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!
User Manual > Get Started > Power On Your Totem(s)
User Manual > Get Started > 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
Note: Your Totem Compass will always remember Bonds unless you remove them.
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
*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
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
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!
User Manual > Additional Features > SOS Alerts
Receiving SOS
User Manual > Additional Features > Add/Remove Bonds
Note: When you remove a Bond, they can no longer track you.
User Manual > Additional Features > Brightness Settings
Your Totem has 3 brightness settings that impact battery life:
To cycle between brightness settings, click the Power Button once while your Totem is powered on.
(up to 8 hours)
(up to 8 hours)
(up to 10 hours)
(up to 10 hours)
(up to 22 hours)
(up to 22 hours)
User Manual > Additional Features > Touch Crystal Colors
Note: When using Smart Groups, this feature is not available.
To change your Touch Crystal color:
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!
User Manual > Totem Compass App > 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
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
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
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
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
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.
User Manual > Tech Specs > 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
Maximum Battery Playtime*
*Battery Playtime may vary based on environmental conditions and usage. Battery Life is subject to ongoing improvement through new Software Updates.
Charging Time
User Manual > Tech Specs > Range & Conditions for Use
Range
Conditions for Use
Performance Variables
User Manual > Tech Specs > Care and Maintenance
Handling & Storage
Water Resistance
Charging
Cleaning
Environmental Care
User Manual > Support > 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
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
User Manual > Legal & Compliance > Terms of Service
Read Totem's full Terms of Use and Terms of Sale here.
User Manual > Legal & Compliance > 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
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
