Solved

How do I fix mileage tracking accuracy issues in the QuickBooks mobile app?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
March 14, 2023
12 replies
71 views

Problem 1. I can't seem to save favorite locations that are somewhat close to one another but still on different streets. This is true when using the app or QB online with my laptop.

Problem 2. Any location I go to within a large radius of a favorite gets assigned to that favorite. And even though it assigns the favorite location to the trip it might show a different address for the favorite(or the location but it appears as if the two are tied together). Due to the poor accuracy the address assigned neither matches the favorite it assigns nor the actual location I was at. And getting it to accept accuracy is often impossible.

Problem 3. The accuracy is terrible, is there a way to improve it? And why does it fail to log whole trips?

More info - I only have a few favorites assigned and I do not have any rules created. I thought favorites would help with the inaccuracy, or at least, save steps when having to fix it's inaccuracy. Is mileage tracking a fake feature? Is it there just so people like me will pay up for a higher level only to find out it isn't a real thing? My google maps knows where I am and it's history has these trips without problem(and if it's unsure it has the likely address in it's pull down suggestions). People I work with use apps that seem to know where we are(I've compared on location). Some help would be appreciated.

Best answer by katelynner

If your trips are showing up as inaccurate or missing altogether in the QuickBooks mobile app, a few settings on your phone and in the app are almost always the reason. Work through the steps below to get tracking running the way it should, then set up favorite locations to save time when you review trips.

Step 1: Turn on auto-tracking

On iPhone or iPad, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and select Auto-track your miles. Follow the on-screen steps to allow location access.

On Android, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and turn on the Auto-tracking switch. Grant location and physical activity permissions when prompted.

Step 2: Check your device's location settings

The app needs to run in the background to track trips consistently.

On iPhone or iPad, go to your device's Settings, select QuickBooks, then Location, and choose Always. Turn on Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data. If you see a prompt about background location, choose Always Allow, since While Using the App will interrupt tracking.

On Android, background permission steps vary by device, so follow your phone manufacturer's instructions for letting apps run in the background.

Step 3: Disconnect from Wi-Fi hotspots while driving (Android)

A connected Wi-Fi hotspot can interfere with trip recording accuracy. You can leave Wi-Fi turned on, just avoid staying connected to a hotspot while you're driving.

Step 4: Confirm the app is still tracking

On iPhone or iPad, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, then Troubleshooting, and check that every setting shows a green check.

On Android, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and review the Avoid missed trips section the same way.

Step 5: Whitelist the app if you use battery savers or antivirus tools

These tools can quietly stop QuickBooks from tracking in the background.

On Android, go to your device's Settings, then Application Manager or Apps, find QuickBooks, select Mobile Data, and turn on Allow app while data saver on, Allow unrestricted data usage, and Allow background data usage.

On iPhone or iPad, add QuickBooks to your antivirus or battery-saving app's approved list.

Step 6: Update the app and your device

Outdated software is a common cause of tracking gaps. Update the QuickBooks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and make sure your phone is running a current version of iOS or Android.

Step 7: Adjust a few extra device settings

On iPhone or iPad, turn on Significant Locations under Settings, then Privacy, then Location Services, then System Services, since this helps the app recognize your trips. Turn off Low Power Mode and Do Not Disturb while you're driving, since both can stop the app from running in the background.

On Android, check your manufacturer's battery and memory optimization settings, since these can interfere with tracking the same way.

A few tips for accurate trips

Open the app at the start of a trip to confirm it's running in the background.
If your phone restarts or loses battery mid-trip, reopen and sign back in, then recheck Step 4.
In stop-and-go traffic, the app may split one trip into several shorter ones. You don't have to merge them if you don't want to.

Keep your favorite locations organized

Favorite locations save you time by auto-filling common addresses when you review trips. To add or update one, sign in to QuickBooks Online on the web, go to All apps, then Expenses & Bills, then Mileage, select the dropdown next to Add trip, and choose Manage favorite locations. Select Add favorite location, or choose an existing one to edit, enter the address and a name for it, then select Save.

