Free online compass tool that uses your smartphone's built-in magnetic sensor to display direction in real time. Switch between True North and Magnetic North, with GPS coordinates, altitude and accuracy. 100% browser-based, no app installation required.
Zero Dependencies Β· Privacy Safe Β· No Data Uploadπ‘ First-time users: please allow sensor and location permissions. Hold your phone flat for the most accurate readings.
The online compass requires two permissions: 1) Motion sensor permission (to get device orientation data); 2) Location permission (for GPS positioning, optional). The browser will prompt for permissions on first use. All data is processed locally on your device and never uploaded to any server.
Compass accuracy depends on your device's sensor quality. If the direction is unstable or inaccurate, try: 1) Moving the device in a figure-8 pattern to calibrate; 2) Avoiding magnetic interference sources (speakers, metal objects); 3) Keeping the device level with the ground. On iOS: Settings β Privacy β Location Services β System Services β Compass Calibration. On Android: calibrate via Google Maps.
Any modern smartphone or tablet with a magnetometer/electronic compass is supported. This includes iPhone, iPad, and Android phones/tablets. Desktop computers and laptops typically lack magnetometer sensors, though some Windows tablets (Surface) and MacBooks may support it. If no sensor is available, the page will display a notification.
Magnetic North is the direction the Earth's magnetic field points to β this is what a physical compass shows. True North is the direction to the geographic North Pole. Since the magnetic north pole is not at the same location as the geographic north pole, there is a deviation called magnetic declination. This tool uses the WMM World Magnetic Model to automatically calculate declination and lets you switch between True North and Magnetic North.
The online compass is a free digital compass tool based on the HTML5 DeviceOrientation API, utilizing your smartphone or tablet's built-in magnetometer sensor to detect device heading in real time. It accurately displays North, South, East, West, and intercardinal directions. The compass face clearly marks N, S, E, W along with NE, NW, SE, SW β eight directional markings in total β with the red needle always pointing North, making it easy to find your way.
Supports True North and Magnetic North reference modes that can be freely switched. Magnetic North is where the physical compass points to the magnetic pole, while True North is the geographic North Pole. The tool includes a built-in WMM (World Magnetic Model) algorithm that automatically calculates and corrects for magnetic declination based on your current GPS position. It also displays GPS coordinates, altitude, and positioning accuracy β making it the ideal tool for hiking, travel navigation, and orienteering.
All data processing happens locally in your browser. Direction and location information is never uploaded to any server, fully protecting your privacy. No registration required, completely free to use.