Step-by-Step Solutions to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 179

QuickBooks is an essential tool for businesses to manage their financial operations, offering an array of features from bookkeeping to payroll processing. However, like any software, it is prone to errors, one of the more common being QuickBooks Error 179. This error typically arises when a user tries to log in to their bank account through QuickBooks but is blocked due to various reasons. As a result, Error 179 can disrupt the flow of banking transactions and hinder proper reconciliation.

This beginner's guide will explore QuickBooks Error 179, covering its symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions. Whether you are an experienced QuickBooks user or new to the platform, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to resolve the error and maintain smooth financial operations.

What Is QuickBooks Error 179?

QuickBooks Error 179 is a bank-related error that occurs when QuickBooks fails to connect with the bank's server. When this error arises, QuickBooks may be unable to retrieve data from your bank account, thus preventing users from performing important functions such as downloading bank transactions or updating account information.

You may encounter an error message that states:

> “Error 179: Bank Connection Lost. Please try again later.”

This error can be particularly frustrating, as it disrupts critical financial processes like reconciliation and account updates. Understanding the root causes of this issue is key to fixing it efficiently.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 179

When QuickBooks Error 179 occurs, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Bank Login Failures: You may be unable to log into your bank account through QuickBooks, even with the correct credentials.
2. Missing Transactions: After the error occurs, previously downloaded bank transactions may appear missing from your QuickBooks records.
3. Discrepancies in Reconciliation: Due to missing or incorrect transactions, your account reconciliation may fail or show discrepancies.
4. QuickBooks Freezing: The software may become unresponsive or crash while trying to connect to the bank.
5. Incomplete Download of Bank Data: Bank transactions may not be downloaded in full or may not update in QuickBooks after the error occurs.
6. System Lagging: You may experience lagging or slowness in QuickBooks during online banking activities.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 179

Several factors can trigger QuickBooks Error 179, and identifying the correct cause is the first step to resolving the problem. 

Below are the most common reasons why this error may occur:

1. Incorrect Bank Login Credentials: One of the most frequent causes of QuickBooks Error 179 is entering the wrong login credentials (username and password) when trying to access your bank account through QuickBooks. If QuickBooks detects an incorrect login attempt, it will block the connection, resulting in the error.
2. Multiple Logins on Different Devices: If you’re logged into your bank account on multiple devices (such as a smartphone, tablet, or another computer), your bank may flag it as suspicious activity and block access. This security measure is intended to prevent unauthorized access to your account, but it can also cause QuickBooks Error 179.
3. Browser Cache or Cookies Issues: Corrupted or outdated cache and cookies in your browser can interfere with QuickBooks’ ability to connect to your bank account. Cache and cookies store temporary information that sometimes conflicts with QuickBooks, leading to Error 179.
4. Outdated QuickBooks Software: Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can contribute to various errors, including Error 179. QuickBooks periodically releases updates that fix bugs and improve compatibility with bank servers. Failing to update QuickBooks can result in connection issues when attempting to log into your bank.
5. Bank Server Downtime: Occasionally, the bank's server may be down for maintenance or experiencing technical issues. If the bank server is unavailable, QuickBooks cannot establish a connection, and Error 179 may occur.
6. Corrupted QuickBooks Company File: A corrupted or damaged QuickBooks company file can lead to banking errors, including Error 179. If QuickBooks cannot properly access the company file, it may encounter difficulties when trying to download or sync banking transactions.
7. Blocked Access by Security Software: Firewall, antivirus, or other security settings on your computer may block QuickBooks from connecting to your bank. Overly strict security measures may mistakenly flag QuickBooks as a security threat and disrupt the connection to the bank's servers.

