Table of Contents
Totem Compass

Totem Compass User Manual

While the Totem Compass is designed to be simple and intuitive, there is a slight learning curve.

If you need assistance, reach out to our team using the Totem Support button in the bottom right corner—we've got your back!

Get Started

User Manual > Get Started > Power On Your Totem(s)

Power On Your Totem(s)

  • Power On: click Power Button once
  • Power Off: press and hold Power Button

User Manual > Get Started > Update Your Totem(s)

Update Your Totem(s)

Totem is constantly releasing free Software Updates, downloadable straight to your device.
Remember to update your Totem before you leave for any outdoor event to get the latest and greatest!

We recommend new users download the Totem Compass App to easily download new updates to your device.

If you received your Totems before July 2025, you may need to use the HotSpot Method in order to enable Bluetooth before the app can be used. It takes about five minutes, and once done you can use the app for everything moving forward!

User Manual > Get Started > Bond Your Totems

Bond 2 Totems

  1. Hold two Totems together in Compass Mode.
  2. Press and hold both Touch Crystals simultaneously.

Note: Your Totem Compass will always remember Bonds unless you remove them.

Already Bonded

Maximum Bonds

Bond 3+ Totems

1. Place all your Totem Compasses close together (within a few inches).

2. On one Totem, press and hold the Touch Crystal for 8 seconds, until the ring of light flashes through a bunch of colors quickly.

3. Then, press and hold the Touch Crystal on each of the other Totems until you see the same flashing colors.

4. Once all Totems are flashing, press and hold the first Totem again. All the colors will suddenly lock in place—that means your group is Bonded. Your Touch Crystal color now matches the Bond colors on your friends’ Totems.

Note: your Bonds will be collected in the Touch Crystal until you step away from them!

User Manual > Get Started > Connect to Satellites

Connect to Satellites

  1. Go outside and make sure you have a clear view of the sky overhead with horizon in view
  2. Move away from roofs, walls, and other large metal structures
  3. Wait 15-30 minutes for Totem Compass to establish Satellite Connection*
  4. Once you see no swirling animation, you're ready to Navigate!

*Tails will get longer as Totems get closer to being ready to use.

Once you get a connection, subsequent uses in the same area will be much quicker!

User Manual > Get Started > Establish Distance

Establish Distance

1. Move away from your Bonded peers, and you'll see their lights jump out of the Touch Crystal and into your Halo.

2. About 30 steps is sufficient to begin navigating! 

User Manual > Get Started > Navigate

Navigate

1. Hold Totem in Compass Mode (flat in your palm) and spin until you see a bright, white flash.

Repeat this every time you navigate to ensure your bearings are accurate.

2. Follow the direction of the Bond Light on your Halo.

3. As you approach Bonded peer, their Bond Light will get incrementally larger.

4. Peer light collects into the Touch Crystal at close-range. Time to look for your friends!

Calibration Success

Bond is over 100 meters away

Bond is within 100 meters

Bond is nearby

Send SOS

Disable SOS

Additional Features

User Manual > Additional Features > SOS Alerts

SOS Alerts

  • Send SOS Alert: Press and hold SOS Button; button will begin blinking red
  • Disable SOS Alert: Press and hold SOS Button until red light stops blinking
  • Receiving SOS Alert: Touch Cyrstal blinks "SOS" in morse code while vertical, SOSing Bond Light blinks rapidly while in Compass Mode

Send SOS

Disable SOS

Receiving SOS

User Manual > Additional Features > Add/Remove Bonds

Add/Remove Bonds

  1. Triple-tap Touch Crystal while Totem is in Compass Mode (horizontal)
  2. Single-tap Touch Crystal to cycle between Bonded peers
  3. Press and hold Touch Crystal to remove selected Bond

Note: When you remove a Bond, they can no longer track you.