Have more questions about mileage tracking? Just ask, we're happy to help you get it running smoothly.

Guides: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app, Set up vehicles and mileage tracking to use with the QuickBooks mobile app

Nicole_N

QuickBooks Team

Thanks for taking the time to write your concern here, AGiff.

Let me help you fix mileage tracking issues in QuickBooks Online (QBO) mobile app. Before that, please note that you can't add a favorite location having the same address with different streets.

Follow the steps below to rectify mileage tracking issues:

Check your device's location settings.
Disconnect your hotspot while driving (Android only).
See if the app is tracking miles.
Add the QuickBooks mobile app to your permissions lists.
Update the QuickBooks mobile app.
Update your device.
Change settings on your device.
Track trips accurately.

Refer to this article that details the process of each step: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks Online mobile app.

You can visit these resources to help you learn more about how to manage trips in QBO:

This thread is still open if you have other concerns other than mileage in QuickBooks Online. Rest assured that the Community team is ready to help you out. Take care.

A

AGiffAuthor

Thank you for your response. Somehow I came across the FAQ sheet you refer to right after posting my issue. I've double checked all the Android/phone settings, which were fine(some I had already modified months ago in efforts of improvement. Also, it's a new phone with minimal apps installed as it's a work phone). However, I did enable the "Boost location accuracy" option within QuickBooks settings. I'll see how this helps in the coming days.

I am still confused about one thing. You wrote "please note that you can't add a favorite location having the same address with different streets" which was in response to my wondering why I can't create/save two favorite locations that are geographically close to one another but on different streets(using different favorite names and different addresses). How could QB see it as the same address if they're different streets? When I try to create/save the second favorite the app(or online) indicates I can't because I already have a favorite saved for this location(or something to that effect).

And a follow up issue yet related, if I go to a location geographically close(within a few blocks) to a saved favorite(which has been assigned a specified address) my mileage app will assign my favorite location to that destination yet show an unrelated destination address(which is neither the address of my saved favorite or my actual destination). ***the actual destination accuracy portion may change to some degree with the boost accuracy setting change indicated above. However, once QB assigns my favorite to the trips location it's impossible to modify the trips location without changing the address of the saved favorite(it will continue using the favorites name even if I try to use a different address). Maybe I'm not explaining this clearly enough. Once in the frustrating loop of trying to resolve the problem I loose track of specific messages/responses. But I can't be the only one having these issues.

Thanks again for the assistance.

F

FateCandylaneT

QuickBooks Team

I appreciate you for getting back in on this thread, AGiff. Allow me to share additional insights and get things cleared out for you.

I can see how convenient it is to efficiently track mileage of your business. With QuickBooks Online (QBO) app, tracking mileage from here will automatically record your work trips. As QuickBooks recognizes the location address created, we can't add them to your favorite lists if the street address is within the same locality as the location.

Yes, you're right. We also can't add a favorite location if the address added to your list already exists. Also, to help you rule out the issue, we can configure these unusual behaviors when monitoring travels. You can refer to the steps mentioned above to help us identify what causes the concern you're having.

Moreover, third-party antivirus programs and applications could restrict mileage tracking. We can add the QBO mobile app to your permissions lists. Please refer to the steps below.

Here's how:

Go to your device's Settings and select Application manager or APPS.
Locate the QuickBooks mobile app and select Mobile Data.
Turn on the settings Allow app while data server on, Allow unrestricted data usage, and Allow background data usage.

For additional information, you can visit this article to be more guided: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks Online mobile app.

Furthermore, I've added this reference to guide you on how to track mileage reimbursements when employees use their personal vehicle when going on business trips: Reimburse employees' mileage and vehicle expenses in QuickBooks Online.

Let us know in the comments below if you have additional questions about mileage tracking. We're always here to help. Have a good one!

K

klayman608

@AGiff, Did you ever get this issue resolved? I am struggling with this too and it is very frustrating!

