Apple watchOS 9 compass not working or constantly spinning? Try these easy workarounds

watchOS 9 recently arrived as the latest update for eligible Apple Watch devices. The software brings a set of new features that increase the possibilities and improve the experience of using these wearables.

However, the initial update rollout has not been problem-free. For instance, we recently covered how watchOS 9 broke Spotify integration with Apple Watch and the annoying ‘Snooze double pinch’ notification.

Now, it seems that the update is also causing some issues in one of the basic features of the watch. Apparently, the Apple Watch compass function is not working or is constantly spinning after the new watchOS 9 update.

According to multiple reports, watchOS 9 compass is getting stuck in a red circle that never stops spinning or searching (similar to a radar).

hello there! I ve upgrade my apple watch series 6 to watch os 9 but my compass is not working anymore. i have restarted my watch several time and I have done a full reset but without any results.

What is the solution? thank you in advance for your help
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Using Watch9.0 the Compass App not working. When I try to open the app, all that shows on the screen is something that looks like a radar that just tracks round and round but never stops.
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There are some workarounds you can try to fix the issue. First, one of the most effective tips is to first run the ‘Compass app’ from your iPhone, then open the same app on your Apple Watch.

In some cases, opening the Compass app first from the phone might not be enough. So, you can try opening it on your iPhone, turn ‘True north’ on and then off, force close the app, reopen it, and then open it on your Apple Watch.

Update. Had to launch the compass app on the phone, turned true north back off, force closed the app, opened the app on phone again and it works… idk why the phone would matter but this fixed it for me
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Alternatively, you can also try the following:

On the connected iPhone:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Compass Calibration
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There is still no official word on the issue from Apple. We will update this story once new events related to the matter arise.

Featured image: Apple

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