How to Set Up your Totem Compass

Learn everything you need to know about setting up and using your Totem Compass with this step-by-step tutorial. From unboxing and charging, to bonding with friends, updating software, and understanding light animations, this post + video is your complete guide to getting the most out of your Totem Compass.

Totem Compass Setup Guide: How to Use Your Festival Compass

If you’ve just received your Totem Compass, you’re probably excited to dive in and start connecting with your group at festivals, camping trips, or outdoor adventures. This step-by-step Totem Compass tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know—from unboxing to bonding with your friends—so you can start exploring with confidence.

Watch the video below for the full guide! 

Unboxing Your Totem Compass

When you open the Totem Compass box, you’ll find:

  • One (1) Totem Compass
  • One (1) User Manual
  • Two (2) lanyards for wearing your Totem Compass hands-free
  • One (1) USB-C Charger

Pro tip: keep your Totem Compass in its box when not in use for maximum protection.

Attaching the Lanyard

The lanyard is designed for comfort and easy wear, so you never lose track of your device during a festival. Simply clip it into the side of the Totem Compass. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in real-world use.

Charging Your Compass

Before your first adventure, plug your Totem Compass into the Tribe Charger. You can charge multiple devices at once, and you’ll notice the red light turn on while charging. When the Compass is fully charged after about 45 minutes, the light turns green.

Powering On + Battery Indicator

Press the power button on the back of your Totem Compass to turn it on. A battery level indicator will appear, so you’ll always know how much power you have before heading out. Your Touch Crystal will display

Updating Your Totem Compass

Software updates are essential for smooth performance. You can update your Compass in two ways:

  • Hotspot Update – Change your phone’s hotspot credentials, enable others to join, and triple-click the SOS button on your Totem to sync.
  • Totem App Update – Download the Totem App from the App Store, connect your Compass, and update multiple devices at once.

Bonding

Bonding is what makes the Totem Compass so unique. By tapping your devices together, you’ll see Bond Lights form—pink for the first bond, then green, blue, and yellow. The glowing Touch Crystal color will display the color of your Bonded friends  in close proximity.

The app also helps you manage multiple bonds, so no matter how big your crew, you’ll always know where everyone is.

Using the Totem App

The Totem Compass App makes setup even easier. Inside the app you can:

  • Manage Bonds with your friends
  • See your Totem on a map
  • Access the full User Manual digitally

It’s like having a command center in your pocket.

Navigation + Calibration

Make sure to calibrate your Totem Compass every time before you navigate. A quick spin ensures accuracy, so your Compass always points true. A white light will flash after your spin in a circle, letting you know calibration is successful.

Once bonded, your Compass guides you toward your friends with light patterns:

  • One LED = getting closer
  • Multiple LEDs = you’re on the right path
  • Light collecting into the Touch Crystal = you’ve found them

Troubleshooting

If your Touch Crystal isn’t responsive, check your battery—it won’t activate below 25%. For other issues, revisit this Totem Compass tutorial or check our support page.

Why the Totem Compass is the Ultimate Festival Friend Finder

The Totem Compass is more than just a festival compass. It’s a connection tool built for music festivals, camping trips, and off-grid adventures. With bonding, navigation, SOS, and simple troubleshooting built in, it ensures you’ll never lose your loved ones again.

it's coming so soon...

00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
GET 20% OFF ORDERS OF 5+ (CODE: TRIBEFIVE)
GET 20% OFF ORDERS OF 5+ (CODE: TRIBEFIVE)
GET 20% OFF ORDERS OF 5+ (CODE: TRIBEFIVE)
GET 20% OFF ORDERS OF 5+ (CODE: TRIBEFIVE)
GET 20% OFF ORDERS OF 5+ (CODE: TRIBEFIVE)