Pre-Solution Checklist

Before jumping into solutions, ensure that the following items are to avoid unnecessary troubleshooting:

1. Stable Internet Connection: Verify that your internet connection is stable and not causing issues with online banking in QuickBooks.
2. Correct Bank Login Credentials: Double-check that you are entering the correct username and password for your bank account.
3. Check Bank Website: Visit your bank’s website directly to verify whether the server is down or undergoing maintenance.
4. Log Out from Other Devices: Ensure that you are not logged into your bank account on multiple devices.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 179

Once you’ve ensured that the pre-solution checks are in place, you can begin troubleshooting with the following step-by-step methods:

Solution 1: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is one of the simplest yet most effective methods to fix QuickBooks Error 179. Corrupted cache files can interfere with QuickBooks’ ability to connect to your bank.

Steps to Clear Cache and Cookies:

1. Open your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
2. Click on the Settings menu (three dots or lines in the top-right corner).
3. Go to Privacy & Security settings.
4. Click on Clear Browsing Data.
5. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
6. Choose the time range (preferably All time) and click Clear Data.

Once the cache and cookies are cleared, restart your browser and try logging into your bank account through QuickBooks again.

Solution 2: Log Out from All Devices

If you are logged into your bank account on multiple devices, your bank may block further logins due to security concerns. Logging out from all devices can resolve this issue.

Steps to Log Out:

1. Visit your bank’s website from any browser.
2. Log out of your bank account on all devices, including your phone, tablet, and other computers.
3. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies (as explained in Solution 1).
4. Open QuickBooks and attempt to log in to your bank account again.

Solution 3: Verify and Update Login Credentials in QuickBooks

If you have recently changed your bank login credentials, such as your username or password, you must update this information in QuickBooks to resolve Error 179.

Steps to Update Bank Credentials:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Banking menu.
2. Select the account that is causing the issue.
3. Click on Update Login Information.
4. Enter the correct bank login credentials (username and password).
5. Click Save.

After updating your credentials, try connecting to your bank account through QuickBooks again.

Solution 4: Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can cause various errors, including Error 179. Updating the software to the latest version ensures that all bug fixes and patches are applied.

Steps to Update QuickBooks:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
2. Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Click on Update Now.
4. Check the box for Reset Update to clear any previous download issues.
5. Click Get Updates and wait for the update process to complete.
6. Restart QuickBooks and try logging into your bank account.

Solution 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing the bank's servers. Temporarily disabling these programs can resolve the issue.

Steps to Disable Firewall/Antivirus:

1. Open your firewall or antivirus software.
2. Temporarily disable the program (refer to the software's user guide).
3. Once disabled, open QuickBooks and try logging into your bank account.
4. After logging in successfully, re-enable your firewall or antivirus to ensure continued protection.

Solution 6: Verify and Repair QuickBooks Company File

A corrupted or damaged company file can trigger QuickBooks Error 179. Running a file verification and repair process can help resolve the issue.

Steps to Verify and Repair Company File:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the File menu.
2. Select Utilities > Verify Data.
3. Wait for QuickBooks to scan your company file for any issues.
4. If any errors are found, go back to the File menu.
5. Select Utilities > Rebuild Data.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the company file.

After the company file is repaired, restart QuickBooks and try reconnecting to your bank account.

Preventing QuickBooks Error 179 in the Future

To prevent QuickBooks Error 179 from occurring in the future, you can take the following proactive measures:

1. Regularly Update QuickBooks: Always keep your QuickBooks software up to date to ensure compatibility with bank servers and fix known bugs.
2. Maintain Accurate Login Credentials: Ensure that your bank login credentials are always updated in QuickBooks, especially after changing them.
3. Monitor Security Settings: Regularly review your firewall, antivirus, and other security settings to avoid blocking QuickBooks’ connection to your bank.
4. Use Single Device Login: Try to access your bank account from only one device at a time to prevent login conflicts.
5. Clear Browser Cache Regularly: Periodically clear your browser’s cache and cookies to avoid corruption issues.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 179 can be a frustrating obstacle, especially when trying to manage your bank transactions and reconcile accounts. However, by understanding the causes and following the step-by-step solutions provided in this guide, you can quickly resolve the error and restore full functionality to your QuickBooks software.