The reading you need

A single number from 0° to 359.99° — the sitting bearing of your house (the direction your back faces when you stand at the front door looking outward). North = 0°, East = 90°, South = 180°, West = 270°.

📱 iPhone

1. Open the built-in Compass app (in the Utilities folder).
2. If it asks, allow location + calibrate by tilting the phone in a figure-8.
3. Walk 9 foot-lengths straight out from the door, turn around to face the door.
4. Square your shoulders parallel to the door. Hold the phone flat (parallel to the ground) at chest height.
5. Read the big number under the heading “N / NE / E…” — that's your bearing.

🤖 Android

1. Most Samsung / Google Pixel phones have a Compass widget. If not, install a free compass app (search “compass”) — pick one with a clear degree readout.
2. Calibrate first (figure-8 motion); some apps prompt you.
3. Step 9 foot-lengths out from the door, turn to face it, shoulders parallel.
4. Hold the phone flat, read the degree number (e.g. 167°).

🧭 Physical Luopan / Compass

1. Step 9 foot-lengths out from the door, turn back to face it, shoulders parallel to the door.
2. Hold the luopan flat at waist height.
3. Wait for the needle to settle, align red North-pointer with 0°.
4. Read the degree directly across from the “facing” mark — that is your sitting bearing.

⚠ Tips for accuracy

• The 9 foot-lengths puts you outside the door frame's magnetic distortion zone — closer than that and metal / rebar throws the reading off 5–30°.
• Take 3 readings, take a small step sideways between each, and use the median.
• For apartment / condo units, measure at the entry to YOUR unit, not the building's main entrance. 9 foot-lengths inside a hallway still works.
• If your phone shows “True North” vs “Magnetic North” — feng shui uses Magnetic North. Most apps default to magnetic; if in doubt, check the app's settings.