User Manual > Additional Features > Brightness Settings

Brightness Settings

Your Totem has 3 brightness settings that impact battery life:

  1. Day Vibe (up to 8 hours)
  2. Night Vibe (up to 10 hours)
  3. Eco Vibe (up to 22 hours)

To cycle between brightness settings, click the Power Button once while your Totem is powered on.

Bright Vibe

(up to 8 hours)

Dim Vibe

(up to 10 hours)

Eco Vibe

(up to 22 hours)

User Manual > Additional Features > Touch Crystal Colors

Touch Crystal Colors

Note: When using Smart Groups, this feature is not available.

To change your Touch Crystal color:

  1. Tilt your Totem Compass horizontally.
  2. Single-tap Touch Crystal to change color.
  3. Continue tapping Touch Crystal to cycle through 12 different colors.

Animations Guide

User Manual > Animations Guide > Animations Guide

Totems speak in a language of only light and color.

If your device is ever doing something you're unfamiliar with, you can reference our helpful Animations Guide!

Totem Compass App

User Manual > Totem Compass App > Download Now

Download Now

Connect directly to your Totem Compass via Bluetooth to manage your Bonds, update software, access new features/activations, and view real-time maps—no account creation, login, or internet required.

User Manual > Totem Compass App > Bond Management

Bond Management

1. Tap on the Bonds tab at the bottom of the Totem Compass App.

2. Re-color and re-name all of your Bonds, show/hide them on your Compass, and check their distance!

3. If you see the symbol below, it means you're benefitting from Limitless Range and their location is being pulled from the cloud:

User Manual > Totem Compass App > Live Map View

Real-Time Maps

1. Tap on the Map tab at the bottom of the Totem Compass App.

2. See you AND your Bonds' live locations on the map at any time. Press the upper right button to reposition to your location.

3. Press and hold on the map to save a Custom Waypoint as one of your Bonds, so you can always Compass back to it later.

4. Tap the upper left button to access Interactive Event Maps.

User Manual > Totem Compass App > Interactive Event Maps

Interactive Event Maps

1. Select and download Interactive Event Maps for specific festivals and events.

2. Once downloaded, your maps are available for use fully offline, even when cell service is no longer available.

3. Tap on any Waypoint to set it as a Bond and Compass to it. Waypoint Bonds will appear on your Compass as a quick flashing light.

4. If there are any additional events you think should be supported, let us know!

User Manual > Totem Compass App > Software Updates

Software Updates

1. The Totem Compass App will automatically detect if any new Software Updates are available, and notify you to download them on the Home Screen.

2. Save Software Updates to your phone, then transfer the updates to Totems via Bluetooth without internet needed.

3. This allows everyone to help out their fellow Totem Tribe out in the wild by having the latest updates on-hand!

User Manual > Totem Compass App > Satellite and Range Boost

Satellite and Range Boost

1. Connect to the Totem Compass App for automatic improvements to the user experience!

2. While multiple Bonds are connected to the App, your location will be shared with your Bonds over the cloud. Since location data is 1/10th the size of a text message, this can be effective even in very low-service areas.

3. If you don't have a satellite connection, connecting to the Totem Compass App will allow your Totem to borrow your phone's location, enabling use in indoor or other unideal locations as long as your phone's accuracy is 15m or less.

Tech Specs

User Manual > Tech Specs > Product Details

Product Details

Model: Totem Compass Gen 1

Power Adapter Charging Voltage: 5V

Max Charging Current: 1A

Battery Type: LiPo ion

Battery Capacity: 1000 mAh

Wireless Frequency/Protocol: 2.4GHz

Charging Port: USB type C

Operating Temperature: -10°-60°C / 14°-140°F

Housing Material: MABS

Size: 58x58x24 mm/ 2.28x2.28x0.95 in

Weight: 54.17g/0.119lb

Safety Features: Over-voltage and under-voltage protection to ensure safe operation within the specified voltage range. Thermal shutdown prevents the device from overheating during high-stress conditions, and the design includes safeguards to prevent damage from short circuits.

