How to Use PointMe.live
Get your compass running in seconds on any smartphone — no app download required.
Quick Start
-
Open in your mobile browser
Navigate to pointme.live in Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android). The compass uses your phone's built-in magnetometer sensor. -
Tap "Start Compass"
On iPhone, iOS will ask for permission to access motion & orientation sensors. Tap Allow. On Android, it typically starts automatically. -
Hold your phone flat and level
The compass works best when held horizontally (face-up), like a traditional compass. The red needle points North. -
Read your heading
The large number shows your degrees (0–359°), and the letters below show your cardinal direction (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW, and intermediates). -
Calibrate if needed
If the compass seems off, move your phone in a slow figure-8 pattern a few times. This re-calibrates the magnetometer.
Platform-Specific Notes
iPhone (iOS Safari)
- Requires iOS 13 or later
- You must tap "Allow" on the permission prompt each session
- If the prompt doesn't appear, go to Settings → Safari → Motion & Orientation Access and enable it
- Works best in Safari — Chrome for iOS may have limitations
Android (Chrome)
- Chrome on Android does not require a permission tap — it starts automatically
- If you see no reading, ensure "Location" and "Sensors" permissions are not blocked in Chrome settings
- Some budget Android phones have lower-quality magnetometers — accuracy varies
Desktop / Laptop
- Most laptops and desktop computers do not have magnetometer sensors
- You will see a message indicating the sensor is unavailable
- Open PointMe.live on your phone for full compass functionality
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the browser compass?
Accuracy depends on your device's magnetometer hardware and environment. High-end smartphones (iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S series) typically achieve ±2–5° accuracy in open spaces. Budget phones may vary by ±10–15°. Interference from metal, electronics, or magnetic cases can reduce accuracy significantly.
Why is my compass spinning or jumping?
This is almost always caused by magnetic interference nearby — metal furniture, speaker magnets, phone cases with magnets, or large electronic devices. Move away from these and perform a figure-8 calibration motion.
Does it work without an internet connection?
Once the page is loaded, the compass works fully offline. The sensor data comes from your phone's hardware, not the internet. However, you need an internet connection to initially load the page.
Does this show magnetic North or true North?
The compass shows magnetic North — the direction your phone's magnetometer detects. Depending on your location, this can differ from true (geographic) North by a few degrees. This difference is called magnetic declination.
The compass started but shows 0° and doesn't move. What's wrong?
Try: (1) Refresh the page and tap Start again. (2) Perform the figure-8 calibration. (3) Check that your browser has permission to access motion sensors. (4) Remove any magnetic phone case.
Can I use this for navigation or hiking?
PointMe.live is a supplementary tool, not a replacement for a dedicated navigation compass or GPS device. For casual orientation it works well, but for serious navigation (backcountry hiking, maritime use) please use professional equipment. See our disclaimer.
Does PointMe.live store my location or compass data?
No. All compass calculations happen entirely in your browser. We never collect, store, or transmit your orientation, location, or any personal data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
How do I use the Qibla finder?
Visit the Qibla Finder page. It uses your device's GPS to determine your location and calculates the direction toward Mecca (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E). You'll need to allow location access.