Lost? How to Use Backtrack on Apple Watch to Retrace Your Steps

The revised Compass app's Backtrack function lets you track your journey and then assist you in retracing your steps in case you get lost. This feature is available on Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 and subsequent models running watchOS 9.

Backtrack makes a virtual breadcrumb trail of your trip using the GPS on your Apple Watch so you don't have to worry about keeping track of your location. Apple claims that Backtrack is intended to be used in remote locations, away from familiar locations like your home or place of employment, and outside of densely populated areas without Wi-Fi, but there is no restriction on where you can use it.

The use of watchOS 9's Backtrack feature is demonstrated in the steps that follow. Be aware that metal watch straps may reduce Backtrack's accuracy.

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.
5. The compass will show your beginning location, and a white arrow will steer you in the appropriate direction as it bounces. Within the compass circle, a white line representing the return route to the beginning location will be visible. To get back to the spot where you initially clicked Backtrack, take the route back.
6. When you've arrived at your starting location, tap the footsteps icon again, then tap Delete Steps.

The Compass app in watchOS 9 now also allows you to make Compass Waypoints while you're moving, which you can then utilize with Backtrack.