Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error 185 During Bank Connection

[jasskarley71]

QuickBooks Error 185 is a common banking error that users may face when trying to connect or update a bank or credit card account in QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop. This error usually appears when your financial institution requires additional verification, such as answering a security question or entering a one-time passcode.


In this article, we’ll walk you through the causes of Error 185, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future.

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What Is QuickBooks Error 185?​

Error 185 occurs when QuickBooks tries to connect to your bank, but the bank requests extra authentication steps that QuickBooks can’t automatically complete.

Typical Scenario:​

When you attempt to update your bank feeds, QuickBooks tries to connect, but your bank’s system requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) — such as a security question, OTP, or verification via app or SMS.

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Common Causes of Error 185​

• Your bank needs you to verify your identity (security question or code)
• Your login session with the bank has expired
• Your bank recently updated its security protocols
• You have not completed a required verification step
• Login credentials have changed but weren’t updated in QuickBooks

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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185 (Step-by-Step)​

Step 1: Log in to Your Bank Manually​

1. Open your bank’s website in a browser.
2. Sign in using the same credentials connected to QuickBooks.
3. Complete any pending security steps (e.g., OTP, app confirmation).
4. Once logged in successfully, log out.

This confirms that your bank account is active and that your credentials are correct.

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Step 2: Refresh the Bank Account in QuickBooks​

1. Open QuickBooks Online or your QuickBooks Desktop Bank Feeds.
2. Go to the Banking tab (or Transactions > Bank Transactions).
3. Select the account showing Error 185.
4. Click Update.

• If prompted, answer the security question or enter the verification code.
• Click Continue or Submit to complete the verification.

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Step 3: Reconnect or Reauthorize the Account (If Needed)​

If the error doesn’t go away:

1. Select the bank account from the Banking tab.
2. Click the Edit (pencil) icon or choose Edit sign-in info.
3. Re-enter your bank login credentials.
4. Follow any new security steps required by the bank.

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

Sometimes, a full browser cache can interfere with the connection.

1. Close QuickBooks Online.
2. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
3. Reopen QuickBooks and try updating the account again.

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Step 5: Disconnect and Reconnect the Account (Last Resort)​

If Error 185 persists:

1. Go to the bank account settings.
2. Select Edit account info.
3. Check the box that says Disconnect this account on save.
4. Save the changes.
5. Reconnect the account using the Link Account feature.

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Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error 185​

• Regularly update your bank feeds to avoid session timeouts.
• Always respond to security challenges from your bank promptly.
• Avoid changing your bank login credentials without updating QuickBooks.
• Make sure your bank allows third-party access for apps like QuickBooks.

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Still Seeing Error 185?​

If none of the above steps work:

• Contact your bank to ask if there are any blocks on third-party apps.
• Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub and run the File Doctor if you’re on Desktop.
• Reach out to QuickBooks Support for advanced troubleshooting.

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Conclusion​

QuickBooks Error 185 is caused by your bank requiring extra verification that QuickBooks cannot complete automatically. Thankfully, it’s a temporary and fixable issue. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you can reconnect your bank account and continue managing your finances without interruptions.