Practical guides
Calibrating your phone compass for a clearer Qibla reading
Why magnetic interference affects a Qibla compass and how to check and calibrate your phone before reading the direction.
A phone compass measures magnetic orientation. The app then combines that orientation with the calculated bearing to Mecca. GPS and the compass have different jobs: a good location fix does not guarantee a reliable compass reading.
First remove nearby magnetic accessories and keep the phone away from large metal objects. Hold it level and observe whether the direction is stable. Rotating the phone should change its orientation smoothly; erratic jumps can indicate interference or a sensor problem.
When Mekkacompass displays a calibration notice, move the phone through a figure-eight motion a few times. Follow your device manufacturer’s guidance if it gives additional instructions. Then return to a quiet position and check the reading again.
Compare the result in another spot if the reading still varies. A phone without a suitable direction sensor cannot provide the same rotating compass view. The map can help you understand the geographical relationship, but it does not fix a faulty or missing sensor.