QuickBooks Error 103 is a common banking error that occurs when QuickBooks is unable to sign in to your bank’s website. This happens when the login credentials entered in QuickBooks do not match what the bank has on file. It’s frustrating, but fortunately, the issue is fairly easy to resolve with the right steps.
In this article, we will walk you through what causes QuickBooks Error 103 and how to fix it using simple and easy-to-understand instructions.
What Is QuickBooks Error 103?
QuickBooks Error 103 occurs when there’s a problem connecting your bank account to QuickBooks. This typically happens due to incorrect login credentials (username or password) being entered. You may receive an error message that says, “Error 103: We can’t verify the information you provided.”
This error prevents QuickBooks from downloading your banking transactions, which can cause delays in your accounting work.
Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 103
Several factors can cause QuickBooks Error 103:
- Incorrect Username or Password: The most common reason for Error 103 is entering the wrong login information for your bank.
- Outdated Bank Connection: Sometimes, QuickBooks may have an outdated connection to your bank, which prevents successful logins.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Some banks require multi-factor authentication, which QuickBooks might not handle well during sign-in.
- Changes in Bank Security Settings: If your bank has recently updated its security settings, QuickBooks may struggle to connect.
- Browser Cache Issues: If there is cached data or cookies saved from old login sessions, it can cause issues when logging in through QuickBooks.
How to Fix QuickBooks Error 103
Now that you know the causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these steps to fix QuickBooks Error 103 and reconnect your bank account.
1. Verify Your Bank Login Credentials
The first step is to ensure that the login credentials you are using are correct.
- Open a browser and go to your bank’s website.
- Enter your username and password to log in manually.
- If you successfully log in to your bank’s website, it means your credentials are correct.
- If you cannot log in, you may need to reset your username or password on the bank’s website.
Once you have the correct login information, go back to QuickBooks and enter the same details.
2. Update Bank Information in QuickBooks
If your bank’s website has been updated or the URL has changed, QuickBooks might still be using the old link. Here’s how to update the information in QuickBooks:
- Open QuickBooks.
- Go to the Banking section.
- Select the bank account that is causing the error.
- Click Edit Sign-in Info.
- Enter the correct login information and make sure everything is up to date.
- Click Save and Close.
This will refresh the connection between QuickBooks and your bank.
3. Disconnect and Reconnect the Bank Account
If updating the login credentials doesn’t work, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting the bank account.
- In QuickBooks, go to the Banking section.
- Click on the bank account that is causing the error.
- Select Edit Account Info and then click Disconnect Account on Save.
- Save your changes and exit.
- After a few minutes, reconnect the bank account by clicking Add Account and entering your login details.
This will create a fresh connection between QuickBooks and your bank.
4. Clear Browser Cache
If you’re still facing issues, try clearing your browser’s cache. This can help resolve any cached data that is interfering with the login process.
- Open your browser settings.
- Find the option to clear browsing data or cache.
- Clear the cache and cookies.
- Reopen QuickBooks and try logging into your bank again.
5. Use Manual Entry for Bank Transactions
If none of the steps above resolve the issue, you can temporarily enter your bank transactions manually while you troubleshoot the error.
- Go to your bank’s website and download the transaction history as a CSV file.
- In QuickBooks, go to the Banking section.
- Click on Upload File and choose the CSV file.
- Map the transactions to the correct categories and import them into QuickBooks.
This way, you can continue working while you solve the connection issue with your bank.
6. Contact QuickBooks Support or Your Bank
If you’ve tried all the steps above and are still experiencing the error, it may be time to contact either QuickBooks support or your bank’s technical team. Sometimes, there may be an issue on the bank’s end or with how QuickBooks is handling the connection.
How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 103
Here are some tips to prevent this error in the future:
- Keep Login Info Updated: Always ensure that the login credentials for your bank account are current and accurate in QuickBooks.
- Check Bank Updates: Stay aware of any changes or updates that your bank makes to its login system or security settings.
- Use the Latest Version of QuickBooks: Make sure your QuickBooks software is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Error 103 is a common issue that can be easily fixed by following the steps outlined in this guide. Whether it’s verifying your login credentials, updating the bank information in QuickBooks, or clearing your browser’s cache, there’s always a solution to help get you back on track.
By understanding the root causes and following these troubleshooting methods, you can resolve QuickBooks Error 103 quickly and continue managing your finances smoothly. If the error persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks support for assistance.
