Help & FAQ
Can’t find what you need? Email contact@thingcompass.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Getting started
Do I need an account?
No. There’s nothing to sign up for. Open the app and start adding your places and things.
What do I need to use Thing Compass?
An iPhone running iOS 17 or later. Every iPhone that runs iOS 17 can use NFC tags.
How do I add things?
Add a place first, like a dresser, a shelf or a box. Then open it and add things by taking a photo or choosing photos from your library. The background is removed automatically so your things are easy to spot.
Syncing and your data
Where are my photos and details stored?
On your iPhone, and in your own private iCloud if iCloud is on. We don’t have servers that store your things, and we can’t see them. See our Privacy Policy for details.
How do I sync between my devices?
Sign in with the same Apple Account on each device, and make sure iCloud is on for Thing Compass: open Settings › [your name] › iCloud, and check that Thing Compass is allowed to use iCloud. Syncing can take a few minutes, and needs an internet connection and enough iCloud storage.
My things aren’t showing up on my other device.
Check that both devices use the same Apple Account, iCloud is on for Thing Compass, and you have free iCloud storage. Then open the app on both devices while connected to Wi-Fi and give it a few minutes.
How do I back up or export my things?
In the app, go to Settings › Export everything. This saves your photos and details to a folder you choose, like Files or iCloud Drive. We recommend exporting from time to time, especially before changing phones.
Does deleting the app delete my data?
If iCloud sync is on, no. Your places and things stay in your own iCloud and come back when you reinstall. If iCloud sync is off, everything is saved only on your iPhone, so deleting the app deletes it.
How do I delete my data?
To delete everything, open the app and go to Settings › Delete all data. This removes your places, things and photos from your iPhone and from your iCloud, including your other devices. Your purchase isn’t affected. You can also delete single places or things in the app. If the app is already deleted, open Settings › [your name] › iCloud › Manage Account Storage on your iPhone to remove what’s left in iCloud.
What happens if I turn off iCloud for Thing Compass?
Your places are removed from that iPhone, but they stay in your iCloud and come back when you turn it on again. While it’s off, anything new you add is saved only on that iPhone.
NFC tags
How do NFC tags work?
Stick a small NFC tag on a drawer, box or shelf, then link it to that place in the app. Later, hold the top of your iPhone near the tag and it opens straight to what’s inside.
Which tags can I use?
Most blank NFC stickers labeled NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 work well. Tags placed on metal may not read reliably; an “on-metal” tag works better there.
Can other people see what’s in my drawers by scanning a tag?
No. A tag holds only a link with a random code. Without your iPhone, it shows nothing about your things.
Purchases
How do I get a refund?
Purchases are handled by Apple, so refunds are too. You can request one at reportaproblem.apple.com.
I got a new iPhone. Do I have to buy it again?
No. Sign in with the same Apple Account, download Thing Compass, and tap Settings › Restore purchase. There’s no extra cost.
Still need help?
Email contact@thingcompass.com. It helps to include your iPhone model, iOS version, and a screenshot if something looks wrong.