Questions
Does the compass work on a laptop?
No. Laptops and desktop computers have no compass sensor. Open this page on a phone or tablet.
Why does the compass point the wrong way?
Magnets, metal and phone cases with magnets throw the sensor off. Move away from them and move the phone in a figure 8 to calibrate it.
Does it show true north or magnetic north?
Magnetic north, as your phone reports it. True north differs by the magnetic declination where you are, which ranges from almost zero to more than 20 degrees.
Why does my iPhone ask for motion access?
Safari on iPhone and iPad needs your permission before a page can read the orientation sensors. If you denied it, reload the page and allow it.