Fix Mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Online Mobile app 

Tracking mileage is a crucial aspect of managing expenses for many businesses, and the QuickBooks Online Mobile app provides a convenient way to record work trips automatically. However, users often encounter issues with mileage tracking, such as missing or inaccurate trips. These problems can disrupt business operations and lead to incorrect financial records.

If you are also facing issues with mileage tracking in the QuickBooks Online Mobile app, don’t worry. You are on the right track, and this guide will help you fix Mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks Online Mobile app effectively.

What is Mileage Tracking Issues in QuickBooks Online Mobile App?

When using the QuickBooks Online Mobile app to track mileage, it is designed to automatically record your work trips on both Apple and Android devices. This feature helps users accurately log business travel for expense tracking and tax purposes. However, issues such as missing or inaccurate trip records can arise, causing potential disruptions in your financial management.

To ensure precise mileage tracking, it is important to properly configure both the QuickBooks mobile app and your device settings. By doing so, you can avoid common problems and ensure that all your work trips are recorded accurately. Additionally, understanding how to corect the information for individual trips is crucial for maintaining accurate records. 

Resolutions to Fix Mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Online Mobile app  

To resolve Mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Online Mobile app, please follow these steps:

Resolution 1:Enabling Auto-Tracking in the QuickBooks Online Mobile App

To Ensure auto-tracking is enabled in the QuickBooks mobile app follow these steps: 

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open the QuickBooks mobile app.
2. Tap the menu ☰ icon.
3. Select “All.”
4. Tap on “Mileage.”
5. Choose “Auto-track your miles.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow location access.

On an Android Phone or Tablet

1. Open the QuickBooks mobile app.
2. Tap the menu ☰ icon.
3. Select “Mileage.”
4. Toggle the Auto-tracking switch to “On.”
5. Grant QuickBooks permission to track your location based on your Android operating system version.

For Android OS Version 10 and Below:

• When prompted for location permissions, select “Allow.” If asked, choose “Allow all the time.”
• If prompted to allow access to your physical activity, select “Allow.”

For Android OS Version 11 and Above:

• When prompted for location permissions, select “While using the app,” then select “OK” if prompted. Afterward, choose “Allow all the time.”
• If asked to allow access to your physical activity, select “Allow.”

Resolution 2: Verify Your Device’s Location Settings

Ensure that your phone or tablet’s general location settings are properly configured to allow the QuickBooks mobile app to run in the background. Note that if the app cannot run in the background, it will only track trips when it is open and active on your screen.

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Scroll down and select the QuickBooks app.
3. Tap on “Location” and select “Always.”
4. After that, you need to enable “Motion & Fitness”.
5. Then go to “Background App Refresh” 
6. Once done, go to “Cellular Data.”
7. Finally, close your Settings.

Note: If prompted about background location use, select “Always Allow.” Do not choose “While Using the App” or “Only While Using,” as these options prevent consistent mileage tracking. Your device is now set up to track trips in the background, and switching to a different app won’t interrupt mileage tracking.

On Android (Phone or Tablet)

Since Android devices have various operating systems, the steps may differ. You need to follow these steps to turn location services on or off:

1. First, you need to swipe down from the top of the screen.
2. Touch and hold the “Location” icon.
3. If you don’t see the “Location” icon:
   • Tap “Edit” or “Settings.”
   • Drag “Location” into your Quick Settings.

Resolution 3: Disconnect from Hotspots While Driving (Android Only)

To ensure accurate trip recording, avoid connecting your device to a Wi-Fi hotspot while driving. A hotspot connection can interfere with the app’s ability to track your trips properly.

You can keep Wi-Fi enabled, but make sure it is not connected to a hotspot while you are driving. Additionally, it is fine to have Wi-Fi turned on in your location accuracy settings.

Resolution 4: Checking if the App is Tracking Miles

To verify if the QuickBooks app is actively tracking your mileage:

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Tap the menu ☰ icon.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. Tap on “Mileage.”
4. Choose “Mileage troubleshooting.”
5. Finally, you need to review the list under the “MAKE SURE THESE SETTINGS ARE CORRECT” section.

Note: If all settings display a green checkmark, the app is tracking correctly. If you see an exclamation mark (!), follow the on-screen instructions to make the necessary adjustments.

On Android (Phone or Tablet)

1. Tap the menu ☰ icon.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. In the “Mileage” section, tap on “Mileage Settings.”

Review the list under the “Avoid missed trips” section. If all settings show a green checkmark, the app is tracking correctly. If you see an exclamation mark (!), follow the on-screen instructions to make the necessary adjustments.

Resolution 5: Adding the QuickBooks Mobile App to Your Permissions Lists

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

Using third-party antivirus apps or apps that optimize memory or battery life can potentially disrupt Mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks mobile app.

If feasible, ensure to add the QuickBooks mobile app to your approved lists or ignore lists within these third-party applications.