I now just want to delete all my favorite locations and go strictly by addresses but can't figure out how to do that either. There is no option to removed Saved Location in QBO

AlcaeusF

Level 14

Hello klayman,

We want to help you with your concern about the mileage feature in QuickBooks Online. However, we need more information to provide the correct resolution and to sort this out.

Are you referring to the saved locations under the Manage Favorite Locations section? This way, we can provide further assistance in managing your mileage tracking. If you could provide some screenshots, it would greatly help.

In the meantime, you can check this article for additional guidance on how you can categorize your mileage via mobile or web browser: Automatically track mileage in QuickBooks Online.

Please know that you're always welcome to post questions in this space. Have a great day ahead.

K

klayman608

@AlcaeusF Yes, I am talking about managing favorite locations. I have quite a few clients that are located in close proximity so the app thinks I am at one client's house when I'm really at a different client's around the corner or something.

I originally thought it would be great to save the addresses as the client names but it's gets too confusing when it displays the wrong name.

I would like to just remove them all from my favorite locations and have the app just display the address instead.

Thanks,

Kimberly

katelynner

Answer

Community Manager

If your trips are showing up as inaccurate or missing altogether in the QuickBooks mobile app, a few settings on your phone and in the app are almost always the reason. Work through the steps below to get tracking running the way it should, then set up favorite locations to save time when you review trips.

Step 1: Turn on auto-tracking

On iPhone or iPad, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and select Auto-track your miles. Follow the on-screen steps to allow location access.

On Android, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and turn on the Auto-tracking switch. Grant location and physical activity permissions when prompted.

Step 2: Check your device's location settings

The app needs to run in the background to track trips consistently.

On iPhone or iPad, go to your device's Settings, select QuickBooks, then Location, and choose Always. Turn on Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data. If you see a prompt about background location, choose Always Allow, since While Using the App will interrupt tracking.

On Android, background permission steps vary by device, so follow your phone manufacturer's instructions for letting apps run in the background.

Step 3: Disconnect from Wi-Fi hotspots while driving (Android)

A connected Wi-Fi hotspot can interfere with trip recording accuracy. You can leave Wi-Fi turned on, just avoid staying connected to a hotspot while you're driving.

Step 4: Confirm the app is still tracking

On iPhone or iPad, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, then Troubleshooting, and check that every setting shows a green check.

On Android, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and review the Avoid missed trips section the same way.

Step 5: Whitelist the app if you use battery savers or antivirus tools

These tools can quietly stop QuickBooks from tracking in the background.

On Android, go to your device's Settings, then Application Manager or Apps, find QuickBooks, select Mobile Data, and turn on Allow app while data saver on, Allow unrestricted data usage, and Allow background data usage.

On iPhone or iPad, add QuickBooks to your antivirus or battery-saving app's approved list.

Step 6: Update the app and your device

Outdated software is a common cause of tracking gaps. Update the QuickBooks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and make sure your phone is running a current version of iOS or Android.

Step 7: Adjust a few extra device settings

On iPhone or iPad, turn on Significant Locations under Settings, then Privacy, then Location Services, then System Services, since this helps the app recognize your trips. Turn off Low Power Mode and Do Not Disturb while you're driving, since both can stop the app from running in the background.

On Android, check your manufacturer's battery and memory optimization settings, since these can interfere with tracking the same way.

A few tips for accurate trips

Open the app at the start of a trip to confirm it's running in the background.
If your phone restarts or loses battery mid-trip, reopen and sign back in, then recheck Step 4.
In stop-and-go traffic, the app may split one trip into several shorter ones. You don't have to merge them if you don't want to.

Keep your favorite locations organized

Favorite locations save you time by auto-filling common addresses when you review trips. To add or update one, sign in to QuickBooks Online on the web, go to All apps, then Expenses & Bills, then Mileage, select the dropdown next to Add trip, and choose Manage favorite locations. Select Add favorite location, or choose an existing one to edit, enter the address and a name for it, then select Save.

Have more questions about mileage tracking? Just ask, we're happy to help you get it running smoothly.

Guides: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app, Set up vehicles and mileage tracking to use with the QuickBooks mobile app

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