How to turn on and configure a compass on Xiaomi smartphones: a detailed guide

Why Xiaomi Compasses May Not Work – And How to Fix Them

Have you ever tried to use a compass on your Xiaomi but couldn’t find it on the menu? Or did the sensor show incorrect data even though the GPS is stable? The problem is often not hardware failure, but the wrong settings or lack of calibration. In this article, we’ll look at how to turn on a compass on Xiaomi (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), where to look for sensor settings and how to calibrate it for accurate readings.

Many users mistakenly think that the compass is a separate application that needs to be downloaded from Google Play. In fact, the magnetic field sensor (compass) is built into most modern Xiaomi smartphones and activated through system settings or standard services, such as Google Maps. However, there are nuances: on some firmware (especially custom) the function can be disabled by default or hidden in the depth of the menu.

Before you get to the instructions, check if your model supports a compass sensor. For example, budget devices like the Redmi A1 or POCO C50 may not have a magnetometer, in which case no settings will help. To see if there is a compass in your smartphone, use the AIDA64 app (Sensor section).

How to check if there is a compass on your Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have a compass sensor (magnetometer). To avoid wasting time, first make sure your device supports this feature. Here are three ways to check:

• 🔍 Through AIDA64: Install the app from Google Play, open the Sensors section, and find the Magnetic Field string. If you have one, the sensor is present.
• 📱 Through Test Code: Enter ##4636## in the dialer, go to Equipment Testing and check for Magnetometer.
• 🌍 Through Google Maps: Open the app, double-click on the blue dot of your location – if a compass scale appears, the sensor works.

If none of these methods worked, you probably don't have a compass model, and then you can use alternative navigation methods, like this one, GPS-Compasses in applications like Osmand or Locus Map, but they will be less accurate without a magnetometer.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market, the compass sensor can be software-disabled due to legal restrictions, in which case the flashing on the computer will help. MIUI China or custom firmware type LineageOS.

Method 1: Enable compass through Xiaomi settings

If your smartphone supports a compass sensor, the easiest way to activate it is through system settings. MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show All Apps.
4. Find the Compass (or Compass) in the list and tap it.
5. Click Enable if the application is disabled.

After that, the compass icon should appear in the application menu. If it is not available, try searching through the system (swipe down the main screen and type "compass").

Make sure there are no magnets or metal objects nearby.

Turn off magnetic clasp cases

Go out into an open space (indoor readings may be inaccurate)

The battery should be at least 20% charged.

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), the compass is integrated into the Security app to find it:

1. Open Security (Shield icon).
2. Go to the Tools or Utilities tab.
3. Find the Compass point and tap it.

Method 2: Using Google Maps to activate compass

If the system compass is missing or not working, you can use the built-in feature in Google Maps. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones with Google services installed:

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Click on the blue dot that indicates your location.
3. In the window that appears, select Calibration of the compass.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: rotate the phone in space, describing the eight until the scale is full.

Once calibrated, the compass will be available directly in Google Maps, with an arrow pointing north at the top of the screen, convenient because it doesn’t require a separate application, but only works when you have an active internet connection (to download maps).

Through MIUI settings

Through Google Maps

Installed a separate appendix

There's no compass on my smartphone.-->

If the compass in Google Maps doesn’t calibrate or shows incorrect data, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📶 Enable High Accuracy in Location Settings (Settings) → Location → Regime. → High precision).
• 🧲 Remove metal objects near your phone (keys, coins, magnet cases).

Method 3: Installation of third-party compass applications

If the system compass is missing or not working properly, you can install a third-party app. There are dozens of options on Google Play, but we recommend the following:

Once the application is installed, you may need permission to access the sensors, and to grant it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the compass installed and select Permissions.
3. Activate access to Location and Body Sensors (if any).

⚠️ Note: Some compass apps from Google Play may contain malicious code or display intrusive advertising. Check reviews and ratings before installing (must be at least 4.0).

Xiaomi Compass Calibration: Why It Matters

Even if the compass is on, it can show incorrect data due to improper calibration, which occurs when the magnetic field sensor is "hit" due to external interference (for example, metal objects nearby) or after updating the firmware.

• 🧭 Eliminate the displacement of the compass needle.
• 📍 Improve the accuracy of the determination of the sides of the light.
• 🔄 Restore after a system failure.

To calibrate the compass on Xiaomi:

1. Open a system compass or third-party application.
2. If you have a Calibration button, press it.
3. Rotate the phone in the air, describing the eight until the indicator is full.
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for better accuracy.

If the compass still shows the wrong data after calibration, the problem may be the hardware damage to the sensor, in which case only the service center will help.

Frequent Compass Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even after the compass is successfully activated, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the sensor settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the parameters.
2. Find the Reset sensor settings item (could be called the Hardware test).
3. Confirm the reset and restart the phone.

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If you use a compass often on hikes or travel, add its widget to the home screen. To do this, pinch the empty space on the screen → Widgets → find the Compass and drag it to a convenient place.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Compasses on Xiaomi

💡

If the compass on Xiaomi doesn’t work despite all attempts, check the integrity of the sensor at the service center. It will cost less to replace it than buying a new phone, especially for flagship models.