QuickBooks is a popular accounting software used by businesses of all sizes. However, users sometimes encounter errors while using the software. One such error is QuickBooks Error 185. This error occurs when you try to update your bank accounts in QuickBooks. It usually happens due to additional security requirements from your bank. This guide will help you understand QuickBooks Error 185 and how to resolve it.

What is QuickBooks Error 185?

QuickBooks Error 185 appears when you are updating your bank accounts in QuickBooks and the software encounters an issue with the bank’s security verification process. The bank may require additional information or steps to confirm your identity. This extra security measure is designed to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Why Does QuickBooks Error 185 Occur?

There are several reasons why QuickBooks Error 185 may occur:

1. Additional Security Steps: Some banks require extra security steps, such as answering a security question or entering a one-time password (OTP) during the update process.
2. Outdated Bank Information: If your bank information in QuickBooks is outdated, the software may not be able to sync with your bank’s server, causing the error.
3. Connectivity Issues: A weak or unstable internet connection can cause interruptions during the update process, leading to this error.
4. Issues with QuickBooks Software: Sometimes, the error may be due to issues within the QuickBooks software itself, such as a corrupted file or an outdated version.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185

Now that we understand why QuickBooks Error 185 occurs, let's look at some solutions to fix it.

Step 1: Verify Your Bank Information

The first step is to ensure that your bank information in QuickBooks is up to date. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Banking menu.
2. Select the bank account that is causing the error.
3. Click on Edit Account Info.
4. Verify that all the details, such as account number, routing number, and bank name, are correct.
5. If you find any incorrect information, update it and try to update your bank account again.

Step 2: Complete the Security Verification Process

If your bank requires additional security steps, follow these instructions:

1. During the update process, QuickBooks will prompt you to complete the security verification.
2. Answer the security questions or enter the one-time password (OTP) sent by your bank.
3. If you are unsure about the security question or didn’t receive the OTP, contact your bank’s customer support for assistance.
4. After completing the security steps, try updating your bank account again.

Step 3: Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is essential for QuickBooks to communicate with your bank’s server. To check your connection:

1. Make sure your internet connection is stable. If you are using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection for better stability.
2. Close any other applications that may be using the internet, as they can slow down the update process.
3. If you continue to have connection issues, try restarting your router or contact your internet service provider.

Step 4: Update QuickBooks Software

An outdated version of QuickBooks can cause errors during the bank update process. Here’s how to update your QuickBooks software:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
2. Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Click on Update Now.
4. Wait for the update to complete and then restart QuickBooks.
5. Try updating your bank account again to see if the error is resolved.

Step 5: Use the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

If the error persists, it may be due to a corrupted file in QuickBooks. The QuickBooks File Doctor Tool can help fix this issue:

1. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the official Intuit website.
2. Open the Tool Hub and select Company File Issues.
3. Click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
4. Choose your company file from the list and click Check Your File.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix any issues found.

Step 6: Contact QuickBooks Support

If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to contact QuickBooks Support. They can provide you with further assistance and troubleshoot the error for you.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 185 can be frustrating, but it’s usually related to bank security verification. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the error and continue using QuickBooks without any issues. Always ensure your bank information is up to date and that your QuickBooks software is updated regularly to avoid such errors in the future.

If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks Support for further assistance. With the right steps, you can keep your business running smoothly without interruptions from software errors.