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Fix mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Self-Employed for iOS

by Intuit• Updated 10 months ago

Learn what to do if you have problems tracking work trips on your iPhone or iPad.

When you track mileage with the QuickBooks Self-Employed app, it automatically records your work trips.

If you notice missing or inaccurate trips on your iPhone or iPad, don't worry. Here's how to set up the QuickBooks app and your device so they track trips accurately. We'll also show you how to make corrections to individual trips.

In this article, you'll learn how to:

Or, here's how to fix issues if you use an Android phone or tablet.



Step 1: Turn on auto-tracking in the app

Make sure auto-tracking is on in QuickBooks Self-Employed:

  1. Open the QuickBooks Self-Employed app.
  2. Go to the Mileage menu.
  3. Select Auto-tracking.
  4. Select the Auto-tracking toggle to turn it on.


Step 2: Check your device's location settings

Review the general location setting for your iPhone or iPad. Make sure the QuickBooks Self-Employed app can run in the background. Note: If you don't let it run in the background, the app only tracks trips when it's open and active on your screen.

  1. Go to your iPhone or iPad's Settings.
  2. Scroll down and select the QuickBooks Self-Employed app.
  3. Select Location. Then select Always. Note: Don't select While Using the App. This option doesn't let the app track your mileage consistently.
  4. Turn on the Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data options.
  5. Close your settings.

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



Step 3: See if the app is tracking miles

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

  1. Open the QuickBooks Self-Employed app.
  2. Go to the Mileage menu.
  3. Select Auto-tracking.
  4. Select Check mileage settings.

Review the list. If the settings have a green check, you're good to go. If you see a (!), select it to open the setting page on your device. Then make any adjustments.



Step 4: Update the QuickBooks Self-Employed app

If you haven't already, update the app to the latest version. You can also use Apple's steps to update your app.

  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 Self-Employed app.
  4. If you see the option, select Update.


Step 5: Update your device

If you haven't already, update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS. Your device needs iOS 12.2 or later to work properly.



Step 6: Adjust feature settings on your device

Turn on the Significant Locations feature. This helps QuickBooks track your trips, but it's optional. You can also use apple's steps to adjust your 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 and turn on Significant Locations.

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.


Step 7: Add QuickBooks Self-Employed to ignore lists

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

If possible, add QuickBooks Self-Employed to the whitelist or ignore list for these types of apps.



Step 8: Track trips accurately

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

  • When you start a trip, open and sign in to the QuickBooks Self-Employed app. This keeps the app running in the background.
  • If your device runs out of battery or restarts, open and sign in to QuickBooks Self-Employed again. Follow "Step 3: See if the app is tracking miles" to check everything.
  • 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.

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, this may stop apps running in the background, including QuickBooks Self-Employed. We recommend you don't use Low Power Mode when you're tracking miles. If you need to use it, open on the QuickBooks Self-Employed app and leave it on 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 Self-Employed app.
  • If you force quit the QuickBooks Self-Employed app, this stops mileage tracking. You need to open and sign back in to start tracking miles again.


Step 9: Fix or edit a specific trip

If you need to change or add a trip, here's how to edit trips manually in the QuickBooks Self-Employed app.

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