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Underrated Apple Watch feature allows users to 'go back in time'

Home> Apple

Published 16:41 23 May 2025 GMT+1

Underrated Apple Watch feature allows users to 'go back in time'

The handy feature lets you retrace your steps

Rikki Loftus

Rikki Loftus

Featured Image Credit: hocus-focus/Getty Images
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An underrated Apple Watch feature is blowing peoples’ minds by allowing users to ‘go back in time’.

Just when you thought you’ve made the most out of all the features that the tech giant has to offer, you discover another hidden one that will completely change the way you use your device.

Now, Apple users are finding a little-known function available on the Apple Watch that will help you to retrace your steps.

So, if you’re prone to getting lost and not great at following directions then this might be the perfect solution for you.

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The feature runs on the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 and later models that have watchOS 9 or newer.

With this tool, you’ll be able to track your route and retrace the steps you took in the event that you get lost.

The handy featured can be accessed using the Compass app (Apple)
The handy featured can be accessed using the Compass app (Apple)

It’s operated through the Compass app and is designed to be used when trekking through remote and unfamiliar areas such as on a hike.

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It uses the GPS from your Apple Watch to create a trail of your movement so that you’ll be able to get back to where you started if you need to.

How do you activate the tracking feature?

If you want to activate the feature all you need to do is head to the Compass app on your Apple Watch.

From there, select the Backtrack button that is located in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.

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This will take you through to an option called Record Path which will allow you to begin tracking your journey.

If you get to a point where you need to retrace your steps then select the Backtrack button at the bottom of your screen, which will now be highlighted and click on Retrace Steps.

This will open up the path you need to follow in order to reach the location where you first started tracking your movement.

All you need to do is follow the directions and you’ll arrive back at your starting point.

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The feature is useful while walking in unfamiliar and remote areas (hocus-focus/Getty Images)
The feature is useful while walking in unfamiliar and remote areas (hocus-focus/Getty Images)

Once completed, just hit the Backtrack button again and click on Delete Path.

On an Apple Watch Ultra, this feature is accessed slightly differently, where all you have to do is click on the Action Button, then hit Action, followed by Backtrack. From there, you can start recording your path or retrace your steps.

And that isn’t all that’s available to do on the Compass app as the feature also allows you to select Waypoints while you’re on the go.

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So, if you find a point of interest that you might want to return to on the way, all you need to do is make it a Waypoint and you can retrace your steps there later on.

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