Qibla Finder & Compass (UK) — Direction of Prayer to Mecca

Q: How does the Qibla finder work?

The Qibla finder calculates the great-circle direction from your location to the Kaaba in Mecca (21.42°N, 39.83°E) and shows it as a bearing in degrees from North. On mobile, it can also use your phone's compass to point towards the Qibla live, if your device has a magnetometer.

Q: What is the Qibla direction from the UK?

From most of the UK, the Qibla is roughly south-east — typically between 118° and 120° from true North, depending on your exact location. From London it is approximately 119°. Use the finder for the precise bearing from where you are.

Q: Why is the compass not accurate?

Phone compasses rely on a magnetometer that can be affected by metal, magnets (including phone cases), and electronics. They also need calibrating — move your phone in a figure-of-eight a few times. Compasses also read magnetic North, which differs slightly from true North. For precision, use the bearing in degrees with a reliable compass, or confirm with your local mosque.

Find your location to calculate the Qibla direction.

N E S W

🕋

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from North

The needle shows the Qibla relative to North. Enable the live compass on your phone to have it point as you turn.

Accuracy note: Phone compasses can be affected by metal, magnets, and electronics, and need calibrating (move your phone in a figure-of-eight). The compass reads magnetic North, which differs slightly from true North. For precision, use the bearing in degrees with a reliable compass, or confirm with your local mosque.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Qibla finder work?

It calculates the great-circle direction from your location to the Kaaba in Mecca (21.42°N, 39.83°E) and shows it as a bearing in degrees from North. On mobile, it can also use your phone's compass to point towards the Qibla as you turn, if your device has a magnetometer.

What is the Qibla direction from the UK?

From most of the UK the Qibla is roughly south-east — typically between 118° and 120° from true North. From London it is approximately 119°. Use the finder above for the precise bearing from your exact location.

Why is the compass not accurate?

Phone compasses rely on a magnetometer affected by metal, magnets (including phone cases), and electronics. They need calibrating — move your phone in a figure-of-eight. Compasses also read magnetic North, which differs from true North. For precision, use the degree bearing with a reliable compass.

Is my location private?

Yes. Your location is used only inside your browser to calculate the direction — it is never sent to our servers. If you type a UK postcode, it is looked up via the free postcodes.io service to get coordinates, and nothing is stored.

A note on this tool This Qibla finder calculates the great-circle bearing from your location to the Kaaba and is provided as a free aid. The live compass depends entirely on your device's magnetometer and may be inaccurate or unavailable; it shows magnetic North, which differs from true North by a small amount that varies with location. Your location is used only within your browser and is never sent to our servers. For prayer, if you are unsure of the direction, the most reliable approach is to confirm with your local mosque or a trusted compass. Spotted an issue? Let us know.