Applies to: Phone

Configure mileage preferences

MileLedger's mileage preferences control how drives are detected, what rate is used for calculations, and other tracking behaviours. Access them from More → Preferences on phone.

Prerequisites

  • MileLedger installed on phone.
  • For automatic tracking: location access set to 'Always Allow' in phone Settings.

Steps

  1. 1

    Open Preferences

    Tap More in the tab bar, then tap Preferences (or Settings, depending on your app version). This screen contains all configurable options for mileage tracking behaviour.

  2. 2

    Enable or disable automatic mileage tracking

    Find the Automatic Tracking toggle and turn it on to allow MileLedger to detect drives in the background. When enabled, MileLedger uses your phone's motion and location sensors to detect when you start and stop driving. Drives detected this way are added to your Drives list for review.

  3. 3

    Grant location access for automatic tracking

    Automatic tracking requires location access set to 'Always Allow'. If you haven't granted this yet, MileLedger will prompt you. You can also go to phone Settings → MileLedger → Location and select Always. Without 'Always Allow', automatic background detection will not work reliably.

  4. 4

    Set your mileage rate

    Look for a Mileage Rate or Rate setting in Preferences. Enter the per-mile or per-kilometre rate you want to use for calculating the value of your business drives. This rate is used in Reports to estimate the monetary value of your mileage. Common uses include IRS standard mileage rates for deductions or a company reimbursement rate.

  5. 5

    Configure Work Hours, Saved Places, and Smart Routes

    In **More → Work Hours**, set the days and times you usually work so leftover drives can suggest Business or Personal (you confirm). In **More → Saved Places**, pin home/office/client sites for place-based suggestions. In **More → Smart Routes**, add Smart Routes for routes you repeat (commutes). Priority when more than one could apply: Smart Route → Saved Place → Work Hours.

  6. 6

    Set your distance unit

    If MileLedger offers a distance unit preference (miles vs kilometres), select the unit that matches your region and how you want your reports to read.

  7. 7

    Save your preferences

    Changes in Preferences typically save automatically as you adjust each toggle or field. There is usually no separate Save button — just navigate back when you are done.

Expected results

  • Automatic tracking is enabled and MileLedger has 'Always Allow' location access.
  • Your mileage rate is set so Reports calculate the correct estimated value.
  • Distance units match your preference.

Important notes

  • The IRS standard mileage rate changes each year and varies by use type (business, medical, charity). MileLedger does not automatically update this rate — you are responsible for entering the correct rate for your situation. Always consult a qualified tax professional for guidance on deductible rates.
  • Automatic tracking uses more battery than manual logging. If battery life is a concern, consider logging drives manually in the Drives tab instead.
  • Setting a mileage rate in MileLedger is for your own calculation purposes. It does not constitute tax advice or guarantee deductibility.

Common problems

Automatic tracking is on but drives aren't being detected.

Go to phone Settings → MileLedger → Location and confirm it is set to Always (not 'While Using' or 'Never'). Also check that Background App Refresh is enabled for MileLedger under Settings → General → Background App Refresh.

I can't find a Mileage Rate field.

The rate field may be labelled differently depending on your app version. Look for 'Rate', 'Reimbursement Rate', or a similar label in More → Preferences.

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