Compass issues, how can I fix it?

riskay

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Compass issues

I just got my 5X yesterday and the compass seems to be screwed up. It starts off at least 60 degrees off and when I rotate the phone it sometimes jumps 90 degrees or more. It also changes when I go from having the phone parallel to the ground and then tip it up to perpendicular. This seems to happen with any app that displays direction. I've tried all of the figure eight and rotate in different axis maneuvers with no result.

Any suggestions?
 

riskay

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Re: Compass issues

Might want to try to fix it with GPS Status and Toolbox app. I've used it a couple of times and it has resolved my compass issues when things get out of whack.

Good luck!

Thanks, I tried that app. It helps to illustrate the problem but doesn't solve it.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
 

Zendroid1

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Aug 22, 2011
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Re: Compass issues

Have you tried to erase and start from scratch? If that doesn't fix it, it's probably hardware related.
 

riskay

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Re: Compass issues

Have you tried to erase and start from scratch? If that doesn't fix it, it's probably hardware related.

That's my thought too. I just spent a half hour on the phone with a support person trying to convince her that it is hardware related. She insisted I do a factory reset, which didn't do any good. She is going to escalate my issue to higher level of support. So I have to wait "24-48 hours" for a reply.
 

riskay

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Re: Compass issues

I ordered a replacement phone. Has the same issue. Some testing shows that the compass will calibrate, but the calibration is apparently not saved and the phone reverts to previous behavior when powered off and back on.
 
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mr_nobody

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Re: Compass issues

I ordered a replacement phone. Has the same issue. Some testing shows that the compass will calibrate, but the calibration is apparently not saved and the phone reverts to previous behavior.

Occurred to me I should test the compass before my 14 day window passes and found it was out of whack. I used the app listed above to recalibrate and it seems to be working (tested in multiple apps). I have not tested if it survives a device reboot. Just curious when you noticed the reversions? After a reboot? Other? Thanks.
 

riskay

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Re: Compass issues

Occurred to me I should test the compass before my 14 day window passes and found it was out of whack. I used the app listed above to recalibrate and it seems to be working (tested in multiple apps). I have not tested if it survives a device reboot. Just curious when you noticed the reversions? After a reboot? Other? Thanks.

Even when I calibrate mine, it's still off about 25 degrees, but at least it's consistent. Powering the phone off and back on kills that calibration and it's back to the previous screwed up condition.
 

mr_nobody

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Re: Compass issues

Even when I calibrate mine, it's still off about 25 degrees, but at least it's consistent. Powering the phone off and back on kills that calibration and it's back to the previous screwed up condition.

Irritating, a reboot does reset my calibration. I wonder if the calibrating app just needs to be updated for marshmallow?
 

Don_Henry

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Re: Compass issues

I am an Android newbie (this is my first Droid device) - but I don't seem to even have the compass app. I have no icon - and it is not showing in the apps list.

Is it hidden somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!!

Nexus 5X on AT&T - Posted via the Android Central App
 

mr_nobody

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Re: Compass issues

I am an Android newbie (this is my first Droid device) - but I don't seem to even have the compass app. I have no icon - and it is not showing in the apps list.

Is it hidden somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!!

Nexus 5X on AT&T - Posted via the Android Central App

No there is no builtin compass app...although you can see its effect in the Maps app.
 

acegolfer

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Re: Compass issues

I got a replacement for a yellow screen. Same compass issue.

When I ran maps for the first time on the replacement phone, it asked to calibrate. 3 steps.
1. Wave front and back
2. Spin side ways
3. Wave side ways.

Then the compass worked. Only took 5 seconds to calibrate. I don't think it's permanent tho
 

boxodonuts

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I just followed the tip in the video - to do the calibration quickly in all directions - and now my compass is all set. I rebooted and the calibration is still there.
Thanks!
 

Benjamin Noffsinger

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The method for compass calibration demonstrated in the following video works quickly and reliably. I found that the method suggested in the Maps app did nothing at all. I have a replacement 5x on the way, but I tried to cancel the replacement after seeing the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2uC3dZ1jz8&feature=youtu.be

This worked for me. The calibration had been off for months and driving me crazy and all attempts to calibrate using the spin on each of the three axis directions failed. Thank you.
 

ptkelly

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Maybe I was sold something other than a Nexus 5x in a Nexus 5x box. I got out my old compass, fired up Google Maps and the little dot showing "You are Here" pointed north when the Nexus pointed north. Apparently, my compass is okay. But that's not half the problem. I don't have a problem with battery drain. I charge my batter every three days or so. I haven't had a problem with lagging or stuttering. My notifications do offer me the appropriate alternatives for reply or delete or whatever. My sound seems to be fine and I use my Bluetooth earphones to listen to music when I walk my dog. No problems there, either.

So, maybe my Nexus 5x isn't really a Nexus 5x. Maybe it's something else that will run Android 7 beta 5. It's too small to be a Nexus 6p. Aha! It's the super-secret Nexus 6p mini.
 

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