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B
bsboone
September 30, 2024
Solved

Why isn't the QuickBooks Online mileage tracker recording my drives, and how do I fix it on iPhone or Android?

  • September 30, 2024
  • 8 replies
  • 87 views
How to fix the automatic mileage tracker to log my mileage
Best answer by sofiamdc-2341

When mileage isn't recording, it usually means the app lost the background permission it needs while you're driving. App updates and phone updates can sometimes reset these settings without warning, so let's walk through how to get everything back up and running.

 

On iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings on your phone, scroll down, and tap QuickBooks.
  2. Tap Location, then choose Always. Choosing "While Using the App" stops tracking when the app is in the background.
  3. Make sure Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data are all switched on.
  4. Check that Low Power Mode is turned off when you drive, since it stops background apps from tracking.
  5. Ensure Do Not Disturb is turned off while you drive.
  6. Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations and turn it on.

 

Next, open QuickBooks and go to Menu > Settings > Mileage > Troubleshooting to check the in-app list. A green check means everything looks good, while an exclamation mark (!) will give you steps to fix that setting.

 

On Android

  1. Inside the QuickBooks app, go to Menu > Settings > Mileage.
  2. Double-check that Auto-track your miles is turned on.
  3. For Android 11 and newer, set Location permission to While using the app, then choose Always allow when prompted.
  4. Tap Avoid missed trips on the same Mileage settings screen and follow any exclamation mark (!) prompts.
  5. In your device's Settings, find the QuickBooks app and turn on Allow background data usage, Allow unrestricted data usage, and Allow app while data saver on.
  6. If you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot while driving, disconnect from it, as hotspots can prevent drives from being detected properly.

 

If the app freezes mid-drive or won't open the categorize screen

You can clear the app's data to give it a fresh start:

  • Android: In the QuickBooks app, go to Menu > More Options > Settings > Refresh Data, then tap YES.
  • iOS: Go to Menu > Help & Feedback > Refresh Data, then tap Refresh.

 

Restart your device and open the app again. If you're still having trouble, try uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks. Also, make sure both the app and your phone's operating system are fully updated. The mileage tracker requires iOS 12.2 or later.

 

If your trips still aren't tracking after following these steps, reply here with your device type and OS version so we can take a closer look!

 

Check out: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app

 

8 replies

J
JorgetteGQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
September 30, 2024

I appreciate you reaching out with your concern, Bsboone. Let's work together to get your automatic mileage tracker running smoothly.

 

When the automatic mileage tracker in QuickBooks Online isn’t logging your drives, here are some steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

 

  1. Turn on Auto-Tracking in the App:
    • iOS (iPhone and iPad):
      • Open the QuickBooks mobile app.
      • Tap the Menu ☰ icon, then select Mileage.
      • Ensure Auto-track your miles is turned on and follow the on-screen instructions to allow location access.
    • Android:
      • Open the QuickBooks mobile app.
      • Tap the Menu ☰ icon, then select Mileage.
      • Ensure that Auto-track your miles is on and that location access is allowed.
  2. Check Your Device’s Location Settings:
    • iOS:
      • Go to your device’s Settings.
      • Scroll down and select the QuickBooks app.
      • Set Location to Always.
      • Turn on Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data.
    • Android:
      • Ensure QuickBooks can run in the background by following Google’s steps for your specific device.
  3. Disconnect Your Hotspot While Driving (Android Only):
    • If your device is connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot while driving, it can interfere with trip recording. Make sure it isn't connected to a hotspot while driving.
  4. Review and Correct Individual Trips:
    • Open the QuickBooks mobile app.
    • Go to Mileage and review your trips.
    • Correct any missing or inaccurate trips manually.
  5. Clear Cache:
    • If you’re using the desktop app, clear the cache by selecting Help > Reset app data, then fully close and re-open the app.
  6. Update the App:
    • Ensure you have the latest version of the QuickBooks mobile app installed. Updating the app can fix and improve functionality.

 

For comprehensive insights, please visit the following article: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app.

 

If the issue persists, I highly recommend contacting QuickBooks support for further assistance. Their experts can provide tailored troubleshooting to your account and device setup, ensuring a swift resolution.

 

To unlock the full potential of the Mileage tracking feature in QBO, check out this link: Automatically track Mileage in QuickBooks Online.

 

Rest assured, we are committed to helping you resolve this issue and ensuring your Mileage is accurately logged in QuickBooks Online. Should you encounter any further problems or have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always here to assist you and ensure your success.

B
bsbooneAuthor
October 2, 2024

None of these are fixing my problem, neither are the agents I spoke with 3 times on phone for about 2 hours

    T
    tperry21
    October 20, 2025

    It keeps freezing when tracking a drive. When I complete the drive it won’t go to the categorize drive screen

    T
    TrixieDQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    October 20, 2025

    We understand how important it is for you to track and categorize your drives, tperry21.
     

    We can perform some troubleshooting steps based on the device you're using to help things run smoothly.

    For iOS:
     

    1. Tap Settings, then General.
    2. Select iPhone Storage, click the QuickBooks Online app.
    3. Press Offload App.

    Android:
     

    1. Go to Menu and select More Options.
    2. Click Settings, then Refresh Data.
    3. Tap YES to confirm.


    If the issue persists, I encourage you to reach out to our Live Support team for further assistance. They have the tools to review this matter, allowing you can get back to tracking and categorizing your drives seamlessly.
     

    If you need anything else, feel free to reply here. We’re here to help.

    sofiamdc-2341
    sofiamdc-2341Community ManagerAnswer
    Community Manager
    August 20, 2026

    When mileage isn't recording, it usually means the app lost the background permission it needs while you're driving. App updates and phone updates can sometimes reset these settings without warning, so let's walk through how to get everything back up and running.

     

    On iPhone or iPad

    1. Open Settings on your phone, scroll down, and tap QuickBooks.
    2. Tap Location, then choose Always. Choosing "While Using the App" stops tracking when the app is in the background.
    3. Make sure Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data are all switched on.
    4. Check that Low Power Mode is turned off when you drive, since it stops background apps from tracking.
    5. Ensure Do Not Disturb is turned off while you drive.
    6. Head to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations and turn it on.

     

    Next, open QuickBooks and go to Menu > Settings > Mileage > Troubleshooting to check the in-app list. A green check means everything looks good, while an exclamation mark (!) will give you steps to fix that setting.

     

    On Android

    1. Inside the QuickBooks app, go to Menu > Settings > Mileage.
    2. Double-check that Auto-track your miles is turned on.
    3. For Android 11 and newer, set Location permission to While using the app, then choose Always allow when prompted.
    4. Tap Avoid missed trips on the same Mileage settings screen and follow any exclamation mark (!) prompts.
    5. In your device's Settings, find the QuickBooks app and turn on Allow background data usage, Allow unrestricted data usage, and Allow app while data saver on.
    6. If you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot while driving, disconnect from it, as hotspots can prevent drives from being detected properly.

     

    If the app freezes mid-drive or won't open the categorize screen

    You can clear the app's data to give it a fresh start:

    • Android: In the QuickBooks app, go to Menu > More Options > Settings > Refresh Data, then tap YES.
    • iOS: Go to Menu > Help & Feedback > Refresh Data, then tap Refresh.

     

    Restart your device and open the app again. If you're still having trouble, try uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks. Also, make sure both the app and your phone's operating system are fully updated. The mileage tracker requires iOS 12.2 or later.

     

    If your trips still aren't tracking after following these steps, reply here with your device type and OS version so we can take a closer look!

     

    Check out: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app

     

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