QuickBooks error 185 happens when the financial institution needs additional security verification during account connection. This error indicates that QuickBooks cannot complete the bank feed update because of the financial institution’s security protocols. This can disturb transaction imports, affecting financial records and the reconciliation process if left pending. The one-time password or a security question can be used to rectify this error.
In case you are unable to fix the QuickBooks bank error 185, you can contact our ProAdvisor Solutions specialists.
Table of Contents
What Causes QuickBooks Error 185?
QuickBooks error 185 occurs when QB encounters security limitations while attempting to connect to the bank. Now we will discuss the reasons why QuickBooks Error Code 185 happens:
- If your bank detects unusual activity or a new login attempt from QuickBooks, it may temporarily block access.
- Banks often update their security processes, which may lead QuickBooks to need further confirmation.
- If it asks for security questions, an OTP, or confirmation of a login attempt, QB may not be able to automatically import transactions.
- If the bank’s servers are down or under maintenance, QB may fail to establish a connection.
- If the QB company file has data integrity issues, it can cause QuickBooks error code 185.
How to Fix Error 185 in QuickBooks Online: A Stepwise Take
Bank transactions will resume syncing once you resolve the issue, whether it’s a security setting, a connection issue, or an authentication error. The QuickBooks bank error 185 can disturb your work, but you can fix it by following the methods given below.
Method 1: One-Time Password (OTP) Verification
Follow the steps mentioned below to prevent the QB error code from showing again.
- Begin by generating or requesting a one-time passcode (OTP) when your bank or financial institution requests verification.
- Then carefully enter the OTP sent to your registered device via text, call, or email.
- After entering the OTP, continue with your banking or transaction process in QuickBooks.
By performing the steps discussed above, you can resolve the error 185.
Method 2: Verify and Answer Security Questions
It is crucial to follow the steps given below to fix the QB error 185:
- Initially, read the security question and carefully enter the correct answer.
- Then, submit the response.
You can resolve QB error 185 by providing the correct answers to the security questions. If you are still facing the issue, move to the next method.
Method 3: Reauthenticate and Refresh the Bank Connection
Refresh the bank account in QuickBooks to reconnect it to QB. This method can help you to resolve QB banking error 185. You need to follow the given steps:
- First, open the QuickBooks application and go to the Bank Account page.
- After that, click the button “Refresh All”.
- Once the update is complete, you have to click the Refresh All option again.
- Then, repeat the procedure at least 6 more times.
- Lastly, answer any security question displayed on the screen, then press Enter.
The answers to the security questions are usually stored in cookies. The QB online error 185 occurs when the cookies expire. If the error occurs due to expired cookies, it is advised to refresh the account to get the account verification.
Method 4: Provide All Required Bank Details
You can resolve error code 185 in QuickBooks Online by following the steps mentioned below:
- Go to the QuickBooks-linked account where error 185 occurred.
- Then, type the answer to the security question that is asked by your bank or financial institution.
(Note: If multiple security questions have been set up, the error can recur.) - Next, click the Submit button, and QB will remember the answer for the security question.
- You can also enter the OTP that is sent to your registered mobile number.
After entering the required details and OTP, QB will be connected to the bank without showing error 185.
Method 5: Execute the QuickBooks Repair Tool
Download and install software that can scan and resolve system issues because it can help you fix the issue. Now, follow the steps written below to fix the error 185:
- Begin by running the software that you just installed on your system.
- Then, tap the Scan and Clean option.
- After that, wait until the scanning process finishes.
- Click on the option “Fix All” and then wait again.
- Finally, start QB and ensure that the error message has disappeared.
After completing the repair, reopen QuickBooks to confirm the problem is fixed. Your QB should now run smoothly without interrupting the bank feed update; if not, proceed to the next solution.
Method 6: Clean Up Unnecessary Files with the Help of Disk Cleanup
QB 185 error may occur when unnecessary files are present in the system. The Disk Cleanup erases unwanted files. You need to perform the following steps to fix the issue:
- Begin the method by clicking the Windows Start button and opening your system.
