How to use the what3words app
Find a what3words address
1. Open the what3words app and enter a street address or place name into the search bar at the top of the screen, then select the correct search result.
2. Zoom in, switch to satellite mode and drag the map to find the exact location you want the what3words address for.
3. Tap to select a square and see its what3words address display at the top of the screen.
View your current what3words address
1. Open the what3words app, wait for the blue dot to stop moving and tap Locate Me.
2. The what3words address for your location will display at the top of your screen.
* The location accuracy is dependent on your device’s GPS signal, which can be imprecise and constantly updating. It will be more accurate when you are outdoors.
Search and get directions
1. Enter the 3 word address in the format word.word.word into the search bar. Remember to add in the dots.
2. Select the correct 3 word address.
3. Tap Navigate.
4. Get directions with your preferred navigation app.
Share a what3words address
1. Search a what3words address, or tap Locate Me to display your current what3words address.
2. Tap Share and select the app you want to use.
To remove the default sharing explainer text, go to Settings and tap Share Settings. Tap to toggle Explainer Text off. Here you can also change other sharing settings including language and location information.
Save a what3words address
1. Select a square and tap Save to a List.
2. You can save to an existing list, for example, Favourites.
3. To save your location to a new list, tap Add a New List and give your list a name, for example, parking spots.
4. Once you’ve saved a location, you can add a description by tapping Add Label at the bottom of the screen.
Find one of your saved locations
1. Tap the menu icon in the top corner of your screen.
2. Tap Saved Locations.
3. Select the list you need.
4. Select the what3words address you need.
Change languages
1. Tap the menu icon in the top corner of your screen.
2. Tap Settings, then Language.
3. Select the language you need and, if prompted, download the language pack.
On Android devices, you’ll need to restart the app once you’ve added a new language. On iOS, no restart is needed.
Enable dual language display
1. Tap the menu icon in the top corner of your screen.
2. Tap Settings then Language.
3. Toggle on Secondary 3 word address language then tap Select secondary language.
4. Select the language you need and, if prompted, download the language pack.
On Android devices, you’ll need to restart the app once you’ve added a new language.
On iOS, no restart is needed.
Use voice entry
1. Tap the voice icon in the search bar at the top of the screen.
2. Say the what3words address without the dots or slashes, for example ‘filled count soap’.
3. Select the correct address.
4. Get directions or share.
Add a what3words address to a photo
1. Tap the Photo button on the right-hand side of the action panel – you might need to swipe to see it – and take a photo.
2. If you need to select a different square, tap the pin icon.
3. Use the icons on the right to change the sticker colour and style.
To add a what3words address to an existing photo, tap the menu icon in the top corner of your screen and select ‘Import a photo’. The app uses the photo’s geolocation information to display the what3words address.
Scan a what3words address
1. Tap the scan icon in the search bar at the top of the screen.
2. Point your camera at the what3words address. Make sure it sits in the scanning window.
3. Hold still for a few seconds, giving it time to scan the address.
4. Tap the correct address.
This feature currently works in 16 languages.
Reopen the tutorial
1. To learn about what3words, tap Tutorials in the menu.
2. To see how different app features work, tap Discover Features in the menu.
Share the app
1. Tap the menu icon in the top corner of your screen.
2. Tap Share app.
3. Select the app you’d like to share in.
Find Frequently Asked Questions
1. Tap the menu icon in the top corner of your screen.
2. Tap Find out about what3words then scroll down and tap FAQs.
3. Enter your question into the search bar.
