On Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 and later models running watchOS 9, you can use the redesigned Compass app's Backtrack feature to track your route and then help you retrace your steps in case you get lost.

watchos 9 compass app backtrack
Backtrack uses the GPS on your Apple Watch to create a virtual breadcrumb trail of your route so you don't have to worry about keeping track of where you're going. According to Apple, Backtrack is designed to be used in remote settings, away from familiar places like your home or workplace, and outside densely populated areas without Wi-Fi, but there's nothing stopping you from using it anywhere you need it.

The following steps show you how to use the Backtrack feature in watchOS 9. Note that the accuracy of Backtrack may be hindered by metal watch bands.

  1. Open the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap the footprints icon in the bottom-right of the screen, then tap Start to begin recording your route.
  3. If necessary, scroll down and tap Allow Once to allow Compass to access your Recent Locations.
  4. When you're ready to retrace your steps, tap the pause icon in the bottom-right of the screen, then tap Retrace Steps.
    compass

  5. Your starting location will appear on the compass, and a bouncing white arrow will point you in the right direction. The path back to the starting point will appear within the compass circle as a white line. Follow the path back to return to where you first turned on Backtrack.
  6. When you've arrived at your starting location, tap the footsteps icon again, then tap Delete Steps.

In watchOS 9, the Compass app also lets you create Compass Waypoints while you're on the move, which you can also use in combination with Backtrack. Click the link to learn more.

Related Forum: Apple Watch

Top Rated Comments

gpat Avatar
32 months ago
I'd totally use this to get back to my car parking spot.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PsykX Avatar
32 months ago
Damn that's actually a pretty cool feature.
Strangely, I watched every keynote and never heard of this before.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
unregbaron Avatar
32 months ago
Shame it's not always on - you don't always know when you're going to get lost. Can users set it to be always on?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aorr Avatar
32 months ago
It blows my mind they have this feature but don’t overlay the information on a map. Every time I’ve used gaia to retrace my route seeing the route on a solid topo or satellite imagery is critical to accurately navigating back the way I had come. Granted that is usually in complicated terrain with lots of cliffs and no trails, but isn’t the backcountry what this watch is all about. ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CheffyDude Avatar
32 months ago
Fact: This can also be done using a blood trail.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1557750 Avatar
32 months ago
Anyway this allows me to backtrack about 30 years so I can make different investment decisions?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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