Qibla tools
Google Qibla Finder: How It Works and How to Fix It
Google Qibla Finder is a free web app that points you to the Kaaba using your phone’s location and compass. Google launched it in June 2017, and it opens in any browser with nothing to install. On Android, it draws a blue line over your camera view, while iPhone users get the direction without the camera picture.
This short guide explains how the tool calculates the Qibla and what to do when it stops working. If Google’s page will not load, our free qibla finder gives the same direction with a compass and a map. It also keeps working offline after your first visit.
How Google Qibla Finder Works
Google’s help page says the tool uses the Kaaba’s position at latitude 21.4224779 and longitude 39.8251832. It compares that point with your GPS or manually entered location and finds the shortest route over the globe, known as the great circle. The distance is worked out with the haversine formula.
The direction itself depends on your phone’s compass, which is why Google recommends calibrating before use. On a laptop with no compass, the tool shows a map with a blue line instead. Our Qibla direction map guide explains why that line can look curved.
Google Qibla Finder Not Working?
If the page loads but nothing moves, location or camera permission is usually blocked. Use Chrome or Safari, not a social media app, then allow location and, on Android, the camera. Reload the page after changing permissions.
A wrong line means the compass is disturbed. Move away from metal and electronics, remove magnetic cases and move the phone in a figure of eight. Then cross check with our Qibla compass or map, since two matching methods are far more reliable than one.
Questions
Google Qibla Finder FAQs
Is Google Qibla Finder free?
Yes, it is free and needs no account or download. It runs in any modern mobile browser. Desktop users see a map view instead of a compass.
Is there a Google Qibla Finder app?
No, Google built it as a website, not a Play Store or App Store app. Apps using Google’s name come from other developers. See our Qibla finder app guide before installing one.
Does Google Qibla Finder use the camera on iPhone?
No, the camera view was built for Android only. iPhone users still get the direction and distance from the compass. Our Qibla finder with camera page explains the difference.
Does Google store my location or camera images?
Google states this data is never stored or shared. Images are used live only to draw the line. You can withdraw permission anytime in browser settings.
Does Google Qibla Finder work offline?
No, the page needs internet to load each time. Your phone’s GPS works offline, but the site does not save itself. Our qibla finder works offline after one visit, and our Qibla compass city index list needs no phone at all.
Keep reading
Related Qibla guides
Ready to pray?
Open the Qibla finder, hold your phone flat and turn until the screen turns green.