What each sensor does
- Gyroscope: measures how fast the device rotates. Games, panoramas and VR use it. It should read near zero when the phone lies still.
- Accelerometer: measures movement and gravity. Lying flat on a table, the z value should be about 9.8 m/s² and x and y close to 0.
- Orientation: combines the sensors into angles. Beta is tilt forward and back, gamma is tilt left and right.
- Compass: uses the magnetometer to find north. It needs calibration from time to time.
Sensors not working?
- iPhone and iPad: Safari asks for motion access when you tap Start. If you pressed Don't Allow, close the tab, open the page again and choose Allow.
- Android: check that the browser has not blocked motion sensors under Site settings, Motion sensors.
- Compass pointing the wrong way: move the phone in a figure-eight a few times to calibrate it, and keep it away from magnets, speakers and metal.
- Laptops and desktops usually have no motion sensors, so no data appears.
- Screen rotation stuck: if the values change but the screen does not rotate, check that rotation lock is off.
Use the touch screen test and the vibration test to check the rest of your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
How do I test my phone gyroscope?
Open this page on your phone, tap Start and allow motion access. Turn the phone and the gyroscope values should change. Lying still they should be close to zero.
Why is my compass wrong?
The magnetometer needs calibration. Move the phone in a figure-eight a few times, away from magnets and metal objects.
Does this work on a laptop?
Only if the laptop has motion sensors, like some 2-in-1 tablets. Most laptops and desktops have none.