feature, always check your compass’ calibration in the privacy settings. You might find that you accidentally turned the location services button off.

Most people’s compasses are set to show the geographical North; check yours and disable the “Use True North” button and also activate your phone location for high compass accuracy. 

If you have a phone with a magnetic flap, your compass will be frozen. Anyway, you can easily unfreeze your compass by tapping on the back of your phone with your palm. 

The easiest way to make your compass more accurate is by resetting your phone. You can do this by turning off the phone’s location services then restarting your phone. 

Does Compass Work on Airplane Mode?

As earlier mentioned, the iPhone compass does not rely on the internet to work; it depends on the phone’s magnetometer. Therefore, you can use your digital compass even on airplane mode. 

The airplane mode shuts down every app that amplifies antenna circuitry, but it does not affect the compass. I think this aspect points to the functionality of the digital compass. It is more like a paper compass that can be used without data, except it is easier to navigate and not bulky or embarrassing to carry around. 

Similarly, the airplane mode does not affect one’s GPS location- this only applies to individuals who use iOS phones. So if you have an iPhone, you should know that location services are not affected by airplane mode. 

In closing, the iPhone compass is ideal for many activities, given it works with or without mobile data. In addition, Apple has many compass apps perfect for specific events. For instance, the Theodolite app is meant for surveyors, and the Star Walk for astronomers.

Always ensure your compass is calibrated to minimize inaccuracies. You never know when you might need to use your compass, so it is wise to learn how to use it. 

Sources

The best travel app is an iPhone feature you’re probably ignoring

How to Use iPhone GPS Without Service