Apple is constantly introducing new features on Apple Watch to make your life easier. Whether it’s notifying you about an irregular heartbeat or AssistiveTouch for users who can’t work on the screen. With watchOS 9, Apple added two new features to the Compass app on Apple Watch — Waypoints and Backtrack.
Waypoints help you mark a certain place of interest that you want to visit while Back Road lets you find your way back if you get lost. Both of these features are useful if you are walking or in an unknown location with no phone signal. If it sounds interesting to you, here’s how you can enable Waypoints and Tracking on your Apple Watch.
What are Backtrack and Waypoints in watchOS 9
Suppose you are walking on a trail in the mountains or in the woods. You may not know which exact path you’re going to take because it’s hard to get networks out in the wild. As a result, you may find it difficult to return to the exact position you started from. This is where Backtrack comes into play.
Backtrack use the Compass app on your Apple Watch to track your way. When it’s time to turn around, your Apple Watch will guide you through the exact route you came from. It’s a lifesaver in situations where GPS-based navigation isn’t available.
The Waypoints feature is similar, but instead of tracking your route, it directs you to a nearby point that you may have marked as a favorite.
Apple Watch models compatible with Backtrack and Waypoints
While Backtrack and Waypoints are features of watchOS 9, they are not compatible with all Apple Watches running the latest software. These are all compatible versions –
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd Generations)
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
How to use Backtrack on Apple Watch to track your steps
Backtrack was introduced as part of the Compass app on Apple Watch that is installed by default. Here’s how to use Backtrack and Waypoints on your Apple Watch.
How to enable and use the rollback feature
Follow these steps before you start your trip or you’re on your way to activating Back on your Apple Watch.
Step 1: Open the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
Step 2: Click the Backtrack icon. It’s the one in the bottom right corner.
Step 3: Select the Start button.
Compass app will track your route now. When it’s time to get back to your starting point, here’s what you have to do.
Step 4: Tap the pause button in the lower right corner.
Step 5: Select the Retrace Steps option.
You should now see a small arrow in the compass pointing in a certain direction. Follow the direction it pointed and you’ll be back where you started.
How to start back from the Apple watch face
Alternatively, you can also start Back directly from the watch face on your Apple Watch. This is the way.
Step 1: On the watch face, press and hold the side button of the Apple Watch.
Step 2: Drag the Compass Backrack slider to the right to activate it.
This will automatically activate Backtrack and track your route.
Note: If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can assign an Action Button to trigger Tracking Back Compass or Waypoints, depending on which you use more often.
How to Use Compass Waypoints on Your Apple Watch
Setting waypoints is extremely useful when you want your Apple Watch to remember a certain point. The location could be your parked car or a place you might be interested in hiking and want to return to.
Create waypoints through the compass app
Step 1: Open the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
Step 2: When you’re at the location you want to add as a waypoint, tap the Waypoints icon. It’s the one in the bottom left corner.
Step 3: Here you can set custom labels for your waypoints along with the ability to specify colors and symbols. You can also see the coordinates of the exact location you have set as a waypoint.
Step 4: Tap Done when all parameters have been set.
That’s it! You have successfully added a waypoint. You can set multiple waypoints using the same process, and your Apple Watch will remember them all.
When you want to navigate to a certain waypoint, this is what you have to do.
Step 1: Tap Waypoint in the Compass app on your Apple Watch. It is represented by a dot with the color you have selected.
Step 2: Then, select the Select button.
Step 3: Now, follow the arrow shown on the screen until you reach the waypoint.
Note: To edit waypoints, tap the pencil icon in the bottom right. Alternatively, tap the bottom of the screen to bring up the Map for exact coordinates.
Add compass waypoint complication to Apple watch face
Alternatively, you can use Waypoints directly from your watch face for easier access. This is the way.
Step 1: Set a watch face that supports functions.
Step 2: Touch and hold the watch face. Select Edit.
Step 3: In the complications tab, select the watch face complication that you want to set for the Waypoint. Scroll down until you find the option Compass Waypoints.
Step 4: Here, select the Waypoint that you want to navigate to. If you want to navigate to your parked car frequently, select the ‘Parked car coordinates’ option.
Step 5: Click Digital Crown and you’re done.
Step 6: Now all you have to do is tap on that complication and you can see directions to your waypoint.
FAQ about Back Compass and Waypoints
1. Does Backtrack work without an internet connection?
Yes, both Compass Backtrack and Waypoints features work without any network or internet connection.
2. Should I connect my Apple Watch to my iPhone for Backtrack to work?
No, your Apple Watch doesn’t need to be connected to your iPhone because the Compass app works independently on your Apple Watch. However, for Waypoints to work, you need to make sure Location is enabled on your Apple Watch.
3. Does Backtrack work anywhere in the world?
Thankfully, Backtrack is not restricted to certain regions of the world and can work regardless of your location.
Never get lost again
Both the Back Compass and Waypoints on the Apple Watch are great features for those who are adventurous and enjoy hiking or unexplored trails. Since many such areas don’t have access to the network or mobile data, features like these can be of great help in ensuring your safe return.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
