Exactly. How many times would you think to turn it on before you realized you were lost? By the time you realize you are lost, it is too late.
This feature is supposed to turn on automatically when you are away from home and wifi in general.
The series 6, 7, and 8 all have the same SIP. The processor on the 5 is not as fast as the 6+ watches. People get mad when Apple leaves out features on older devices, but they get mad and suggest a conspiracy when Apple adds new features that slow down devices.
The problem is you have to set it manually 😏
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.
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.
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.
- Open the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap the footprints icon in the bottom-right of the screen, then tap Start to begin recording your route.
- If necessary, scroll down and tap Allow Once to allow Compass to access your Recent Locations.
- When you're ready to retrace your steps, tap the pause icon in the bottom-right of the screen, then tap Retrace Steps.
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.- When you've arrived at your starting location, tap the footsteps icon again, then tap Delete Steps.
Article Link: Lost? How to Use Backtrack on Apple Watch to Retrace Your Steps
Wow! I thought that was exclusive for the Apple Watch Ultra! That's so neat!
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.
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.
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.
- Open the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap the footprints icon in the bottom-right of the screen, then tap Start to begin recording your route.
- If necessary, scroll down and tap Allow Once to allow Compass to access your Recent Locations.
- When you're ready to retrace your steps, tap the pause icon in the bottom-right of the screen, then tap Retrace Steps.
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.- When you've arrived at your starting location, tap the footsteps icon again, then tap Delete Steps.
Article Link: Lost? How to Use Backtrack on Apple Watch to Retrace Your Steps
Me too! I can't tell you how many times, when I'm visiting another town/city, I forget where I parked (although Apple maps will frequently drop a pin where I've parked).
Very true, the feature should be on the Map app on the iPhone by default, as well, with an overlay on the map of your path.
Actually I think this will get used quite a bit, not just by me, and am glad they did it. Enhanced situational awareness is often valuable. But we'll see.
That is kind of true. If you know in advance you’ll need it you could just set camp or whatever as a waypoint anyway.
