Getting Started

Log your way, with WayLog.

WayLog detects when you're driving and records every trip — no tapping, no forgetting.

First-time setup

Grant location access

WayLog needs Always location access to detect trips when your phone is in your pocket. On the first launch you'll be prompted — choose While Using the App first, then tap through to allow All the Time on the next screen.

Allow physical activity access

This lets WayLog use your phone's motion sensors to distinguish driving from walking or cycling. Approve the prompt when asked.

Allow notifications

WayLog shows a persistent notification while it's watching for trips. You can use this notification to manually start or end a trip at any time. You can turn this off in Settings if you prefer.

Save your frequent locations as you visit them

Saved locations use your current GPS position. Whenever you're at a place you visit often (like Home right now, or after you drive to Work or a client site), go to Settings → Saved Locations → Add Location, choose a label, and tap Save Current Location as “…”. WayLog will display that label instead of the raw street address on your trip list.

Set your default trip purpose

Go to Settings → Trips and choose your most common trip purpose. Every new trip starts with this purpose — you can always change it later by tapping the trip.

How trip detection works

🚗

Automatic start

WayLog monitors your motion in the background. When it detects you're in a vehicle — using your phone's motion sensors and GPS speed — it starts recording automatically. You don't need to open the app.

🛑

Automatic end

When you stop moving for about 3 minutes, WayLog ends the trip and saves it. Short stops at traffic lights or drive-throughs won't end your trip early.

✋

Manual override

Pull down your notification shade and tap Start Trip or End Trip at any time. The active trip banner also appears at the top of the Trips screen while a trip is in progress.

Detection may take a moment. The first time you drive after installing, allow up to 60 seconds for WayLog to confirm you're in a vehicle before starting the recording. Subsequent trips are typically faster.

What WayLog tracks

📍

Start & end addresses

Every trip is reverse-geocoded to a street address, or your saved location name if you're near one.

📏

Distance

Accurate mileage tracked via continuous GPS breadcrumbs throughout the trip.

💵

IRS deduction

Business, medical, and charity trips are automatically valued at the current IRS standard mileage rate.

🏷️

Trip purpose

Categorise trips as Business, Personal, Medical, Charity, or Commute. Swipe left on any trip to instantly mark it Business.

📅

Monthly summaries

Trips are grouped by month with totals for miles driven and tax deduction value.

📊

YTD deduction

Your year-to-date business mileage deduction is always visible at the top of the Trips screen.

Tips

Swipe to categorise Swipe right on a trip to mark it Business instantly. Swipe left to delete. Tap any trip to see full details and change the purpose.

IRS rates update automatically WayLog ships with IRS mileage rates pre-loaded and checks for updates weekly. You can view the current year's rates in Settings.

Save your frequent stops when you arrive When you're parked at a frequent stop (such as Home, Office, or a Job Site), open Settings → Saved Locations → Add Location, pick a label, and tap Save Current Location as “…” so your trip list reads cleanly instead of showing street addresses.

All data stays on your device WayLog does not upload your trips to any server. Your location data is stored locally only. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

iOS vs. Android

Functionally identical

WayLog for iOS and Android offer the same core experience — automatic trip detection, IRS deduction tracking, saved locations, and manual override. Both apps store all data on-device with no account required.

Platform-specific differences will be noted here if they arise in future updates.