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E
etekgubzev
January 25, 2026
Solved

Why did mileage auto-tracking stop working randomly in the QuickBooks mobile app, and how do I fix it?

  • January 25, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 127 views

The auto tracking feature stopped working randomly. How do I fix it?

Best answer by cody_a

If mileage auto-tracking stops working in QuickBooks, you can usually get it back on track with a few quick checks. We'll walk through the most common fixes, including location permissions, background settings, and app updates.

Step 1: Confirm auto-tracking is turned on

In the QuickBooks mobile app, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and make sure Auto-tracking (called Auto-track your miles on iOS) is switched on. If your device asks for location access, allow it.

Step 2: Check your device's location and background settings

This is where auto-tracking most often quietly breaks.

  • iOS: go to your device's Settings, select the QuickBooks app, set Location to Always, and turn on Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data. Avoid While Using the App, since that setting stops tracking as soon as you switch apps.
  • Android: location permission steps vary by Android version, so use Google's background app guidance to make sure QuickBooks can run in the background.

Low Power Mode, Do Not Disturb, battery-saver settings, and third-party battery or memory-boosting apps can all interrupt tracking too, so it's worth checking those if trips are still going missing.

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

If your Android device stays connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot during a trip, it can throw off accurate trip recording. Wi-Fi can stay on, just make sure it isn't actively connected to a hotspot while you're driving.

Step 4: Update the app and your device

An outdated app or operating system can cause tracking to behave inconsistently. Update the QuickBooks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and make sure your device is running a current version of iOS or Android.

Step 5: Verify tracking is working

In the app, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, then Troubleshooting (iOS) or the Avoid missed trips section (Android). A green check next to each setting means you're good to go. Anything marked with a (!) needs adjusting, and the app will walk you through it.

Once all of this is set up, keeping the app open in the background when a trip starts, and reopening it if your phone restarts or runs out of battery mid-trip, helps keep tracking consistent going forward.

Check out this article for more: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app


​​​​Let us know if any of these steps don't do the trick, we're happy to keep digging with you.

3 replies

M
MichaelaSQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
January 26, 2026

Hi there, etekgubzev.
 

Common causes to consider for why mileage tracking might stop working:
 

  • Auto mileage tracking requires location permissions to be enabled on your mobile device. If permissions are turned off, mileage tracking will stop functioning.
  • GPS or location services on your phone may be disabled or restricted, preventing QuickBooks from tracking your trips.
  • Some phones restrict location tracking when in low battery mode or when apps are running in the background.

Ensure that these settings are enabled. Auto mileage tracking also depends on the app you're using, so make sure your app is updated.
 

In some cases, issues with the auto-tracking feature occur due to cached data preventing proper recording. To address this, uninstall and reinstall the app. This refreshes the app and retrieves updated information.
 

If the problem persists, you can clear the app data on your device by following these steps:
 

For iOS:
 

  • Go to Settings, then tap General.
  • Select iPhone Storage, then press on the QuickBooks Online app.
  • Tap Offload App.
     

For Android:
 

  • Go to Menu , then tap More Options ⋮.
  • Choose Settings, then select Refresh Data.
  • Click YES to confirm.
     

Please don’t hesitate to leave us a response if you have any other questions or concerns.

J
jamesjdtQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
January 28, 2026

Hi @etekgubzev,


I just wanted to follow up to check if the resolution we provided helped resolve your issue.


Please let us know if everything is now working as expected or if you're still experiencing any problems.


We'll be glad to assist further if needed.

cody_a
cody_aCommunity ManagerAnswer
Community Manager
August 20, 2026

If mileage auto-tracking stops working in QuickBooks, you can usually get it back on track with a few quick checks. We'll walk through the most common fixes, including location permissions, background settings, and app updates.

Step 1: Confirm auto-tracking is turned on

In the QuickBooks mobile app, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, and make sure Auto-tracking (called Auto-track your miles on iOS) is switched on. If your device asks for location access, allow it.

Step 2: Check your device's location and background settings

This is where auto-tracking most often quietly breaks.

  • iOS: go to your device's Settings, select the QuickBooks app, set Location to Always, and turn on Motion & Fitness, Background App Refresh, and Cellular Data. Avoid While Using the App, since that setting stops tracking as soon as you switch apps.
  • Android: location permission steps vary by Android version, so use Google's background app guidance to make sure QuickBooks can run in the background.

Low Power Mode, Do Not Disturb, battery-saver settings, and third-party battery or memory-boosting apps can all interrupt tracking too, so it's worth checking those if trips are still going missing.

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

If your Android device stays connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot during a trip, it can throw off accurate trip recording. Wi-Fi can stay on, just make sure it isn't actively connected to a hotspot while you're driving.

Step 4: Update the app and your device

An outdated app or operating system can cause tracking to behave inconsistently. Update the QuickBooks mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and make sure your device is running a current version of iOS or Android.

Step 5: Verify tracking is working

In the app, go to Menu, then Settings, then Mileage, then Troubleshooting (iOS) or the Avoid missed trips section (Android). A green check next to each setting means you're good to go. Anything marked with a (!) needs adjusting, and the app will walk you through it.

Once all of this is set up, keeping the app open in the background when a trip starts, and reopening it if your phone restarts or runs out of battery mid-trip, helps keep tracking consistent going forward.

Check out this article for more: Fix mileage tracking issues in the QuickBooks mobile app


​​​​Let us know if any of these steps don't do the trick, we're happy to keep digging with you.

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