Qibla Compass
This page is the specialist live compass. On a phone with a compass sensor it rotates as you turn, and tells you exactly how far to turn to face the Kaaba. If your device has no sensor, we say so honestly and give you the fixed bearing instead — a live compass is never faked.
Location in use: Karachi, Pakistan (default — set your location) — set it on the Qibla Finder page if it is wrong. Qibla bearing from here: 267.7° W, 2,800 km to the Kaaba.
Phone compasses measure magnetic north and are affected by metal, cases with magnets, cars and buildings. Keep the phone flat and away from metal, and re-check against the map line on the Qibla Map page when accuracy matters.
How it is calculated — and its limits
Where the browser provides it, the heading comes from the device orientation sensor (on iOS, webkitCompassHeading, which is already relative to true north; on Android, the absolute orientation alpha value). The Qibla needle is then drawn at your bearing minus your current heading.
Magnetic interference is the main source of error: phone sensors typically claim accuracy of a few degrees in the open and can be far worse near metal. Treat the compass as a guide and confirm with the map line when precision matters.
Compass calibration: hold the phone flat and move it in a figure-eight. Repeat whenever the reading seems stuck or jumps. Keep at least an arm's length from laptops, speakers, cars and steel furniture while you take a reading.
How to use it
- Make sure your location is set (the finder page saves it for all tools).
- Tap “Start Live Compass” and allow motion permission if asked.
- Hold the phone flat and turn slowly until the page says you are facing the Qibla.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Why does the compass ask for permission on iPhone?
iOS requires your explicit tap and permission before a website can read motion and orientation sensors. Nothing is recorded — the permission only lets the dial rotate with your phone.
The compass works on my phone but not my laptop — why?
Most laptops and desktops have no compass sensor at all, so there is nothing to read. This page detects that and shows the fixed bearing instead of pretending to be live.
How do I calibrate my phone compass?
Hold the phone flat, away from metal and magnets, and move it in a slow figure-eight a few times. Remove magnetic cases, and step away from cars, speakers and reinforced concrete where you can.