Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app

Learn what to do if you have problems tracking your work trips on your Apple or Android device.

Note: This article is for customers using QuickBooks Online (Advanced, Essentials, Plus, and Simple Start) and Sole Trader.

When you track mileage with the QuickBooks Online mobile app, it automatically records your work trips.

If you notice missing or inaccurate trips on your phone or tablet, don't worry. Here's how to set up the QuickBooks mobile app and your device to track trips accurately. And we'll show you how to correct the info for individual trips.

Important: You can only track mileage if you're signed in as a user with admin privileges for the company file.

Step 1: Turn on auto-tracking in the app

Make sure auto-tracking is on in the QuickBooks mobile app:

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open the QuickBooks mobile app
2. Select the menu ☰ icon
3. Select Mileage
4. Select Auto-tracking
5. Turn on the Auto-tracking switch
6. Follow Allow location access on-screen instructions

On an Android phone or tablet

1. Open the QuickBooks mobile app.
2. Select the menu ☰ icon.
3. Select Mileage.
4. Turn on the Auto-tracking switch.
5. Give QuickBooks permission to track your location. This will vary depending on your Android Operating System.
   • For Android OS version 10 and below:
     • For location permissions, select Allow. If prompted, select Allow all the time.
     • If you are prompted to allow access to your physical activity, select Allow.
   • For Android OS version 11 and above:
     • For location permissions select While using the app, then select Ok (if prompted). Then select Allow all the time.
     • If you are prompted to allow access to your physical activity, select Allow.

Step 2: Check your device's location settings

Review the general location settings on your phone or tablet. Make sure the QuickBooks mobile app can run in the background. Note: If you don't let the app run in the background, it only tracks trips when it's open and active on your screen.

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Go to your iPhone or iPad's Settings.
2. Scroll down and select the QuickBooks app.
3. Select Location. Then select Always.
4. Turn on the Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Mobile Data options.
5. Close your settings.
6. If you see a message about background location use, select Always Allow. Note: Don’t select the While Using the App, or Only While Using options. These prevent the app from tracking your mileage consistently.

Your device and app are now set up to track trips in the background. Switching to a different app shouldn't interrupt mileage tracking.

On Android (phone or tablet)

Since Android devices have slightly different operating systems, the steps vary by device. Use Google's steps to make sure QuickBooks can run in the background.

Step 3: Disconnect your hotspot while driving (Android only)

If your device is connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot while you’re driving, it can interfere with the trip recording accurately.

Wi-Fi can be turned on but make sure it's not connected to a hotspot while driving. It’s also OK to have Wi-Fi on in your location accuracy settings.

Step 4: See if the app is tracking miles

Anytime you want to check if the app is still tracking your miles:

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Select the menu ☰ icon.
2. Select Intuit Account and Settings ⚙.
3. Select Mileage.
4. Select Mileage troubleshooting.

Review the list in the MAKE SURE THESE SETTINGS ARE CORRECT section. If all the settings have a green check, you're good to go. If you see a (!), follow the on-screen steps to make adjustments.

On an Android phone or tablet

1. Select the menu ☰ icon.
2. Select Settings ⚙.
3. In the Mileage section, select Mileage Settings.

Review the list in the Avoid missed trips section. If all the settings have a green check, you're good to go. If you see a (!), follow the on-screen steps to make adjustments.

Step 5: Add the QuickBooks mobile app to your permissions lists

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

If you use third-party antivirus apps or apps that boost memory or battery saving, they may interfere with mileage tracking.

If possible, add the QuickBooks mobile app to your approved lists or ignore lists.

On Android (phone or tablet)

1. Go to your device's Settings.
2. Depending on your device, select Application Manager or APPS.
3. Find the QuickBooks mobile app.
4. Select Mobile Data.
5. Turn on the settings Allow app while data saver on, Allow unrestricted data usage, and Allow background data usage.

Step 6: Update the QuickBooks mobile app

If you haven't already, update the app to the latest version.

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

You can also update apps manually on your Apple device.

1. On your device, open the App Store.
2. Select the Today tab, then select your profile.
3. In the Available updates section, look for the QuickBooks mobile app.
4. If you see the option, select Update.

On Android (phone or tablet)

You can also use Google's steps to update your app.

1. On your device, open the Google Play Store app.
2. On the home screen, tap your profile icon.
3. Tap Manage apps & device.
4. Select the Manage tab.
5. Select the Updates available filter.
6. Find the QuickBooks Online mobile app, and select the checkbox. Then select the update icon.

Step 7: Update your device

If you haven't already, update to the latest version of Android or the latest version of iOS (the app needs iOS 12.2 or later to work properly).

Step 8: Change settings on your device

There are settings on your phone or tablet you may want to change or turn off.

Adjust features on iOS

Turn on the Significant Locations feature. This helps QuickBooks track your trips, but it's optional. You can also use Apple's steps to learn more about location settings.

1. Go to your iPhone or iPad's Settings.
2. Select Privacy and then Location Services.
3. Turn on Location Services.
4. Scroll to the bottom and select System Services.
5. Select Significant Locations and turn it on.

If you use the Screen Time feature, consider turning off Content & Privacy restrictions.

1. Go to your iPhone or iPad's Settings.
2. Select Screen Time.
3. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Turn off the feature.

You may also want to turn off certain features on your device during trips:

• If you use the Low Power Mode feature to save battery, it may stop apps running in the background, including QuickBooks. We recommend you don't use Low Power Mode when you're tracking miles. If you need to use Low Power Mode, open on the QuickBooks mobile app and leave it open during the trip.
• If you use the Do Not Disturb feature, make sure it's turned off and scheduled to stay off during trips. If you leave it on, it may close the QuickBooks mobile app.

Change battery and memory settings on Android

If you use certain settings to extend your device's battery life or memory, they can accidentally interfere with mileage tracking. Every phone and tablet has its own steps to change these settings. We recommend using the steps from your device's manufacturer:

• Google (Pixel, Nexus, other)
• Samsung (Galaxy, other)
• LG
• Motorola

Step 9: Track trips accurately

Here are some tips to keep in mind during work trips:

• When you start your trip, open the QuickBooks mobile app to be sure the app is running in the background.
• If your device runs out of battery or restarts, open and sign in to the QuickBooks mobile app again. Follow "Step 4: See if the app is tracking miles" to make sure you're still tracking trips.
• If you're in stop-and-go traffic, the app may record multiple short trips instead of one trip. You don't have to edit these trips if you don't want to.