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Setting Up Location Permissions

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026

Setting Up Location Permissions

SmartMiles needs location access set to "Always Allow" to detect and record trips automatically while the app is in the background.

Why "Always Allow" is required

Unlike apps that only need your location while you are using them, SmartMiles needs to detect when you start driving — even if the app is not open on screen. Without background location access, the app cannot start recording a trip until you manually open it.

iOS setup

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap SmartMiles.
  3. Tap Location.
  4. Select Always.
  5. Make sure Precise Location is turned on.

If you only see "While Using the App" and "Never," open the SmartMiles app first. iOS sometimes shows the "Always" option only after the app has requested it.

iOS location prompt

When you first install SmartMiles, iOS asks for location permission in two steps:

  1. First, it offers "Allow While Using App" or "Don't Allow."
  2. After using the app briefly, iOS shows a second prompt asking to upgrade to "Always Allow."

If you dismissed the second prompt, you can change the setting manually using the steps above.

Android setup

  1. Open Settings on your phone.
  2. Tap Apps (or Apps & notifications).
  3. Find and tap SmartMiles.
  4. Tap Permissions, then Location.
  5. Select Allow all the time.

Additional Android settings

Some Android manufacturers add extra battery restrictions that can stop background apps. If trips are not being detected:

  • Battery optimization — Go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization, find SmartMiles, and select "Don't optimize" (or "Unrestricted").
  • Samsung — Disable "Put unused apps to sleep" in Settings > Battery > Background usage limits, and add SmartMiles to the "Never sleeping apps" list.
  • Xiaomi / Redmi — Enable "Autostart" for SmartMiles in Settings > Apps > Manage apps > SmartMiles.
  • Huawei / Honor — Add SmartMiles to the "Protected apps" list in Settings > Battery > App launch.
  • OnePlus — Disable "Battery optimization" and enable "Allow background activity" for SmartMiles.

Motion & Fitness (iOS)

On iOS, SmartMiles also uses Motion & Fitness data to detect when you are in a vehicle. Make sure this is enabled:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Motion & Fitness.
  2. Turn on Fitness Tracking.
  3. Make sure SmartMiles is turned on in the list below.

Physical Activity (Android)

On Android, SmartMiles uses the Physical Activity permission to detect driving. This is requested during setup. If you denied it:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > SmartMiles > Permissions.
  2. Tap Physical Activity and select Allow.