On Android (Phone or Tablet)

1. Open your device’s “Settings.”
2. After that, you need to navigate to “Application Manager” or “APPS,” depending on the device model you are currently using.
3. Locate and select the QuickBooks mobile app from the list.
4. Tap on “Mobile Data.”
5. Enable the following settings:
   • “Allow app while data saver on”
   • “Allow unrestricted data usage”
   • “Allow background data usage”

Resolution 6: Updating the QuickBooks Mobile App

Ensure you have the latest version of the QuickBooks mobile app installed:

On iOS (iPhone and iPad)

If you haven’t already, update apps manually on your Apple device:

1. Open the App Store on your device.
2. Then you need to navigate to the “Today” tab.
3. Once done tap on your profile.
4. Look for the QuickBooks mobile app in the “Available updates” section.
5. Finally, if you see an update is available, tap “Update” to install it.

On Android (Phone or Tablet)

To update the app using the Google Play Store you need to follow these steps: 

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
2. Then you need to tap on your profile icon on the home screen.
3. After that select “Manage apps & device.”
4. Go to the “Manage” tab.
5. Now under “Updates available,” you need to locate the QuickBooks Online mobile app.
6. Check the box next to it, then tap the update icon to proceed with the update.

Resolution 7: Updating Your Device

While fixing Mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Online Mobile app, you need to first ensure that your device’s operating system is up to date to support the QuickBooks mobile app:

Updating Android Devices

1. When you receive a notification for an update, open it and tap the update action.
2. If you cleared the notification or your device was offline:
   • Open your device’s “Settings” app.
   • Tap on “System” and then “Software update.”
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to check and update your device.

Updating iPhone or iPad Wirelessly

Before updating, ensure to back up your device using iCloud or your computer. Then:

1. First, you need to plug your device into power and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. After that go to the “Settings” option.
3. Now click on “General”.
4. Then tap on “Software Update.”
5. Choose the update you want to install if multiple options are available.
6. Tap “Install Now.” 

Note: If you see ‘Download and Install’ instead, tap on it to start downloading the update. You’ll need to enter your passcode and then tap ‘Install Now.’ If you’re unsure about your passcode, check your device’s instructions for help.

Resolution 8: Adjusting Settings on Your Device

There are settings on your phone or tablet that you may need to adjust or disable to ensure smooth operation with the QuickBooks mobile app.

Adjusting Features on iOS

Turning on Significant Locations (Optional)

To help QuickBooks track your trips:

1. Open your iPhone or iPad’s “Settings.”
2. Select “Privacy” and then “Location Services.”
3. Turn on “Location Services.”
4. Scroll down and select “System Services.”
5. Choose “Significant Locations” and turn it on.

Turning off Content & Privacy Restrictions (If Using Screen Time)

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

Managing Features During Trips

1. Low Power Mode: If you use Low Power Mode to save battery, it may prevent apps like QuickBooks from running in the background. Avoid using Low Power Mode when tracking miles. If necessary, then you can keep the QuickBooks mobile app open during your trip.
2. Do Not Disturb: Ensure Do Not Disturb is turned off and not scheduled to activate during trips. Leaving it on can potentially close the QuickBooks mobile app unexpectedly.

Adjusting Battery and Memory Settings on Android

If you use settings to optimize battery life or memory, they might unintentionally interfere with mileage tracking. Each phone or tablet has specific steps to adjust these settings. You can also refer to your device manufacturer’s instructions:

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

Follow the respective steps to optimize your device’s settings without affecting mileage tracking in the QuickBooks mobile app.

Resolution 9: Tracking your  Trips Accurately 

Ensure accurate tracking of your work trips with these helpful tips:

1. Start Your Trip with QuickBooks: Open the QuickBooks mobile app when starting your trip to ensure it runs in the background.
2. Reopen the App After Interruptions: If your device runs out of battery or restarts, reopen and sign in to the QuickBooks mobile app. Follow “Step 4: Checking if the App is Tracking Miles” to confirm ongoing trip tracking.
3. Handling Stop-and-Go Traffic: In stop-and-go traffic, the app may record multiple short trips instead of a single trip. You can choose not to edit these trips if they are accurate for your records.

Conclusion

Fixing Mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Online Mobile app can significantly improve the accuracy of your business’s expense records and ensure seamless financial management. By addressing these issues, you can avoid discrepancies in your mileage logs, which can lead to better tracking of business expenses and potential tax deductions. Implementing the right solutions will help you maintain accurate records of your work trips, making your financial reporting more reliable and efficient.

If you still find yourself stuck or unable to fix Mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks Online Mobile app issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks Professional Team for quick and easy assistance. Expert help can provide you with tailored solutions and guidance, ensuring that your QuickBooks Online Mobile app is set up correctly and functioning optimally. This way, you can focus on running your business without worrying about the technical aspects of mileage tracking.

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