How to make use of the Apple Watch’s Compass Waypoints and Backtrack options

Apple did a number of work prepping new options for the Apple Watch Ultra. That contains redesigning the Compass app in watchOS 9 to incorporate waypoints — factors of curiosity — and Backtrack, the flexibility to retrace your steps utilizing your watch’s GPS.

Waypoints and Backtrack aren’t restricted to the Ultra, both. Anyone with an Apple Watch Series 6 or later can profit. (That contains each generations of the Apple Watch SE.) That stated, Ultra house owners get some further perks. For occasion, there’s an unique Wayfinder watchface for the Ultra that places the Compass app entrance and middle. You may also use the Action button as a shortcut to drop waypoints whereas on the go.

But no matter which Apple Watch mannequin you’ve, Compass Waypoints and Backtrack may be helpful instruments for non-hikers, too. Waypoints can simply as simply mark fascinating spots when exploring a metropolis or function a reminder of the place you parked your automobile. And whereas Backtrack is designed for distant areas with no Wi-Fi, there’s nothing stopping you from utilizing it wherever you’d like.

Before you get began, you have to verify two issues. First, ensure you’ve up to date to watchOS 9. Secondly, verify that you just haven’t deleted the native Compass app out of your iPhone. If you’ve, you’ll must redownload it in order that it seems in your Apple Watch.

You’ve acquired a couple of methods to create waypoints. The quickest means is thru the Compass app.

Ultra house owners may also create waypoints utilizing the Action button. But first, you’ll must program the Action button to open the Waypoint motion.

Once you’ve created waypoints, you need to use the Compass app to navigate to them out of your present location.

To navigate to a waypoint:

For even simpler entry, you may create a complication in your watchface. Here’s how to do this.

Backtrack creates a digital breadcrumb path that helps you “go back the way you came.” It makes use of your watch’s GPS and is supposed for use while you’re exploring unfamiliar areas the place you won’t have sign. Apple additionally says that, at the least on the Ultra, it’ll robotically begin the Backtrack function as soon as it detects you’ve left a Wi-Fi-rich space in case you want it, kind of like the way it detects automated exercises.

To use Backtrack with the Action button:

You may also entry Backtrack from the Emergency menu:

Both Compass Waypoints and Backtrack have a bit of little bit of a studying curve so far as getting the steps proper. If you’re pondering of counting on these options earlier than mountaineering in a distant space, ensure to follow them beforehand.