# Compass Free — Find direction under sunlight

> Sundial compass for determining cardinal directions using sunlight and finger shadow. (iPhone/iPad app by Masayuki Akamatsu.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Masayuki Akamatsu](https://appshunter.io/developer/284722836)
- Category: Utilities, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.10/5 from 50 App Store ratings · 606 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 5 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese
- Released: 2019-02-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786/reviews.md

## What is Compass Free?

Compass is a measuring instrument which indicates true direction under the sunlight.  Put your finger in the middle of the compass and line it's shadow up with the app's shading.

## Key features

- Measures cardinal points
- Uses sunlight
- Aligns finger shadow
- Indicates directions

## What do users think of Compass Free?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple to use
- 🌞 Works with sun position
- 🆓 Free app
- 💡 Clever concept
- 🧭 Useful for basic navigation

**Cons**

- 🌤️ Requires sunlight to function
- 🌍 Not suitable for southern hemisphere
- 📍 Lacks GPS integration
- 🕰️ Doesn't adjust for daylight savings
- 🤷‍♂️ Unclear instructions

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Causes device freezes or crashes
- Inaccurate compass readings

**Most requested features**

- Add support for southern hemisphere
- Integrate with GPS for more accurate direction
- Provide night mode or moonlight option
- Improve instructions and user guidance

## Recent user reviews (10 of 606)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Junk

*2023-07-07, version 2.2.0*

Got it and junk don't waste your time it should be taken down

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work

*2020-09-23, version 2.2.0*

No instructions on how to use and does not get past screen showing points of the compass real dud

### 5/5 — Very Simple but effective when explained

*2020-06-08, version 2.2.0*

So many negative reviews, ouch...  Here’s my take: this is free, and it works.  The gray “shadow” moves around the dial VERY slowly throughout the day, so don’t expect this app to ‘do’ something active, it doesn’t.  As explained, orient your finger’s sun shadow over the gray shadow on the screen, and you will see roughly accurate cardinal headings (N,S,E,W) but not exact degrees.  In a pinch, this will get you un-lost if needed.  Works great on my iWatch gen 4 too.  No need for cell or WiFi connection.  Thanks, app maker!!

### 1/5 — Really bad

*2019-10-08, version 2.2.0*

Worst app I ever had

### 1/5 — Fuj

*2019-09-24, version 2.2.0*

Hrozná blbost, podle stínu prstu urcejete, kde je sever a kde jih.

### 1/5 — Not worth it.

*2019-07-15, version 2.2.0*

Not worth it.

### 1/5 — If this was clear?

*2019-04-25, version 2.2.0*

when do you include directions? This is horrid stuff. I am unable to use this,

### 1/5 — Inaffidabile

*2019-02-27, version 2.2.0*

Troppo semplice per funzionare ovunque

### 1/5 — It sucked

*2019-02-01, version 2.2.0*

It doesn’t even do anything it is useless of all sorts

### 1/5 — Does not..

*2018-12-26, version 2.2.0*

Does not tell you which way you are facing. It’s a compass to tell you where the sun sets so you know which direction to put your prayer rug. SMH!!

## Frequently asked questions about Compass Free

### What does this compass app do?

This app functions as a sundial to help you determine the cardinal points (north, south, east, west). It utilizes sunlight and the shadow cast by your finger to indicate these directions.

### How do I use the compass app?

To use the app, place your finger in the middle of the compass display. Then, align the shadow of your finger with the shading provided within the app's interface to find the cardinal directions.

### Is this compass app free to use?

Yes, this application is completely free to use. There are no costs associated with downloading or utilizing its features.

### What are the main features of this compass app?

The primary feature is its ability to act as a sundial, measuring cardinal points using sunlight. It allows users to align their finger's shadow with the app's shading to determine directions.

### When would I use this compass app?

This app is useful when you are outdoors and need to determine cardinal directions but do not have access to a traditional compass or electronic device. It's a simple tool for basic navigation using sunlight.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2.1 — 2026-08-03

- Updated to support the latest OS and devices, and adjusted the layout accordingly.
- Fixed minor bugs.

### 2.2.0 — 2019-02-13

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- Supported watchOS 2.0
- Supported AdMob

### 2.1.0 — 2015-04-14

- Supports Apple Watch

### 2.0.0 — 2015-01-12

iOS 8 supported

### 1.2.1 — 2012-03-31

- Images are refined.
- Now it works properly on iOS 3.x including iPhone 2G.

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## More apps by Masayuki Akamatsu

- [Yes\|No Free](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yesno-free/id284722833)
- [Alarm Free](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alarm-free/id284728433)
- [picocalc](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picocalc/id284740333)
- [Gengou Lib](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gengou-lib/id284830543)
- [T4Two](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/t4two/id284910005)

All apps by Masayuki Akamatsu: https://appshunter.io/developer/284722836

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*