Lanyard Material: 100% polyester braided around a core of 10 natural latex threads

Lanyard Relaxed Size: 360 x 2.5 mm

Lanyard Stretched Size: 620 x 2.5 mm

USB-C Cable Type: Type A to C

USB-C Max Input: Max 2A

User Manual > Tech Specs > Battery Life and Range

Battery and Charging

Maximum Battery Playtime*

  • Day Vibe: ~8 hours
  • Night Vibe: ~10 hours
  • Eco Vibe: 22+ hours

*Battery Playtime may vary based on environmental conditions and usage. Battery Life is subject to ongoing improvement through new Software Updates.

Charging Time

  • Charges in ~45 minutes via standard USB-C
  • Charging Light turns green on full charge

User Manual > Tech Specs > Range & Conditions for Use

Range & Conditions for Use

Range

  • Peer-to-Peer max range: ~1000 meters
  • Unity Mesh NetworkTM automatically extends range for all Totems within range of the network

Conditions for Use

  • Use the device outdoors in open areas with a clear view of the horizon to maintain a reliable Satellite Connection
  • Keep the device at least one foot away from smart phones, iron-based objects  or heavy metal structures, as these can interfere with accuracy and satellite connection
  • Protect from shock or hard impact
  • Do not modify or disassemble
  • Do not expose to open flames, submerge in water, or use underwater

Performance Variables

  • Environmental Obstructions: Physical obstructions such as dense foliage, tall buildings, or mountainous terrain can cause signal reflection or blockage, leading to multi-path errors and decreased positional accuracy.
  • Atmospheric Conditions: Variations in the Earth’s ionosphere, particularly during solar flares and geomagnetic storms, can disrupt GNSS signals.
  • Solar Activity: Elevated solar activity can induce scintillation events in the ionosphere, degrading the quality of satellite signals. In standard GNSS receivers, mild scintillation can reduce position accuracy by several meters, while severe scintillation can cause signal loss.
  • Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can have minor effects on the strength and quality of GNSS signals, potentially impacting the device’s performance.
  • Electromagnetic Interference: Proximity to strong electromagnetic sources or environments with high radio frequency interference can disrupt GNSS signal reception, leading to potential inaccuracies.

User Manual > Tech Specs > Care and Maintenance

Care and Maintenance

Handling & Storage

  • Handle with care and store in a soft pouch or case when not in use
  • Avoid placing the device in pockets or bags with sharp objects

Water Resistance

  • The Totem Compass can withstand rain and splashes of water, but should not be submerged in water
  • Dry immediately if exposed to moisture

Charging

  • Ensure the charging port is free of dirt or moisture before connecting

Cleaning

  • Fingerprints and smudges may appear on the surface. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the device
  • For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with water or mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials

Environmental Care

  • Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures may affect battery performance and device longevity
  • Keep the device away from excessive dust, sand, or debris, especially in outdoor environments

Support

User Manual > Support > Warranty Information

Warranty Information

Your limited warranty starts on the date of your purchase and lasts for one year (365 days). The Warranty Period is not extended if we repair or replace a warranted product. We may change the availability of this limited warranty at our discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive.

This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in products purchased from the Website. For more information, please visit our Terms of Sale.

User Manual > Support > Return Policy

Return Policy

Except for any products designated on the Website as non-returnable, we will accept a return of undamaged products for a refund of your purchase price, less the original shipping and handling costs, provided such return is made within sixty (60) days of delivery* and provided such products are returned in their original condition and packaging. For more information, please visit our Terms of Sale.

*Return window subject to extend based on reason for return

Legal & Compliance

User Manual > Legal & Compliance > Terms of Service

Terms of Service

Read Totem's full Terms of Use and Terms of Sale here.

User Manual > Legal & Compliance > Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Totem respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it. Totem gathers anonymous data from devices that is used to improve its products and the events it supports. Read Totem's full Privacy Policy here.

User Manual > Legal & Compliance > FCC Compliance

FCC

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Totem could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

FCC ID: 2BMQS-1