- Next, right-click on Local Disk (C:) and then choose Properties from the options.
- Then, tap on the Disk Cleanup option.
- Now, a new window will pop up indicating how much space will be increased after the disk cleanup.
- Tick Mark the files you want to remove.
- After choosing the files, tap on OK to delete them.
After removing unnecessary files, your system is now free of clutter that could cause QuickBooks errors. Reconnect your bank account to confirm that error 185 has been resolved.
What Happens When QuickBooks Online Bank Error 185 Occurs?
QuickBooks Online displays error 185 when it cannot access bank transactions. We will discuss the symptoms of the QB error 185:
- QuickBooks keeps asking for security questions, multi-factor authentication (MFA), or one-time passwords (OTP).
- QB displays “Error 185” when bank transactions are updated.
- QuickBooks fails to connect when you log in to the bank’s website.
- Bank transactions do not sync or update properly.
- QB may show a message indicating that extra authentication is needed.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it displays QuickBooks Online Bank Error 185. You should address it promptly to restore smooth bank connectivity.
Quick View Table for QuickBooks Error 185
Let’s quickly look at the key points discussed so far in this blog.
| Description | QuickBooks error 185 usually happens when a financial institution requests extra security verification during a bank connection, which prevents QB from updating the bank feed. |
| Causes | This error or issue might be caused by recent bank security updates, unexpected bank activity detection, multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirements such as OTPs or security questions, bank server maintenance or downtime, or a damaged QB company file. |
| Ways to Fix | You can rectify this error by entering a one-time password (OTP), answering the bank security questions, refreshing and reauthenticating the bank connection, providing all the requested bank details, running the QB repair tool, and using Disk Cleanup to delete unnecessary system files. |
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed that QuickBooks error 185 arises when extra bank verification is required, such as security questions or OTPs. This issue can interrupt bank feed updates and impact transaction imports. You can fix this error efficiently by entering an OTP, answering security questions, refreshing the bank connection, or running the repair tool. It is crucial to understand these causes and solutions to accurately sync your QB Online bank transactions. If you need help resolving QB error 185, connect with our experts for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does QuickBooks Online error 185 mean?
QuickBooks Online error 185 occurs when you attempt to connect your bank account, and an extra security verification is requested. This may involve entering a one-time password (OTP) or a security question sent to your registered device.
How can I fix QuickBooks error 185?
You can settle QuickBooks error 185 by linking your bank account to QB. Follow the steps mentioned below to fix the issue:
Enter the Additional Security Info: Your bank needs additional security information to improve security.
Check Bank Server Status: Visit the bank’s website and then check whether the server is under maintenance or down.
Update Bank Login Info in QB: If you have changed your bank password or login information, update it in QB.
Disable Pop-Up Blockers or Try a Different Browser: If the pop-up blocker is installed in your browser, disable it or try another browser.
Why does QB Error 185 appear during the updating process of bank feed?
The error generally occurs because your bank requires additional verification before QuickBooks can access your account. This is a security measure to safeguard your financial information.
Does error 185 affect my transaction history?
The error itself doesn’t remove transactions, but it can prevent new bank transactions from syncing with QB until the issue is fixed. This is one of the main reasons why it is crucial to resolve the error quickly.
More Useful Articles:-
How to Change Direct Deposit Bank Account In QB
How to Fix QuickBooks Online Banking Error 377
How to Fix QuickBooks Banking Error 179
How to Solve QuickBooks Error Code 1336
How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 1638
Peter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong background in public accounting and accounting technology. After starting his career as an audit senior, he worked with organizations across various industries and gained hands-on experience with complex accounting standards. At Pro Advisor Solutions, Peter helps clients navigate new accounting requirements. His goal is to simplify processes, improve accuracy, and boost confidence in finance reporting.