How to Fix QuickBooks Online Bank Error 185?

QuickBooks Online Bank Error 185 occurs when QuickBooks cannot connect to a bank due to extra security checks. This happens when banks implement extra layers of security, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), security questions, or one-time passwords (OTP). While these features protect your financial data, they can prevent QuickBooks from connecting to your bank.

Try these quick fixes before following the steps below to reconnect:

• Provide the correct answer to the security question your bank asks. QuickBooks will remember and auto-fill your answers for future updates.
• Use a different browser or disable your pop-up blocker if the security question doesn’t appear.
• Get the one-time password from your device, text, or call, and enter it each time you see Error 185.

To resolve this error, below are the 5 Solutions that can help address the error effectively.

Solution 1: Refresh the Bank Account

Refreshing the bank account in QuickBooks can fix connection issues by prompting a reconnection to the bank. To refresh and reconnect your bank account, follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Bank Accounts page.
2. Select the Refresh All option.
3. After the update, click Refresh All again.
4. Repeat this process at least five times.
5. In case prompted with security questions, enter the answers and press Enter.

Important: Security question answers are stored in cookies. When cookies expire, error 185 may appear. Refreshing the account will prompt the verification screen if cookies are expired.

Solution 2: Authenticate the Banking Identity

1. Go to your bank’s official website and log in using your QuickBooks Online banking credentials. Ensure the information matches.
2. In case your bank requests security questions, answer them correctly.
3. Open the QB-connected bank account.
4. Complete all necessary steps to authenticate your identity.
5. Open QuickBooks and go to the Transactions tab.
6. Select Banking and choose the bank account causing error 185.

Solution 3: Use Utilities from QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Visit the official Intuit website and search for the QB Tool Hub download.
2. Click the download link and save the file to your PC.
3. Navigate to the saved file and double-click QuickBooksToolHub.exe to begin installation.
4. Follow the prompts, accept the terms, and complete the installation.
5. Once installed, double-click the Tool Hub icon to open it.

To fix QuickBooks banking error 185, use these tools:

• QuickBooks Diagnostic Tool (under Installation Issues).
• QuickBooks Network Diagnostic Tool (under Network Issues).
• Other tools in the Advanced Tab.

Solution 4: Undertake Disk Cleanup

Accumulated files can cause issues like QuickBooks Online Error 185. To fix this, follow

1. On your Windows desktop, select My PC or This PC.
2. Right-click the C drive and select Properties.
3. Click the Disk Cleanup option.
4. Choose the files you want to delete permanently. Double-click to view them if needed.
5. Once done, click Clear Files and OK.

Complete the process, free up space, and check if error 185 is resolved.

Solution 5: Check your Internet Connectivity

• Open your browser and check if the internet is working properly.
• If it’s not, turn on the internet on your device and try again.

What Are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Online Banking Error 185? 

• Ensure a stable network for smooth bank authentication.
• Use the latest QuickBooks Online version to prevent compatibility issues.
• Verify login details, security questions, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings.
• Log in to your bank’s website to check for security prompts or updates.
• Allow pop-ups for bank verification prompts.
• Confirm your bank is not experiencing downtime or maintenance.
• Use an account with the correct permissions to update banking connections in QuickBooks.

How to Identify QuickBooks Online Bank Error 185?

• QuickBooks shows “Error 185” when updating bank transactions.
• QuickBooks repeatedly asks for multi-factor authentication (MFA), security questions, or one-time passwords (OTP).
• Bank transactions do not update or sync properly.
• You can log in to the bank’s website, but QuickBooks fails to connect.
• QuickBooks may display a message indicating that additional authentication is required.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 185?

• Allow QuickBooks to remember security settings to reduce repeated prompts.
• Log in to your bank’s website from the same device to reduce security checks.
• Keep login details, security questions, and MFA settings updated.
• Ensure your bank supports syncing with QuickBooks Online.
• Minimize login attempts to avoid triggering extra security measures.
• Allow security verification prompts to appear when connecting to your bank.
• Check emails or alerts from your bank for security updates.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Online Bank Error 185

Seek professional help for QuickBooks Online Banking Error 185 if the error persists after multiple troubleshooting attempts or if you cannot complete bank authentication despite entering the correct credentials. In case QuickBooks fails to sync transactions for a long time, shows repeated security prompts without resolution, or your bank account gets locked due to multiple failed attempts, assistance is needed. Also, if you experience unexpected errors or connectivity issues or require help with configuring bank settings.