How to Create a Mobile Return in the ToolWatch Mobile App
Description
Learn how to create and submit a Mobile Return in ToolWatch Mobile, from selecting locations to scanning items and viewing status.
Overview
The Mobile Returns feature in the ToolWatch Mobile App lets field teams request the pickup or return of tools and equipment directly from the jobsite. Once submitted, the return appears in ToolWatch Cloud for the warehouse team to process.
This article walks through the full workflow for creating and submitting a Mobile Return in the ToolWatch Mobile App, including how to:
Select your Return To and Return From locations
Optionally set a pickup date
Add items by scanning barcodes or entering tool numbers
Submit the return and view its status
For information on permissions, availability by plan, and troubleshooting Mobile Returns, see the “Mobile Returns: FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide” article.
When to Use Mobile Returns vs Transfers (High-Level)
In ToolWatch, both Returns and Transfers move tools and equipment between locations, but they work differently.
Use a Return when you want to request that items be picked up or sent back (for example, from a jobsite to a warehouse).
A return is a request, not an immediate move.
Items remain assigned to the original job or location until the warehouse receives and processes the return in ToolWatch Cloud.
Use a Transfer when you need to immediately move items between locations and update responsibility, billing, or job cost right away (for example, moving tools from one jobsite directly to another).
For a deeper explanation and examples, see the “When to Use Transfers vs Returns in ToolWatch” article.
Create a Mobile Return in the ToolWatch Mobile App
Follow these steps to create and submit a Mobile Return from the field.
Open the ToolWatch Mobile App and make sure you are on the Field side of the app.
From the main menu, tap Return.
On the My Returns screen, confirm you are on the Draft tab, then tap the + icon to create a new return.
On the Draft Return screen, tap Return To.
On the Return To screen, use the Search bar or the location list to find and select your Return To location (for example, a warehouse).
Back on the Draft Return screen, tap Return From.
On the Return From screen, use the Search bar or the location list to find and select your Return From location (for example, the project or jobsite where the tools are currently located).
(Optional) On the Draft Return screen, tap Pick Up and select a pickup date if you want to specify when the items should be picked up.
Scroll to choose the month, day, and year, then tap Done to confirm the date.
After your locations (and optional pickup date) are set, tap Next.
On the Items screen, add tools and equipment to the return:
Enter a tool number or barcode number in the Enter Or Scan Items field, then tap Return on the keyboard to add each item,
Or tap the barcode icon to open the scanner and scan the item’s barcode.
Repeat to add all items that should be returned.
Once all items have been added and reviewed, tap Submit.
When the confirmation message appears indicating Success, Return Submitted, tap OK.
To confirm that your return was submitted, go back to My Returns, tap the Submitted tab, and select the return to view its details.
FAQs for Creating Mobile Returns
Can I edit a return after I submit it?
No. Once you submit a return, it becomes read-only. You can only edit or delete a return while it is saved as a draft.
What happens after I submit a Mobile Return?
After submission, your return appears in ToolWatch Cloud as a Pick Ticket. Your warehouse team will review the request, receive the items, and mark them as returned.
Where can I see the status of my submitted returns?
In the ToolWatch Mobile App, go to Return → Submitted. Each return shows its locations, items, and current status (Submitted, In Progress, or Completed).
For more questions about permissions, app versions, and offline behavior, see the “Mobile Returns: FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide.”
Need Help?
If you need help with Mobile Returns:
First, contact your company’s ToolWatch Administrator to confirm your permissions and settings.
If you still need assistance, contact the ToolWatch Support Team through your standard support channel (for example, support portal, email, or phone, as defined by your organization).