How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185
Encountering QuickBooks Error 185 can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your ability to manage your financial data seamlessly. This error often signifies issues with connecting to your bank feed, which can hinder your transaction updates and financial tracking. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes behind QuickBooks Error 185 and provide step-by-step troubleshooting solutions to help you resolve the issue quickly.
What is QuickBooks Error 185?
QuickBooks Error 185 typically occurs when QuickBooks is unable to access or update your bank account information. This issue arises when there is a problem connecting to your bank account or with the bank feed in QuickBooks. The error message you might see looks something like this:
“We’re having trouble connecting to your bank. This could be due to an issue with your bank’s website or a connectivity problem.”
General Causes of QuickBooks Error 185
Understanding the root cause of QuickBooks Error 185 is essential to fixing it. Here are some common reasons:
- Bank Connectivity Issues:
- The most frequent cause is a temporary disruption in the bank’s website or service.
- There may be ongoing maintenance or updates on the bank’s end.
- Incorrect Login Credentials:
- An incorrect username or password used for the bank feed can lead to this error.
- Changes in your online banking login credentials may not be updated in QuickBooks.
- Outdated QuickBooks Version:
- An outdated version of QuickBooks can cause compatibility issues with the bank feed.
- Bank Feed Setup Errors:
- Incorrect setup of your bank feed in QuickBooks can lead to connectivity issues.
- Browser or Cache Issues:
- Sometimes, cached data or browser issues can interfere with the bank feed process.
- Network Problems:
- Poor or unstable internet connection can affect the ability to connect to the bank feed.
Troubleshooting Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 185
1. Verify Your Bank’s Website
First, check if the bank’s website is functioning correctly:
- Visit Your Bank’s Website: Log in to your online banking account directly from your web browser. If you can access it without issues, the problem may not be with your bank’s website.
- Check for Maintenance: Look for any maintenance or updates notices on the bank’s website. Sometimes, banks perform scheduled maintenance which can temporarily disrupt connections.
2. Update Your QuickBooks Software
Ensure you are using the latest version of QuickBooks:
- Check for Updates: Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop. If updates are available, download and install them.
- Reboot QuickBooks: Restart QuickBooks after updating to ensure all changes take effect.
3. Verify Your Bank Login Credentials
Make sure your bank credentials are correct:
- Re-enter Credentials: Go to Banking > Bank Feeds > Bank Feeds Center. Select the bank account and click Edit to re-enter your login credentials.
- Change Password: If you’ve recently changed your online banking password, update it in QuickBooks.
4. Reconfigure Your Bank Feed
Reconfigure the bank feed settings:
- Disconnect and Reconnect: Go to Banking > Bank Feeds > Bank Feeds Center. Select the account, click Deactivate, and then reconnect the bank feed.
- Set Up a New Bank Feed: If reconnecting doesn’t work, try setting up a new bank feed. This might help if the previous setup was incorrect.
5. Clear Browser Cache
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies:
- Clear Cache: Go to your browser settings and clear the cache and cookies. This can help resolve any issues caused by stored data.
- Try a Different Browser: If clearing the cache doesn’t work, try accessing your bank feed using a different web browser.
6. Check Your Network Connection
Ensure your internet connection is stable:
- Test Your Connection: Use a different device to check if your internet connection is working correctly.
- Restart Router: Sometimes, restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues.
7. Contact QuickBooks Support
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact QuickBooks Support for further assistance:
- Visit QuickBooks Support: Go to the QuickBooks Support website for help with your specific error.
- Provide Error Details: When contacting support, provide details about QuickBooks Error 185 and any steps you’ve already taken.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Error 185 can be a significant hurdle in managing your financial data, but with the right approach, it’s possible to resolve it effectively. By following the steps outlined above—verifying your bank’s website, updating QuickBooks, checking your credentials, reconfiguring your bank feed, clearing browser cache, and ensuring a stable network connection—you can address and fix this error.