If you become lost while using an Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 9, you may utilize the Backtrack function of the reimagined Compass app to help you find your way back.
Without having to worry about losing your way, the Backtrack app on your Apple Watch will produce a digital breadcrumb trail of your journey. Despite Apple’s claim that Backtrack is best used when far from the comforts of home or the conveniences of the office and while in a location with no access to Wi-Fi, the software may of course be used wherever it is required.
Following are instructions for use the Backtrack on Apple Watch. A metal watch strap may interfere with the accuracy of the Backtrack app.
Bring up the Apple Watch’s Compass app
- Start recording your journey by tapping the footprints symbol in the lower-right corner of the screen, then continuing to touch Start.
- For Compass to access your Recent Locations, you may need to scroll down and hit Allow Once.
- Retrace your steps by tapping the pause button in the screen’s lower right corner.
A white arrow will bounce around the compass and point in the appropriate direction from the place where you first set off. Within the compass’s circle, your return route will be shown as a white line. Simply retrace your steps to go back to the point where you made your first turn in Backtrack.
Once you’ve returned to your starting point, press the footprints symbol once again, and this time choose Delete Steps.
In watchOS 9, the Compass app adds the ability to construct Compass Waypoints on the fly, which may be used in tandem with Backtrack.
Methods for Sounding the Siren on Your Apple Watch Ultra (3 Easy Ways)
Backtrack on Apple Watch, like the one on the Apple Watch, is a safety function that integrates software with the device’s in-built compass. When out on a hike, it’s especially simple to lose your bearings. In the event that the wearer becomes disoriented, they may utilize Backtrack to easily locate their original starting position as well as any previously indicated waypoints along the route. Only Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra devices with the watchOS 9 upgrade may use this function. Apple also warns that metal watch bands may affect the accuracy of the Apple Watch’s Compass Backtrack, as is the case with any compass.
How to Initiate a Reverse Compass Movement?
The Compass Backtrack app requires a few privacy settings to be enabled before users can begin tracking their movements. On the associated iPhone, open Privacy & Security, then tap Location Services. Select the “Compass” menu item and toggle “Precise Location” on. After that, turn on ‘Significant Locations’ by going to ‘System Services.’ In order for Backtrack to be able to track a linked Apple Watch, these two options must be activated.
Backtrack on Apple Watch user to initiate the tracking process by using the Compass app. Then, in the right-hand corner of the display, where a pair of footprints appears, hit the ‘Backtrack’ button. When you hit this button, the symbol will transform from a set of footprints into a pause button. This means that the wearer’s current path is being recorded by Apple Watch via the Backtrack app, but the Compass app continues to work normally.
