Where Can I Find the Compass on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus?
Hey there! Have you ever wondered where the compass is hiding on your Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus? Well, fret not, my friend! I’m here to guide you on this puzzling quest!
So, here’s the deal: locating the compass on your Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus can be quite confusing. But fear not, for I shall shed some light onto this conundrum.
To start, you might be thinking, “Where on earth could this compass be?” Well, my friend, it’s not actually hiding in some secret, far-off place. The compass on your Galaxy S8 can actually be accessed through an app that comes pre-installed on your device. It’s called “Compass,” so it’s pretty easy to find once you know where to look!
Now, let’s get down to business. To find the Compass app, follow these simple steps:
1. Unlock your Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus using your trusty fingerprint or password.
2. Once you’re on the home screen, swipe up to reveal the app drawer. This is where all your apps hang out!
3. Look for an icon that looks like a compass pointing you in the right direction.
4. Tap on the “Compass” app icon, and voila! You’ve found the compass!
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Why would I even need a compass?” Well, my friend, a compass can come in handy in various situations. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, hiking through unfamiliar territory, or just want to impress your friends with your navigational skills, having a compass handy can be a lifesaver!
Remember, the compass on your Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus is there to help you find your way, so don’t forget to utilize it whenever you need a little guidance. Happy exploring!
Hey there! Did you know that your Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus smartphone actually has a built-in magnetic compass? It’s pretty cool! You’ve probably seen it in action if you’ve ever used Google Maps or a similar app and noticed the directional arrow showing you which way you were facing on the map. But here’s the thing: the compass app doesn’t show up on your phone by default.
Whether you want to have some fun or prove someone wrong (which can definitely be fun), or maybe you just need a quick and handy compass, your Galaxy S8 has got you covered.
In this article, I’m going to show you how to get your compass to show up, and I’ll also talk about some other great compass apps you can download. Plus, I’ll explain how to recalibrate your compass if it gets a little wonky for some reason.
Finding Your Compass
Even though your Galaxy S8 has a compass, you won’t find the interface for it by default as one of your widgets or in your app list. It’s nowhere to be found in the app drawer or on the home screen. But don’t worry, there’s a way to access it.
You can access the Edge screen by swiping away from the far right side of your phone. Look for a small digital bump on the right side of your screen and tap on it. This will bring up your edge, where you’ll find your favorite contacts, a few apps, and most importantly, a compass!
Enabling Your Samsung Native Compass
If you don’t see your compass, follow these steps to enable it:
- Go to Settings
- Select Display->Edge Screen->Edge Panels
- Choose Quick Tools
- Select Compass
Now your compass will appear whenever you swipe to open the Edge screen. If you don’t see it immediately, just swipe again. There are several panes on the Edge screen, so you can swipe to reveal more.
Recommended Compass Apps
There are thousands of free compass apps available for Android, and most of them work pretty much the same way. Here are a few apps that we recommend:
The Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite has 4.7 stars and offers several useful utilities, including a compass. It’s educational, fun, and definitely worth checking out.
Compass Galaxy is a very simple compass app with a clean user interface. It’s ad-supported, but the ads aren’t bothersome, and the app has great ratings.
Compass Steel 3D is a full-featured compass app that lets you choose between true (map) north and magnetic north. It has customization options, like colors and themes, shows the direction of the sun and moon, calibrates itself, and best of all, no ads.
Orienteering Compass & Map is a cool compass app that integrates with Google Maps to turn your phone into a handy tool for orienteering. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t let you download a map without an internet connection, so it’s more useful in populated areas than in the wilderness. Still pretty awesome, though!
Calibrating Your Compass
Every now and then, your phone’s magnetic compass may become uncalibrated for various reasons. Some compass apps will let you know when this happens, but even if they don’t, recalibrating your compass is simple.
- Open the Phone app
- Dial *#0*# (like you’re making a phone call)
- Select Sensor
- Scroll down to “Magnetic Sensor”
- Spin your phone all the way around in a figure-8 motion until it is calibrated
Now your Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus compass is calibrated and ready for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the compass without the Edge Screen?
Unfortunately, no. If you want to have an app that you can simply tap on from your app drawer, you’ll need to download one from the Google Play Store.
What if my compass still isn’t working after recalibrating?
If recalibrating your compass once doesn’t do the trick, try doing it again. If that still doesn’t work, there might be an internal hardware issue with your S8. In that case, it’s best to seek assistance from a certified Samsung repair shop.
How accurate is the compass on a phone?
Compared to a handheld compass, most Galaxy compasses are pretty accurate. But if you’re serious about hiking, practicing Feng Shui, or going on boating trips, it’s probably safer to bring along a reliable handheld compass. A phone compass relies on software and hardware, which can be thrown off easily, instead of a simple needle and magnet combo.
Does the Samsung Compass need a cellular connection to work?
Based on tests, no. However, it’s a good idea to calibrate your compass before going out of the cellular area because it may not accurately display directions without a connection.
How does the compass on a smartphone work?
Smartphone compasses work differently than handheld compasses because there’s too much interference in the former to use a simple magnet and needle. Instead, smartphones use an accelerometer to determine your position between the North and South poles, giving you a sense of direction. Just remember, depending on what you need the compass for, it’s always a good idea to have a reliable handheld device for travel and navigation.
Got any more tips on using the compass feature of the Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus? Share them with us in the comments section below!
