QuickBooks Error 185: What It Means & How to Fix It

Quick Fix: This error means your bank needs you to do something on their website before QuickBooks can connect — usually accept new terms, verify your identity, or update security settings. Log into your bank directly and take care of whatever they're asking.

What Causes Error 185?

1. Your bank has a pending action for you — This is the most common cause. Banks regularly ask customers to accept updated terms of service, verify contact information, acknowledge a security policy, or complete an annual review. These hold screens block third-party access until completed.
2. Two-factor authentication needs to be re-verified — If your bank reset your MFA or added a new security layer, you may need to re-authorize third-party connections like QuickBooks.
3. Your account is locked or restricted — Too many failed login attempts (possibly from QBO retrying with old credentials) can temporarily lock your account.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 185

Method 1: Complete the Action at Your Bank

1. Open your bank's website in a browser (not through QBO)
2. Log in with your username and password
3. Look carefully for any banners, pop-ups, or notifications asking you to:

- Accept updated terms and conditions

- Verify your email or phone number

- Complete a security challenge

- Acknowledge a privacy notice

1. Complete whatever they're asking
2. Navigate to your account to confirm everything is normal
3. Go back to QBO → Banking → Update

Method 2: Update Credentials in QBO

1. In QBO, go to Banking
2. Click the pencil/edit icon on the affected account
3. Select Edit sign-in info
4. Enter your current bank username and password
5. Answer any security questions if prompted
6. Save and update

Method 3: Enable Third-Party Access at Your Bank

Some banks require you to explicitly allow data sharing:

1. Log into your bank
2. Go to Settings or Security or Profile
3. Look for "Third-party access," "Data sharing," "Connected apps," or "Account aggregation"
4. Make sure it's enabled
5. If there's an option to specifically authorize Intuit/QuickBooks, do so

Method 4: Disconnect and Reconnect

If the above methods don't clear the error:

1. Disconnect the bank in QBO (pencil icon → Disconnect this account on save → Save)
2. Complete all pending actions on your bank's website
3. Wait 15 minutes
4. Reconnect: Banking → Link account → enter credentials fresh

Still Getting Error 185?

• Call your bank's customer service — explain that a third-party accounting app can't connect and ask if there are any holds, blocks, or pending actions on your account
• Contact Intuit Support — they can see more detail about what the bank's system is returning
• Try again tomorrow — some bank-side changes take time to propagate

Prevent This Error in the Future

• Log into your bank directly every 2-3 weeks — catch and clear pending actions before they block QBO
• Turn on email/text alerts from your bank so you know when they need something
• Keep your contact info current at the bank — verification prompts go to your email/phone on file
• Update QBO immediately when you change your bank password

Related Errors

• Error 103 — Incorrect bank credentials
• Error 105 — Bank website changed
• Error 324 — Bank connection timeout

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