Apple Watch Compass: Backtrack and waypoints not only on the Ultra model

Während Apple's September keynote as well as in subsequent reports and tests The new watchOS 9 compass features, such as backtrack and waypoints, were primarily related to the apple watch ultra called. But the model for extreme athletes, explorers and divers is not the only Apple smartwatch with these functions. Starting with Apple Watch Series 6, all models including the Apple Watch SE can use the compass functions backtrack and waypoints, provided you have watchOS 9 installed. I'll show you how to use the features below.

Find your way back: Add compass waypoints to Apple Watch

One way to track the route covered with the Apple Watch is to set waypoints manually. At crossings of the hiking trail or at other places you can set markers that are recorded using GPS data. So they can be used later for the way back. To add a waypoint, do the following:

1. Types in the Compass App on the Apple Watch on the bottom left Waypoint button (speech bubble with compass needle icon)
2. Adds a name for the waypoint under Label by tapping the date and time
3. The longitude and latitude of the waypoint can also be adjusted under "Location".
4. Furthermore, you can adjust the color of the waypoint to better distinguish individual points or to recognize them better
5. Finish adding the waypoint by clicking Done

Note: If you want the set waypoint to be available for finding the way back, but not immediately displayed on the wind rose, then you must deactivate "Show waypoint" in its options. If you have carried out the individual steps and marked several points on your way, this results in a path that you can use for the way back. To do this, you activate “Show waypoint” for each set entry.

Follow your own path: Use Backtrack of the Compass app from watchOS 9

In order to be able to automatically retrace your own path with the Apple Watch, a few settings must first be made on the associated iPhone (if available). So if you are going to be traveling in unfamiliar terrain with no other navigation options, note a few settings on the connected Apple smartphone beforehand. Choose among Settings -> Privacy -> Location services the following options:

• Tap on Compass and activate the slider for "Exact location"
• Also choose System services off and activated there under Important Places the "Key Places" slider

Now it's about the backtrack function of the Apple Watch, Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Ultra paired with the iPhone set in this way. To be able to retrace your own steps, proceed as follows:

1. Before starting the hike, open the Compass App on the Apple Watch
2. Tap on the bottom right Back track button (footsteps in a circle) – the function is now active and the button becomes a pause icon (two parallel vertical bars)
3. If it is necessary to retrace the path and thus start the way back, tap on it pause buttonto stop tracking and view the recorded track
4. Go back and follow the path white line, which is shown inside the compass on the watch display
5. Are you back at the starting point or at a waypoint from which you can find your way back on your own or from which you have to turn differently, tap on the animated one Back track button (footsteps) and then up Delete Stepsto complete Backtrack

More GPS information and compass instructions

I think it's great that these aids against getting lost in the terrain are not only part of the Apple Watch Ultra. Even those who rarely go on hikes and discovery tours and don't want to buy an ultra-expensive smartwatch can count on these GPS functions. 

As a note, some sources state that the Apple Watch's GPS capabilities may be disrupted when metal straps are used. So if you really need to rely on waypoints and backtrack in the compass app, it's better to use a fabric or plastic strap on the Apple Watch. You can also find more compass app instructions in the Apple support document HT210324.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.