How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Introduction

QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software used by millions of businesses to manage bookkeeping, payroll, invoicing, and banking transactions. One of its most useful features is online banking, which allows users to connect bank accounts and automatically download transactions. However, sometimes users encounter technical errors that interrupt this process.

One common banking-related issue is QuickBooks Error 185. This error typically appears when QuickBooks cannot verify your bank login credentials due to additional security requirements. Although it may seem frustrating, the issue is usually easy to resolve with the right troubleshooting steps.

This guide explains everything you need to know about QuickBooks Error 185 and how to fix it quickly.

2. What Is QuickBooks Error 185?

QuickBooks Error 185 is a banking connection error that occurs when QuickBooks is unable to access your bank account due to security verification requirements.

When this error appears, you may see a message indicating that QuickBooks cannot establish a secure connection with your financial institution. It commonly happens during:

Updating bank feeds
Downloading transactions
Refreshing bank connections
Logging into online banking through QuickBooks

This error does not damage your company file or delete transactions. It simply prevents new transactions from downloading until the authentication issue is resolved.

3. Why Does QuickBooks Error 185 Occur?

Understanding the cause of the error helps you fix it faster.

3.1 Additional Security Requirements

Many banks use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for security. This may include:

One-time passcodes (OTP)
Security questions
Verification via SMS or email
Biometric confirmation

If QuickBooks cannot automatically complete this verification, Error 185 may appear.

3.2 Incorrect Banking Credentials

If your bank username or password has changed and QuickBooks still uses old credentials, the system will fail to authenticate.

3.3 Bank Server Issues

Temporary maintenance, server downtime, or technical problems on your bank’s website can block QuickBooks from connecting.

3.4 Browser Cache or Connection Problems

For QuickBooks Online users, corrupted browser cache or cookies may interfere with the secure banking connection.

3.5 Outdated QuickBooks Version

If you are using QuickBooks Desktop and your software is outdated, it may not support updated banking security protocols.

4. Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 185

Here are common signs that indicate Error 185:

Bank feed update fails repeatedly
Security verification prompts appear continuously
Unable to download recent transactions
Banking connection shows an error message
Slow performance while updating accounts

If you notice these symptoms, follow the step-by-step solutions below.

5. How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these troubleshooting methods in order.

5.1 Verify Bank Login Credentials

Start with the basics.

Open your bank’s official website.
Log in manually using your username and password.
Complete any security verification steps.
Confirm there are no alerts or restrictions on your account.

If login fails, reset your password and update it in QuickBooks.

5.2 Complete Security Verification in QuickBooks

Sometimes QuickBooks requires you to manually verify your identity.

For QuickBooks Online:

Go to Banking.
Select the affected account.
Click Update.
Enter the verification code or answer security questions.

After successful verification, transactions should begin downloading.

5.3 Update Bank Login Information

If you recently changed your password, update it inside QuickBooks.

For QuickBooks Online:

Go to Banking.
Select the bank account.
Click the pencil (Edit) icon.
Choose Edit sign-in info.
Enter updated credentials.
Save and reconnect.

For QuickBooks Desktop:

Go to Banking.
Click Bank Feeds.
Select Set Up Bank Feed for an Account.
Re-enter your credentials.

5.4 Clear Browser Cache (QuickBooks Online)

If you use QuickBooks Online, browser issues may be the cause.

Open browser settings.
Clear cache and cookies.
Restart the browser.
Log back into QuickBooks.
Update bank feeds again.

You can also test using a private or incognito window.

5.5 Check for Bank Server Issues

The problem may be from your bank’s side.

Visit your bank’s website.
Check for maintenance announcements.
Contact your bank’s support team.
Wait a few hours before trying again.

If the bank servers are down, QuickBooks will not connect.

5.6 Update QuickBooks Desktop

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.

Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Help.
Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Update Now.
Install updates and restart.

Keeping QuickBooks updated ensures smooth bank connections.

5.7 Disconnect and Reconnect Bank Account

If the issue continues, try reconnecting your account.

QuickBooks Online:

Go to Banking.
Select the account.
Click Edit.
Choose Disconnect this account on save.
Save changes.
Reconnect the account.

Important: Categorize all transactions before disconnecting.

5.8 Upload Transactions Manually

As a temporary solution:

Log into your bank’s website.
Download transactions in CSV or QBO format.
Go to Banking in QuickBooks.
Select Upload from file.
Map fields and upload.

This allows you to continue bookkeeping while resolving the connection issue.

6. How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 185

Follow these preventive tips:

Keep QuickBooks updated regularly
Update banking credentials immediately after changes
Maintain a stable internet connection
Clear browser cache periodically
Monitor bank security alerts

Preventive maintenance reduces recurring banking errors.

7. When to Contact Support

You should contact support if:

Error 185 continues after troubleshooting
Your bank confirms there are no issues
Multiple users face the same problem
You suspect a security concern

When contacting support, provide:

Exact error message
QuickBooks version
Bank name
Screenshot of the issue

This helps resolve the problem faster.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is QuickBooks Error 185 dangerous?

No. It only affects bank connection and does not harm your company data.

Does it delete my transactions?

No. It prevents downloading new transactions temporarily.

Can antivirus cause this issue?

In rare cases, firewall or antivirus software may block secure connections.

How long does it take to fix?

Most users resolve it within 10–20 minutes by updating credentials or completing verification.
Read More: How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12057: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
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9. Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 185 is primarily a banking authentication issue triggered by additional security requirements from your financial institution. While it may temporarily stop transaction downloads, it does not affect your financial records.

By verifying your credentials, completing security authentication, clearing browser cache, updating QuickBooks, or reconnecting your bank account, you can quickly resolve the issue.

Regular software updates and synchronized login details will help prevent future occurrences. If the issue persists despite all troubleshooting steps, contacting QuickBooks or your bank’s support team is the best course of action.