How-to guides
How to use the what3words app, online map, and wearable device apps.
Finding a what3words address
How do I find a what3words address?
It’s easy to find the what3words address for any specific location. Just follow the relevant steps below. Using the what3words app Tap the search bar ...
How do I find a location using a what3words address?
Enter the 3 words into the search bar in the format word.word.word (with no spaces) and confirm the correct result from the dropdown options. This w...
How do I find the what3words address for my current location?
To find your current what3words address, follow the relevant steps below. Using the what3words app Open the what3words app and tap the current locatio...
How do I pick the best what3words address?
You should use the what3words address for the exact square you need. This is the most accurate way to find or share a specific location, such as a fro...
How do I find the what3words address for a street address, postcode or grid reference?
You can enter a street address, postcode and grid reference into the search bar in both the what3words app and online map . Please note that street a...
Entering a what3words address
How do I scan a what3words address? (App only)
You can enter a what3words address into the app using your phone’s camera. Here’s how: 1. In the search bar, tap the Scan icon. It’s the square frame ...
Which languages can be used with what3words Scan?
what3words Scan works with many languages, depending on which device you have. Language available on Android devices: Afrikaans Bahasa Indonesia Bah...
How do I voice search a what3words address? (App only)
Please note that the voice search function is only available in the what3words app. Using voice search in the what3words app 1. In the search bar, tap...
Which languages can be used for voice entry in the app?
You can say a what3words address into the app in the following languages: Arabic Bahasa Indonesia Bulgarian Chinese (Mandarin) Czech Danish Dutch Engl...
What happens if I make a mistake when entering a what3words address?
If you make a mistake when entering a what3words address, don’t worry: our system is designed to help you recognise and correct errors. After entering...
Saved locations & lists
How do I save a what3words address?
To save a what3words address, you first need to create an account or log into an existing one. This means your saved addresses can be accessed from an...
How do I view my saved locations and lists?
To view your saved locations, follow the relevant steps below. Using the what3words app Tap the menu button in the top left corner. Select Saved loca...
What is a saved list?
A saved list is a collection of what3words addresses saved in your account. These can be created both in the app and on our online map . They’re a gr...
How do I create a saved list?
To create a list of saved what3words addresses, you first need to create an account or log into an existing one. This means your list(s) can be access...
How do I share a list of what3words addresses? (App only)
You can share a list of saved what3words addresses in the app. Please note that this feature isn’t available on the online map . Open the app, tap th...
What is the difference between ‘Added emails only’ and ‘Anyone with a link’?
To give you full control over sharing permissions, you can choose to share your lists publicly or privately. Please note this feature is available onl...
Can I see how many times people open or use my list?
No, but you’ll be able to see how many people are following your list.
What happens if I share my list with contacts who don’t have the what3words app?
If you share a list with someone who doesn’t have the what3words app, they’ll be redirected to our online map and prompted to download it for free t...
What is the difference between following and saving a copy of a list?
If you choose to follow a list, it will be added to your Saved locations , under Shared with me. Here, you will be able to view it and see any upda...
Navigating to a what3words address
How do I navigate to a what3words address?
Navigate to a what3words address following the relevant steps below. Using the what3words app Enter the what3words address into the search bar. Select...
How do I use what3words Compass? (App only)
what3words Compass is a handy navigation feature that keeps it simple: just follow the arrow until your reach your destination! It works offline too, ...
Sharing a what3words address
How do I share a what3words address?
Using the what3words app Open the app and find the what3words address for the location you’d like to share. Tap Share and select the messaging app y...
How do I change the message that appears when I share a what3words address?
It’s easy to change the message that accompanies a what3words address when you tap Share – just follow the relevant steps below. Using the what3word...
How do I send a what3words address to someone without the app?
what3words addresses can be used even by those without our app. Simply send them the address as a link so they can view it on our online map . If you...
Widget (iOS only)
How do I add the what3words widget to my phone? (iOS only)
The what3words widget for iOS allows you to see your current what3words address at a glance. You can can add the widget to your iPhone’s Home Screen o...
Why isn’t the location in my widget updating?
The what3words widget uses your device’s GPS signal to determine your location, just like the app does. That means it works even when you have no data...
Wearables
How can I use what3words with Wear OS?
Watch how to use what3words on your Wear OS device: My compass is pointing the wrong way, how can I improve its accuracy? The what3words Compass reli...
How can I use what3words with watchOS?
Watch how to use what3words on your Apple Watch: My compass is pointing the wrong way, how can I improve its accuracy? The what3words Compass relies o...
How many languages are supported for voice input on the what3words Apple Watch app?
Our Apple Watch app interface is available in these languages: English Arabic German Hindi Japanese Korean Chinese Spanish It supports voice input in ...
Customising my app settings
How do I change my language settings?
what3words can be used in 60 languages. Using the what3words app Tap the menu icon in the top left. Go to Settings , then Language . Tap Primary wh...
How do I display a secondary language? (App only)
You can choose to display a secondary language alongside your primary choice in the what3words app. This means every time you tap a square you’ll see ...
How do I change my default map view to satellite mode?
To change the default map view to satellite mode, follow the steps below. Please note that the map options differ depending on whether you’re using th...
How do I change the default map provider I’m using with what3words?
To change the default map provider used in what3words, follow the steps below. Please note that the map options differ depending on whether you’re usi...
Can I use GPS coordinates with what3words?
Yes, you can use GPS coordinates in the what3words app and on our online map . Searching with GPS coordinates You can enter latitude and longitude in...
Can I use British National Grid coordinates with what3words?
Yes, you can use British National Grid coordinates in the what3words app and on our online map . How to view British National Grid references for a w...
How do I use the Read Aloud tool in the what3words app?
This feature allows you to play an audio reading of your selected what3words address out loud. Before you can use it, you’ll need to turn the feature ...