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Fix common issues in the QuickBooks mobile app

by Intuit•1• Updated 1 week ago

If you’re experiencing problems with the QuickBooks mobile app—such as sign-in issues, app crashes, mileage tracking not working, or unexpected sounds when capturing receipts—this guide can help. Start with the general troubleshooting steps, then follow the ones specific to iOS or Android.

General troubleshooting steps for all devices

These simple steps often resolve many common issues on both iOS and Android devices. Try these first before moving on to platform-specific troubleshooting.

  1. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to check your connection.
  2. Close and restart the app.
  3. Power off and restart your device.
  4. Uninstall and reinstall the QuickBooks app.
  5. Check for updates in the App Store or Google Play and install the latest version.
  6. Update your device’s operating system to the latest available version.

Fix 400 Bad Request errors in a mobile browser

If you see a 400 Bad Request error while trying to access QuickBooks on your mobile browser, it usually means your browser is storing outdated or corrupted data. This can prevent the page from loading correctly.

To resolve the issue, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This removes temporary files and stored data that may be interfering with how QuickBooks loads.

Once cleared, close and reopen your browser, then sign in to QuickBooks again. If the issue continues, try restarting your device or using a different browser.


If you're using iOS

iPhone or iPad—especially when using features like Advanced Payroll—adjusting your Safari settings may help.

Steps to fix Safari issues:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and select Safari.
  3. In the Privacy & Security section, turn off the following:
    • Block All Cookies
    • Prevent Cross-Site Tracking

If your account has limited permissions, you may see missing data, empty dropdowns, or access errors. To resolve this, ensure you’re set up as a Company Admin or a Standard user with access to customers and suppliers.

Common symptoms of limited access:

  • “Sorry! You don’t have permission to access this information.”
  • Blank Company Activity screen or missing expenses.
  • Empty account or category lists when entering an expense.

Steps for a Company Admin to update permissions:

  1. Sign in to QuickBooks Online in a web browser.
  2. Select the gear icon and choose Manage Users.
  3. Find the user and select Edit.
  4. Change the user type to Admin from the dropdown menu.
  5. Select Save.

Note: Time-only and Reports-only users cannot sign in on the iPad. If you see a message like “Using QuickBooks Windows or Mac”, it means your account has restricted access.

If mileage tracking is not working properly on your iPhone, check that auto-tracking is enabled and that all required permissions and settings are in place.

Steps to fix mileage tracking:

  1. Open the QuickBooks app menu and select Mileage.
  2. Make sure Auto-tracking is switched on.
  3. Go to your iPhone Settings and allow location access set to Always.
  4. Enable Motion & Fitness.
  5. Open the QuickBooks app menu, go to Intuit Account & Settings, then select Mileage, and tap Mileage troubleshooting.
  6. Enable Significant Locations in your device settings.
  7. Avoid using Low Power Mode.
  8. Disable Content & Privacy Restrictions if they’re interfering with tracking.

If you're using Android

Mileage tracking on Android requires specific permissions and configuration. Follow these steps to ensure tracking works correctly.

Steps to fix mileage tracking:

  1. Open the QuickBooks app menu and select Mileage.
  2. Make sure Auto-tracking is switched on.
  3. Go to your device settings and allow location access set to All the time.
  4. Enable physical activity access.
  5. Avoid using mobile hotspots while driving, as this can interfere with tracking.
  6. Open the QuickBooks app menu, go to Settings, and check your Mileage Settings.
  7. Add QuickBooks to your list of trusted apps in any antivirus or battery saver settings.
  8. Disable aggressive battery or memory-saving features based on your phone manufacturer’s instructions.

You may run into issues after updating the app, signing in, or being charged by Google Play. These steps can help resolve common Android-specific app errors.

Sign-in errors:

  • If you see “Account not entitled”, check that your QuickBooks subscription is active.
  • If you can’t sign in with a valid profile, make sure you’re connected to the internet.

Update or app errors:

  • If the app shows “Linked program no longer installed”, restart your device.
  • If you see “There was a problem saving your data”, uninstall and reinstall the app from Google Play.

Google Play charge error:

  • If you’ve been charged by Google Play, your subscription was successful.
  • You can confirm your subscription status by going to Settings in the app, then selecting Subscription.
  • Your next renewal date will appear once the subscription status updates.

Clear QuickBooks app data:

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.
  2. Tap Apps (this may vary by device).
  3. Select the QuickBooks app from the list.
  4. Tap Storage, then tap Clear data.

If you hear a clicking or beeping sound when capturing receipts, it’s likely the camera’s built-in autofocus sound. You can disable this in your camera settings.

Steps to turn off camera sounds:

  1. Open the Camera app on your Android device.
  2. Tap the gear icon to open settings.
  3. Look for Camera Sounds or Shutter Sound.
  4. Turn the sound option off.

Tip: If your phone doesn’t have this setting, you can switch to silent or vibrate mode while capturing receipts.

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