If your Galaxy A56 is showing the wrong direction in maps or AR apps, the compass may need calibration. A miscalibrated compass can make navigation unreliable, which is frustrating when you depend on your phone for travel or outdoor activities. Thankfully, there are several ways to get the compass working correctly again.
Why Your Galaxy A56 Might Have Compass Calibration Issues
- Magnetic interference from cases, magnets, or nearby electronics.
- Outdated software or location services not working properly.
- Motion sensors inside the phone need recalibration.
- GPS or location accuracy not set to the highest level.
- Temporary system glitches affecting sensor performance.
Recalibrate the Compass in Google Maps.
Google Maps has a built-in calibration tool that can quickly fix inaccurate readings. Recalibrating improves the direction arrow so your phone shows where you are facing.
- Open Google Maps, and then tap the blue location dot.
- Tap Calibrate compass, and then follow the on-screen instructions to move your phone in a figure-eight motion.
After calibration, check if the direction indicator is now more accurate.
Enable High Accuracy Location Mode.
Your phone uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks to improve accuracy. High accuracy ensures better calibration results and prevents drift.
- Open Settings, and then tap Location.
- Tap Location services, and then choose Google Location Accuracy. Turn on Improve Location Accuracy.
With this setting enabled, your phone will pull data from multiple sources to refine location and compass readings.
Remove Magnetic Interference.
Magnets, metallic cases, or even strong electronics can throw off your phone’s sensors. If your compass seems unreliable, try using the phone away from these objects.
- Remove any magnetic case, and then take off accessories that may interfere.
- Step away from electronics like speakers or laptops, and then retest the compass.
If the arrow becomes stable, the issue was interference.
Clear Cache for Maps and Compass Apps.
Corrupted app data can also affect compass accuracy. Clearing cache removes temporary files that may be causing the issue.
- Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
- Find Google Maps or any compass app, and then tap Storage. Tap Clear cache.
After clearing, reopen the app and try using the compass again.
Update Software.
Samsung regularly fixes sensor and GPS issues with updates. Installing the latest version ensures better performance and bug fixes.
- Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install, and then follow the prompts if an update is available.
Once updated, check if your compass accuracy improves.
Restart or Force Restart the Device.
Temporary system glitches can affect the compass. Restarting clears these minor issues.
- Hold the Side and Volume Down keys, and then select Restart.
- If your phone is frozen, hold both keys for about 15 seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
A fresh restart often helps sensors work properly again.
Compass issues on the Galaxy A56 are usually caused by interference or calibration drift. By recalibrating, enabling high accuracy, and removing possible causes of interference, you can quickly restore reliable navigation.
FAQs
Why does my Galaxy A56 compass keep drifting?
It often drifts due to magnetic interference or when calibration is lost after moving through areas with strong signals.
Do I need the internet for compass calibration?
No. The compass works offline, but enabling GPS and Wi-Fi helps improve accuracy when using navigation apps.
Can a phone case affect the compass?
Yes. Cases with magnets or metal parts can disrupt the internal sensors and lead to calibration problems.
