A method and apparatus for magnetic interference compensation of an embedded magnetometer. One embodiment provides a method for operating a mobile communications device that includes an electronic processor, a memory, and a magnetometer. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining, by the electronic processor, an operational mode for the mobile communication device. The method further includes retrieving, from the memory and based on the operational mode, at least one predetermined calibration parameter. The method further includes obtaining, from the magnetometer, a magnetic field reading, and determining, by the electronic processor, a calibrated magnetic field value based on the magnetic field reading and the at least one predetermined calibration parameter.