20/06/2024 às 13:13

Understanding and Resolving QuickBooks Error 185: Bank Connection and Verification Issues

5min de leitura

QuickBooks Error 185 is a common issue encountered by users trying to update their bank feeds in QuickBooks. This error is typically related to problems with multi-factor authentication (MFA) between QuickBooks and the user's bank, which prevents the software from establishing a secure connection. Here’s an in-depth look at what causes this error and how you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve it.

What Causes QuickBooks Error 185?

Error 185 usually occurs when your bank requires additional verification steps, such as answering security questions or entering one-time passwords (OTPs), to ensure the security of your financial data. QuickBooks might fail to handle these additional verification steps properly, resulting in an interruption of the bank connection process.

Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error 185

Verify Your Bank Login Credentials
The first and most straightforward step is to ensure that your bank login credentials are correct. Sometimes, an incorrect username or password can lead to connection issues. Log in to your bank’s website directly to verify your credentials. If you can log in without any issues, it’s time to move on to the next steps.
Respond to Security Challenges
Many banks use security challenges such as security questions or OTPs to protect your account. Make sure you respond accurately to these challenges. If your bank uses security questions, ensure that your answers match exactly what you have set up. If it uses OTPs, ensure you have access to the device where the OTP is sent and enter it correctly.
Update QuickBooks and Your Browser
Keeping your software up to date is crucial. Ensure that you are using the latest version of QuickBooks and your web browser. Updates often include important security patches and compatibility fixes that can resolve connectivity issues.

Updating QuickBooks:

Open QuickBooks and go to the "Help" menu.
Select "Update QuickBooks Desktop."
Click on "Update Now" and then "Get Updates."
Restart QuickBooks to complete the update process.

Updating Your Browser:

Open your web browser and go to the settings or options menu.
Look for the "About" section to check for updates.
Install any available updates and restart your browser.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Accumulated cache and cookies in your browser can interfere with the bank connection process. Clearing them can help resolve these issues.

Clearing Cache and Cookies in Chrome:

Click on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
Select "More tools" > "Clear browsing data."
Choose "All time" for the time range and check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files."
Click "Clear data."

Clearing Cache and Cookies in Firefox:

Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner.
Select "Options" > "Privacy & Security."
Scroll down to "Cookies and Site Data" and click "Clear Data."
Check both options and click "Clear."
Check Your Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for QuickBooks to connect with your bank. Ensure that you have a strong and stable internet connection. If possible, use a wired connection for more stability.
Disable Browser Extensions
Browser extensions, especially those related to security and privacy, can sometimes interfere with the bank connection process. Disable any extensions temporarily to see if they are causing the issue.

Disabling Extensions in Chrome:

Click on the three-dot menu and select "More tools" > "Extensions."
Toggle off any extensions to disable them.

Disabling Extensions in Firefox:

Click on the three horizontal lines and select "Add-ons."
Disable any extensions by clicking on the toggle button.
Reconnect Your Bank Account
Reconnecting your bank account can sometimes resolve connection issues. To do this:
Open QuickBooks and go to the "Banking" menu.
Select the bank account you are having issues with.
Click on "Edit" and then "Disconnect this account on save."
Save the changes and then reconnect the account by entering your bank credentials.
Use the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool
QuickBooks offers a diagnostic tool that can help identify and fix connection issues. Download and run the QuickBooks Connection Diagnostic Tool from the official Intuit website. This tool is designed to automatically detect and fix problems related to your QuickBooks installation and connectivity.
Contact Your Bank
Sometimes, the issue might be on the bank’s end. Contact your bank’s support team to ensure that there are no issues with your account or their online banking services. They might provide additional insights or steps to resolve the connection issue.
Check for Firewalls and Security Software
Firewalls and security software can sometimes block QuickBooks from connecting to your bank. Ensure that QuickBooks is allowed through your firewall and that any security software is not blocking the connection.

Allowing QuickBooks Through Windows Firewall:

Open Control Panel and go to "System and Security" > "Windows Defender Firewall."
Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
Find QuickBooks in the list and ensure both private and public checkboxes are checked.
Click "OK" to save the changes.
Use QuickBooks in a Private Browsing Mode
Using private browsing mode can sometimes bypass issues related to cookies and cache.

Using Incognito Mode in Chrome:

Click on the three-dot menu and select "New Incognito Window."
Try connecting to your bank in the incognito window.

Using Private Browsing Mode in Firefox:

Click on the three horizontal lines and select "New Private Window."
Try connecting to your bank in the private window.
Seek Help from QuickBooks Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and the issue persists, it might be time to contact QuickBooks support. Their technical support team can provide advanced troubleshooting steps and potentially identify deeper issues causing Error 185 on your system.

Preventing Future Errors

To minimize the chances of encountering QuickBooks Error 185 in the future, consider the following preventive measures:

Regularly Update Software: Keeping QuickBooks, your web browser, and your operating system up to date is crucial. Updates often include security patches and compatibility fixes that can prevent connectivity issues.
Monitor Bank Changes: Stay informed about any changes your bank might make to their online banking platform. Banks occasionally update their security measures or login procedures, which can affect your QuickBooks connection.
Use Reliable Internet: Ensure you have a stable and secure internet connection. A strong and reliable connection reduces the likelihood of encountering connectivity issues.
Backup Data: Regularly back up your QuickBooks data to avoid data loss in case of errors. This ensures that you can restore your data quickly if you encounter any issues.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 185 can be frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting, it can be resolved. By verifying your credentials, updating software, clearing cache, checking your internet connection, and seeking support when needed, you can get back to managing your finances smoothly. Remember, keeping your software and systems updated is key to preventing future errors and ensuring a seamless banking experience with QuickBooks. Implementing these steps not only resolves the current issue but also helps in maintaining the overall health and functionality of your QuickBooks software.