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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 179

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Error 179 occurs when QuickBooks fails to access or download banking information, often disrupting the connection between QuickBooks and your financial institution. This error prevents users from logging into their bank account via QuickBooks Online or Desktop. Fixing this error ensures the smooth syncing of bank transactions and uninterrupted financial operations.

The error message typically states:
"Error 179: QuickBooks encountered an issue while trying to log into your banking account."

This guide outlines the causes, symptoms, and step-by-step solutions to resolve QuickBooks Error 179 effectively.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 179​

  1. Incorrect Login Credentials: Invalid or outdated bank login details in QuickBooks.
  2. Multiple Logins: Logging into the bank account from multiple devices at the same time.
  3. Browser Cache and Cookies: Corrupted or excessive cache and cookies in the browser may block QuickBooks from accessing bank data.
  4. Corrupted Bank File: Damaged or incomplete bank-related data in QuickBooks.
  5. Bank Server Issues: Maintenance or downtime on the bank's server can trigger the error.
  6. Excessive Banking Data: Large volumes of data or duplicate transactions in QuickBooks can cause synchronization issues.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 179​

  • Error message: "Error 179: Unable to fetch banking details."
  • Failed login attempts to the bank account via QuickBooks.
  • Bank feeds stop updating or syncing transactions.
  • Missing or duplicate transactions in QuickBooks.
  • Slow performance or unresponsiveness in QuickBooks when accessing bank feeds.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Error 179​

Step 1: Log Out from the Bank Account on Other Devices​

Ensure that no other device or user is logged into the bank account.

  1. Log Out of All Sessions:
    • Open the bank’s website and manually log out of all active sessions.
  2. Clear QuickBooks Connection:
    • Log out of QuickBooks and retry logging into the bank account.
  3. Retry Bank Feeds:
    • Open QuickBooks and attempt to update bank feeds again.

Step 2: Verify and Update Bank Login Credentials in QuickBooks​

Incorrect login credentials can prevent QuickBooks from accessing your bank account.

  1. Log In to the Bank Website:
    • Visit your bank’s official website and log in with your credentials to ensure they are valid.
  2. Update Bank Details in QuickBooks:
    • Open QuickBooks and go to Banking > Edit Bank Account.
    • Update the username and password to match your bank account credentials.
  3. Retry Updating Transactions:
    • Attempt to sync or update the bank feed in QuickBooks.

Step 3: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies​

Clearing the browser cache and cookies can help resolve connectivity issues between QuickBooks and your bank.

  1. Open Browser Settings:
    • Open the browser you use to access QuickBooks.
  2. Clear Cache and Cookies:
    • Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
    • Select Cached Images and Files and Cookies and Other Site Data.
  3. Restart the Browser:
    • Close and reopen the browser.
  4. Retry Logging In:
    • Open QuickBooks and reconnect to the bank account.

Step 4: Run Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks​

The Verify and Rebuild tools can help identify and fix data corruption issues in QuickBooks.

  1. Run the Verify Data Tool:
    • Open QuickBooks and go to File > Utilities > Verify Data.
    • Allow QuickBooks to scan for errors.
  2. Run the Rebuild Data Tool:
    • If errors are detected, go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to fix errors in the data.
  3. Retry Bank Feeds:
    • Attempt to update bank feeds in QuickBooks after the rebuild process.

Step 5: Manually Update Bank Transactions​

If the issue persists, manually importing bank transactions can bypass the error.

  1. Download Transactions from Your Bank:
    • Log in to your bank’s website and download recent transactions in a compatible format (e.g., CSV or QBO).
  2. Import Transactions into QuickBooks:
    • Open QuickBooks and go to Banking > Upload Transactions.
    • Select the downloaded file and follow the prompts to upload transactions.
  3. Categorize Transactions:
    • Review and categorize the imported transactions in QuickBooks.

Step 6: Check for Duplicate Transactions​

Duplicate transactions in QuickBooks can cause banking errors.

  1. Review Transactions:
    • Open QuickBooks and navigate to Banking > For Review.
    • Check for duplicate transactions in the bank feed.
  2. Exclude Duplicates:
    • Select duplicate transactions and mark them as Excluded.
  3. Retry Bank Feeds:
    • Update the bank feed again to verify if the issue is resolved.

Step 7: Update QuickBooks​

Using the latest version of QuickBooks ensures compatibility and minimizes errors.

  1. Check for Updates:
    • Open QuickBooks and go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
    • Click Update Now and select Get Updates.
  2. Restart QuickBooks:
    • Once updates are installed, restart QuickBooks.
  3. Retry Updating Bank Feeds:
    • Attempt to update the bank feeds and check if the error is resolved.

Step 8: Contact Your Bank​

If the error persists, the issue might be on the bank’s side.

  1. Contact Bank Support:
    • Reach out to your bank and report the error.
  2. Verify Account Status:
    • Ensure that your account is active and there are no restrictions.
  3. Retry Connecting to the Bank:
    • Once the bank confirms the issue is resolved, reconnect QuickBooks to your bank account.

Additional Tips​

  • Regularly Update Passwords: Ensure your bank credentials in QuickBooks are always up to date.
  • Avoid Multi-Logins: Log in to your bank account from one device at a time to avoid connection errors.
  • Use a Stable Internet Connection: Ensure a reliable and stable internet connection for syncing bank feeds.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Error 179 can interrupt your banking activities, but it is manageable with the steps provided in this guide. From verifying credentials and clearing browser cache to manually updating transactions, these solutions address the most common causes of the error.

If the problem persists, consider reaching out to QuickBooks Support or consulting with your bank for further assistance.