How it works
The Qibla is the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah. Allah says: "So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram" (Quran 2:144). A Qibla app takes your location, calculates the shortest route across the globe to the Kaaba, and uses your phone's magnetometer to point you along it.
Five tips for accuracy
- Hold the phone flat, parallel to the floor.
- Move away from metal: laptops, speakers, fridges, steel desks and magnetic phone cases throw compasses off.
- Calibrate by moving the phone in a slow figure-eight.
- Allow precise location, especially when you travel.
- Cross-check with a landmark when you can, such as the sunset direction or a local masjid's mihrab.
In HayatTime
HayatTime includes a Qibla compass and a mosque finder, so when you travel you can find the direction to pray and the nearest masjid. It is part of the same app as your prayer times and reminders.
Quick answers
How does a Qibla app know the direction?
It uses your location to calculate the great-circle direction to the Kaaba in Makkah, then uses your phone's compass to point you that way.
Why is my Qibla compass wrong?
Phone compasses are affected by metal, magnets, cases and electronics nearby. Move away from them, hold the phone flat, and recalibrate by moving it in a figure-eight.