What to Do in Case of a Mountain Accident or Getting Lost: How to Use iPhone Compass for Rescue

Sometimes, when you're out hiking, the weather can change in a flash, and you might find yourself lost in the mountains or wilderness. To prevent these kinds of emergencies, we're going to show you how to use your iPhone's built-in Compass app to find your coordinates. Then, you can share your GPS location, altitude, and coordinates with your family, friends, or rescue teams, so they can find you quickly!

Friendly reminder: Whether you're using an iPhone or Android, please don't turn off your GPS location services! If you're worried about GPS accuracy, try closing the app from the background, turning on Airplane Mode, and then reopening the app. This will help prevent interference from cell tower location services. This is especially important in mountainous areas where cell towers are scarce. Relying on satellite signals for location is much more reliable.

How to Use iPhone Compass to Find "Latitude and Longitude Coordinates" for Rescue

Open up the built-in 'Compass' app on your iPhone, and you'll see your coordinates – something like 'North Latitude xx° xx' and 'East Longitude xxx° xx' – plus your altitude. Just press and hold on those coordinates, and a 'Copy' button will pop up. Tap it to copy the coordinates.

If you have an Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown on the side, open the 'Compass' app, and swipe down. You'll see the same coordinates and altitude info. Since Apple Watch doesn't let you copy, you'll need to take a screenshot!

What to Do If iPhone Compass Does Not Display North Latitude and East Longitude

If you don't see those latitude and longitude coordinates in the Compass app, it probably means you didn't allow location access when you first opened it. No worries, here's how to fix that:

1. Go to your iPhone's 'Settings' > 'Privacy & Security' > 'Location Services'

2. Find 'Compass' and change it to 'While Using the App.' Once you've done that, go back to the Compass app and see if your location info pops up!

Don't worry about it draining your battery! Your iPhone only uses location services when the Compass app is open and on your screen. Once you close the app or send it to the background, it stops tracking your location. So, no need to worry about battery drain or privacy issues!

Requesting Rescue via Text Message or Communication Software

Once you've got your coordinates, it's time to send a message to your family or friends, letting them know you're lost! But here's a tip: don't just send the coordinates. You need to tell them you're lost and that it's an emergency. Then, send the coordinates. This way, they'll know it's serious and can get help for you!

Summarize

So, who knew your iPhone's Compass could be a lifesaver? Whether you're hiking in the mountains or just exploring a new city, it's super handy to know how to find your coordinates. Just open the Compass app, copy those latitude and longitude numbers, and you're good to go! If you don't see them, check your Location Services in Settings. And remember, it only uses power when the app's open, so no need to worry about battery drain. Stay safe and happy exploring!