If your CSV import completes but nothing changes, or you get an error, the problem is almost always with column mapping or the CSV file format. Here's how to fix it.
Most Common Issue: Column Mapping
The importer needs to know which column in your CSV matches which field in the app. If the mapping is wrong, the import runs but updates nothing.
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Open the side menu and tap Manage Data > Import CSV.
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Select your record type — Items or Customers.
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Choose your file, then on the mapping screen, tap Auto Map.
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Review every field — check that each field button shows the correct CSV column, not "Not mapped." Tap any field to reassign it manually.
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For "Update" or "Add or Update" mode — make sure the ID column is mapped. This is how the app identifies which existing record to update. Without it, updates won't match to anything.
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Tap Import All to run the import with corrected mapping.
CSV File Format Tips
If Auto Map finds no columns, or the import errors immediately, check your file:
- First row must be headers — column names go in row 1, data starts in row 2.
- Save as plain CSV — not XLSX or ODS. Open in Excel, choose File > Save As > CSV (Comma delimited).
- No merged cells or blank rows at the top of the file.
- Column names the app recognizes:
NAME,EMAIL,PHONE,ADDRESS,PRICE,BARCODE,COST,QTY— using these helps Auto Map work correctly.
Choosing the Right Import Mode
| Mode | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Add | Creates new records only — skips rows that match an existing record |
| Update | Updates existing records only — skips rows that don't match anything |
| Add or Update | Creates new records and updates matching ones (requires ID column mapped) |
If you're not sure, use Add for a first-time import and Add or Update when re-importing updated data.
Good to Know
- Test with Import One first — this imports only the first data row so you can verify the result before importing everything.
- Your CSV file must be placed in your device's MobileBiz CSV imports folder, or you can pick it directly from Dropbox if Dropbox is set up.
- If items exist but don't update, double-check that the Internal ID column in your CSV matches the IDs already in the app.
Still stuck? Contact Support for help.