Waypoints help you mark a certain spot of interest that you want to visit while the Backtrack lets you find your way back if you’re lost. Both of these features are helpful if you’re on a trek or at an unknown location with no phone signal. If it seems interesting to you, here’s how you can enable Waypoints and Backtrack on your Apple Watch.
WHAT ARE BACKTRACK AND WAYPOINTS FEATURE IN WATCHOS 9
Let’s say you’re setting off on a trail either in the mountains or in the jungle. You’re probably not aware of which exact path you’ll take since it’s hard to get hold of networks in the wild. As a result, you may find it hard to return to the exact spot you started from. This is where Backtrack comes into play.
Backtrack uses the Compass app on your Apple Watch to track your path. When it’s time to head back, the Apple Watch will guide you through the exact same route you came from. It’s a lifesaver in situations where GPS-based navigation is not available.
The Waypoints feature is also something similar but instead of tracking your route, it guides you to a nearby point that you may have marked as a place of interest.
APPLE WATCH MODELS COMPATIBLE WITH BACKTRACK AND WAYPOINTS
While Backtrack and Waypoints are watchOS 9 features, they aren’t compatible with all Apple Watches running the latest software. Here are all the compatible versions –
Apple Watch Series 6 Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd Generation) Apple Watch Series 7 Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch UltraHOW TO USE BACKTRACK ON APPLE WATCH TO TRACE YOUR STEPS
Backtrack has been introduced as a part of the Compass app on the Apple Watch which comes installed by default. Here’s how to use Backtrack and Waypoints on your Apple Watch.
How to Enable and Use Backtrack
Follow these steps before you begin your trek or you set off on your path to activate the Backtrack feature on Apple Watch.
Step 2: Tap on the Backtrack icon. It’s the one in the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: Select the Start button.
The Compass app will track your route now. When it’s time to head back to your starting point, this is what you have to do.
Step 4: Tap on the pause button in the bottom-right corner.
Step 5: Select the Retrace Steps option.
You will now see a tiny arrow in the compass pointing in a certain direction. Follow the direction it is pointing in and you will make your way back to the spot you started from.
Alternatively, you can also start Backtrack directly from the watch face on your Apple Watch. Here’s how.
Step 1: On the watch face, press and hold the side button of your Apple Watch.
Step 2: Drag the Compass Backrack slider to the right to activate it.
This will automatically enable Backtrack and track your route.