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QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a powerful tool for managing your business finances, but like any software, it occasionally runs into errors. One common issue users face is QuickBooks Online Error Code 185. This error typically appears when there's a problem with your bank feed or when QuickBooks Online is unable to connect to your bank account properly.

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In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of QuickBooks Online Error Code 185, how to fix it, and tips for preventing it from happening in the future.

What is QuickBooks Online Error Code 185?

QuickBooks Online Error Code 185 is a bank connection error that occurs when QuickBooks cannot authenticate your bank login information or if there’s an issue with your bank's server. This error prevents QuickBooks from downloading your bank transactions, which can delay financial management and reconciliation.

When the error occurs, you may see the message:

“Error 185: Your account is not recognized. Please check your login details and try again.”

This typically indicates that QuickBooks is having trouble verifying the login credentials for your bank or that the connection is not being established correctly.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Online Error Code 185

Several factors can trigger QuickBooks Online Error Code 185:

1. Incorrect Login Credentials: The most common cause of this error is incorrect login information. If your bank username or password has changed recently and QuickBooks isn't updated with the new details, it will fail to connect.

2. Bank-Specific Issues: Sometimes, the issue is on the bank’s end. If the bank’s servers are down or experiencing issues, QuickBooks may not be able to authenticate your login and access your bank feed.

3. Two-Factor Authentication: Many banks use two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional security. If your bank has recently enabled 2FA and QuickBooks Online hasn't been updated with the new authentication method, the connection may fail.

4. Connection Timeout: If there’s a temporary problem with your internet connection or if QuickBooks Online is struggling to reach your bank, it might not be able to complete the login process.

5. Bank Account Changes: If there have been any changes to your bank account, such as the closure of an account or a change in the account type, QuickBooks may not recognize the account and trigger this error.

6. Browser Issues: Sometimes, issues with your browser’s cache or cookies can prevent QuickBooks Online from properly verifying your bank login information.

How to Fix QuickBooks Online Error Code 185

If you’re encountering QuickBooks Online Error Code 185, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Double-Check Your Bank Login Credentials

The most straightforward solution to this error is to verify your bank login information. If you’ve recently updated your bank credentials, make sure QuickBooks is using the correct username and password:

1. Go to the Banking menu in QuickBooks Online.

2. Find the bank account you are having trouble with and click on Edit.

3. Enter your bank username and password carefully.

4. If necessary, try to log in directly to your bank’s website to ensure that the credentials are working.

Once you've verified your login credentials, return to QuickBooks Online and try reconnecting your bank account.

Step 2: Update Your Bank Information in QuickBooks Online

If your bank has recently implemented a new security feature, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), QuickBooks Online may not be able to authenticate the connection. To resolve this:

1. Log in to your bank's online portal and confirm that two-factor authentication is enabled.

2. Go to QuickBooks Online, and in the Banking section, choose Edit next to the bank account that is showing the error.

3. Re-enter your bank login information and, if prompted, complete the additional authentication step required by your bank.

If your bank requires an authentication code, make sure you enter it correctly in the QuickBooks authentication window.

Step 3: Disconnect and Reconnect Your Bank Account

Sometimes, simply disconnecting and reconnecting your bank account to QuickBooks Online can resolve the issue. To do this:

1. Go to the Banking menu in QuickBooks Online.

2. Select the account that’s experiencing the issue.

3. Click on the Edit button, and then choose Disconnect this account.

4. Once the account is disconnected, go back to the Banking page and click Add Account.

5. Re-enter your bank login credentials and reconnect the account.

This process can help refresh the connection between QuickBooks Online and your bank.

Step 4: Check for Temporary Bank Server Issues

It’s also possible that your bank’s servers are down temporarily or undergoing maintenance. In such cases, QuickBooks won’t be able to authenticate your login.

To verify if this is the issue:

1. Check with your bank’s customer support to see if there are any server-related issues or if their online banking service is down for maintenance.

2. Wait for some time and then try reconnecting your bank account in QuickBooks Online.

If the problem is related to your bank’s servers, there’s not much you can do except wait for the issue to be resolved by the bank.

Step 5: Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, an issue with your browser’s cache or cookies can prevent QuickBooks from verifying your bank account login. To fix this:

1. Clear the cache and cookies in your web browser.

   • For Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.

   • For Mozilla Firefox, go to Options > Privacy & Security > Clear History.

   • For Safari, go to Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data, then remove the data.

2. After clearing the cache and cookies, close and reopen your browser.

3. Log back into QuickBooks Online and attempt to reconnect your bank account.

Step 6: Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

If clearing your cache and cookies doesn’t resolve the error, try accessing QuickBooks Online in Incognito Mode (Chrome) or Private Browsing Mode (Firefox, Safari). This mode disables most extensions and clears temporary files that could interfere with the connection.

1. Open your browser in Incognito/Private Browsing mode.

2. Log in to QuickBooks Online and try to reconnect your bank account.

Step 7: Contact QuickBooks Support

If none of the steps above resolves QuickBooks Online Error Code 185, it may be time to reach out to QuickBooks Support. They can offer assistance with troubleshooting and guide you through resolving any technical issues with your bank account connection.

You can contact QuickBooks Support at 855-389-9729 for further help.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Online Error Code 185 can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it’s typically easy to resolve. Whether the problem is related to incorrect login credentials, two-factor authentication, or temporary issues with your bank, following the steps in this blog can help you get back to managing your bank feeds and transactions in QuickBooks Online.

If the error persists despite trying all the steps, don't hesitate to contact QuickBooks Support at 855-389-9729. Their team of experts can help resolve more complex issues and ensure your QuickBooks Online experience runs smoothly.

By staying on top of your bank connections and ensuring your login information is correct, you can prevent QuickBooks Online Error Code 185 from interrupting your workflow.