How to make an Enchanted Compass in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft an enchanted compass with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, you can add powers to the compass by enchanting it. However, this can only be done using an anvil or game command and not with an enchanting table.

enchanted compass

Let's explore how to make an enchanted compass using an anvil.

Supported Platforms

The enchanted compass is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

PlatformSupported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Java Edition (PC/Mac)Yes
Pocket Edition (PE) Pocket Edition (PE)Yes
Xbox 360 Xbox 360Yes
Xbox One Xbox OneYes
PS3 PS3Yes
PS4 PS4Yes
Wii U Wii UYes
Nintendo Switch Nintendo SwitchYes
Windows 10 Edition Windows 10 EditionYes
Education Edition Education EditionNo

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Required Materials

In Minecraft, these are the materials you can use to enchant the compass with an anvil:

Enchantments for Compass

In Minecraft, you can enchant the compass with the following enchantments:

Enchantment Description
Curse of Vanishing Cursed item will disappear after player dies

See a complete list of Minecraft Enchantments that is interactive and searchable.

Steps to Enchant the Compass with an Anvil

1. Place the Anvil

Add the anvil to your hotbar so that it is an item that you can use.

Next, position your pointer (the plus sign) on the block where you want to place the anvil. You should see the block become highlighted in your game window.

how to make enchanted compass

The game control to place the anvil depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), right click on the block.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap on the block.
  • For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press the LT button on the Xbox controller.
  • For PS3 and PS4, press the L2 button on the PS controller.
  • For Wii U, press the ZL button on the gamepad.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press the ZL button on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, right click on the block.
  • For Education Edition, right click on the block.

2. Use the Anvil

To use the anvil, you need to stand in front of it.

how to make enchanted compass

The game control to use the anvil depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), right click on the anvil.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap on the anvil.
  • For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press the LT button on the Xbox controller.
  • For PS3 and PS4, press the L2 button on the PS controller.
  • For Wii U, press the ZL button on the gamepad.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press the ZL button on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, right click on the anvil.
  • For Education Edition, right click on the anvil.

Now your anvil is open and you can see the Repair & Name menu.

how to make enchanted compass

3. Enchant the Compass

To enchant the compass, place the compass in the first slot and an enchanted book in the second slot. In this tutorial, we will use a Curse of Vanishing book.

In the third slot, you will see the enchanted compass. It will cost 4 experience levels to enchant the compass with the Curse of Vanishing enchantment.

how to make enchanted compass

4. Move the Enchanted Compass to Inventory

Now, move the enchanted compass from the third slot to your inventory hotbar.

TIP: If you hover over the enchanted compass, you will see the name and level of the enchantment. In this example, it shows Curse of Vanishing which is the same as Curse of Vanishing I.

how to make enchanted compass

Congratulations, you just learned how to enchant the compass using an anvil in Minecraft.