QuickBooks Error 179 is a common issue encountered by users when they are trying to log into their bank account from within the QuickBooks application. This error disrupts the connection between QuickBooks and the bank, preventing users from updating or reconciling their bank accounts properly. As a result, it can create a major inconvenience for businesses relying on the software for accurate financial records. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of QuickBooks Error 179 and walk through the most effective solutions to fix it.

What Is QuickBooks Error 179?

QuickBooks Error 179 is a banking error that occurs when QuickBooks fails to retrieve data from your bank. The error usually happens when trying to log into your bank account via QuickBooks, either during online banking activities, downloading bank statements, or reconciling accounts. This error can cause QuickBooks to become unresponsive, fail to update transactions and disrupt the smooth functioning of banking-related operations.

This error may manifest itself with a message such as: 

"Error 179: Connection Lost. Unable to connect to the bank. Please try again later."

The error is often associated with several underlying causes, which we will explore in detail.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 179

Understanding the reasons behind QuickBooks Error 179 is essential to resolving it effectively. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Incorrect Login Credentials: One of the primary causes of QuickBooks Error 179 is the use of incorrect bank login credentials. If you input the wrong username or password while trying to access your bank through QuickBooks, the software may block your login attempt and return the error.
2. Multiple Logins on Different Devices: If you are logged into your bank account on multiple devices (such as your phone, another computer, or tablet), your bank may temporarily lock access to avoid suspicious activity. This restriction can cause QuickBooks to lose its connection to your account, resulting in Error 179.
3. Browser Cache or Cookies: Your browser stores temporary files (cache) and cookies, which help speed up browsing. However, these files can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, causing issues when trying to connect QuickBooks to your bank. Corrupted cache and cookies can interfere with the online banking session, leading to Error 179.
4. Incomplete or Inconsistent Data in QuickBooks: If your QuickBooks company file contains missing or inconsistent data, such as incomplete customer or vendor information, it may trigger Error 179 during banking operations. Corrupted company files are a known cause of such errors.
5. Bank Website Issues: Occasionally, the bank’s website may be undergoing maintenance or experiencing downtime. When this happens, QuickBooks is unable to connect to the bank and retrieve necessary data, which can result in Error 179.
6. Outdated QuickBooks Software: Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can also cause Error 179. Newer software versions often come with bug fixes and security updates, so it’s crucial to ensure that you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks.
7. Security Settings and Firewalls: Security settings, firewalls, and antivirus software may block access to bank websites, especially when connecting through third-party applications like QuickBooks. If these security measures are too restrictive, QuickBooks may not be able to connect to the bank, leading to an error.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 179

Before diving into solutions, let’s first identify the key symptoms of QuickBooks Error 179:

1. Inability to log in to your bank through QuickBooks.
2. Missing bank transactions or incomplete data after attempting to download bank statements.
3. QuickBooks freezing or becoming unresponsive during online banking activities.
4. Discrepancies in the reconciliation process due to missing or incorrect bank data.
5. The error message indicates a failure to establish a connection with the bank.

Pre-Solution Checks Before Fixing Error 179

Before attempting any fixes, it is advisable to perform a few pre-solution checks. Doing so will help ensure that your efforts to resolve QuickBooks Error 179 are efficient and successful.

1. Check Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly. Poor connectivity can cause issues when QuickBooks attempts to communicate with your bank’s server.
2. Verify Bank Login Credentials: Double-check your bank login credentials, including your username and password. Make sure you’re entering the correct information.
3. Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to eliminate corrupted files that may interfere with QuickBooks’ online banking operations.
4. Check Bank’s Website: Visit your bank’s website directly from your browser to verify whether it is working properly. If the website is down or undergoing maintenance, you will need to wait until it is back online.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 179

Once you’ve completed the pre-solution checks, you can move on to the specific solutions for fixing QuickBooks Error 179.

Solution 1: Log Out from All Devices

One of the easiest ways to resolve QuickBooks Error 179 is by ensuring that you’re logged out from your bank account on all other devices before attempting to log in through QuickBooks.

Steps:

1. Open your bank’s website from any browser.
2. Log out of your bank account from all active devices (computer, phone, tablet, etc.).
3. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies (See Solution 3 below).
4. Try logging in to your bank account through QuickBooks again.

By logging out from all devices, you avoid potential security restrictions imposed by your bank on multiple logins.

Solution 2: Verify and Update Bank Login Credentials in QuickBooks

If the login credentials you’re using in QuickBooks are outdated or incorrect, you will encounter Error 179. You can fix this by updating your credentials directly within QuickBooks.

Steps:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Banking section.
2. Select the account that is experiencing the log in issue.
3. Click on Update Login Information.
4. Enter your updated bank login credentials (username and password).
5. Click Save and try logging in again.

This will refresh the connection between QuickBooks and your bank account, and you should be able to access the account without any errors.

Solution 3: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted or outdated browser cache and cookies can interfere with online banking in QuickBooks. Clearing these files can resolve Error 179.

Steps:

1. Open your browser and go to the Settings menu.
2. Locate the Privacy and Security section.
3. Select Clear Browsing Data.
4. Choose the Time Range (e.g., last hour, last 24 hours, or all time).
5. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
6. Click Clear Data.

Once the cache and cookies are cleared, restart your browser and attempt to log in to your bank account from QuickBooks again.

Solution 4: Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

If you’re running an outdated version of QuickBooks, updating to the latest release can resolve Error 179. Intuit regularly updates the software to address bugs and improve security.

Steps:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
2. Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Click on Update Now.
4. Check the box next to Reset Update.
5. Click Get Updates and wait for the update process to complete.
6. Once the update is finished, restart QuickBooks and try connecting to your bank again.

Solution 5: Verify and Repair QuickBooks Company File

A damaged or corrupted company file can cause QuickBooks Error 179. Verifying and repairing the company file can help resolve the issue.

Steps:

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

After the repair process, try reconnecting QuickBooks to your bank account to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 6: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Firewalls and antivirus software can block access to bank servers, causing QuickBooks Error 179. Temporarily disabling these security programs can help resolve the error.

Steps:

1. Open your firewall or antivirus software.
2. Temporarily disable the software (refer to your security program’s user manual for specific instructions).
3. Once disabled, try connecting to your bank account in QuickBooks again.
4. After successful login, re-enable your firewall and antivirus software.

Conclusion

Error 179 in QuickBooks is a frustrating but solvable issue that usually occurs when attempting to log into your bank account through QuickBooks. Following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can successfully resolve the error and restore your connection to your bank account. Whether it’s updating login credentials, clearing browser cache, or verifying your QuickBooks company file, the solutions provided here will help you troubleshoot and fix the error effectively.