Most practical errors come from the location or north reference, not the bearing formula. Work through these checks before trusting an arrow.
Using yesterday’s location
A saved city or an old device fix can give the right answer for the wrong place. Check the displayed coordinates after travelling. Be especially careful with similarly named places, such as Gujrat in Pakistan and Gujarat in India.
Treating a north-up dial as a live compass
Without a usable heading sensor, the top of a diagram represents north, not the direction your phone happens to face. Align it with a real north reference before following its arrow. A moving arrow alone does not prove the sensor is accurate.
Mixing magnetic and true north
The bearings on this site use true north. A magnetic compass can differ by local declination. Avoid both ignoring a needed correction and applying it twice to a device that already reports true north. Metal furniture and magnetic cases introduce separate errors.
Assuming one city bearing fits every address
City pages use approximate center coordinates. Close to the Kaaba, even small changes of position can produce very different directions. In Makkah, use your actual location rather than a generic city bearing.
Turning uncertainty into a religious conclusion
A difference between two apps is a reason to check the measurement, not evidence by itself about prayer validity. Compare an independent reference and consult a qualified scholar for questions about uncertainty, travel or previous prayers.
Common questions
Can a correct-looking arrow still be wrong?
Yes. It can use a stale location, a disturbed sensor or a north reference you have misunderstood.
Should Qibla always be west?
No. The direction depends on where you are relative to Makkah. Use your location bearing.
What should I check first?
Confirm your location, identify whether the dial is live or north-up, then verify the north reference independently.