QuickBooks Error 185 Explained: Causes and Solutions

[jasskarley71]

QuickBooks Error 185 is a banking-related error that occurs when QuickBooks is unable to complete the connection with your bank or financial institution. This usually happens because the bank requires additional verification—such as answering a security question or confirming a multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompt.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes Error 185, when it typically appears, and how you can resolve it easily.

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⚠️ What Is QuickBooks Error 185?


QuickBooks Error 185 appears when QuickBooks tries to fetch bank transactions or connect to your bank, but your bank asks for extra verification. This verification could include:

• Answering a security question
• Entering a one-time password (OTP)
• Responding to a text or app notification

Since QuickBooks cannot respond to these prompts automatically, it shows Error 185 until you complete the required step.

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🧾 When Does Error 185 Occur?


You may encounter Error 185 when:

• Connecting your bank account to QuickBooks for the first time
• Updating transactions in the Banking or Transactions section
• Your bank changes its online security policies
• Your session times out or expires

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🔍 Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 185

1. Additional Verification Required:
   Your bank has triggered an extra security layer that QuickBooks can’t bypass on its own.
2. Expired Login Session:
   Your bank account session has expired and needs to be revalidated.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   QuickBooks is waiting for you to respond to a prompt sent via SMS, email, or banking app.
4. Outdated Credentials:
   Your bank login info has changed but hasn't been updated in QuickBooks.

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🛠️ How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185

✅ Step 1: Log in to Your Bank Manually

1. Open your web browser.
2. Visit your bank’s official website.
3. Log in using your online banking username and password.
4. Complete any required verification steps (MFA, security questions, etc.).
5. Log out once complete.

This confirms there are no issues with your bank login outside of QuickBooks.

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✅ Step 2: Refresh or Update the Account in QuickBooks

1. Go to the Banking or Transactions tab in QuickBooks.
2. Select the affected bank account.
3. Click Update.
4. If prompted, enter any verification details (e.g., answer a question or enter a code).

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✅ Step 3: Reconnect the Bank Account (if needed)


If Error 185 persists:

1. Go to the bank account settings in QuickBooks.
2. Choose Edit sign-in info or Reconnect account.
3. Enter your login credentials again.
4. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the connection.

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✅ Step 4: Clear Browser Cache (QuickBooks Online Only)

1. Close QuickBooks Online.
2. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
3. Log back in to QuickBooks and try updating your bank account again.

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💡 Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error 185

• Use consistent login credentials across devices.
• Avoid frequent logins from multiple devices, which may trigger security alerts.
• Regularly update bank feeds to avoid session expiration.
• Keep your QuickBooks and browser up to date.

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🆘 Still Seeing Error 185?


If you continue to experience the error:

• Contact your bank’s support team to check for additional restrictions.
• Reach out to QuickBooks Support for further assistance.
• Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub to scan for common connection issues.

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✅ Conclusion


QuickBooks Error 185 is typically a temporary issue caused by your bank’s extra security checks. It’s not a software bug, but a protection feature from your bank. By manually verifying your credentials and refreshing the connection in QuickBooks, you can usually fix the problem in just a few steps.