QB Error 179: Causes, Solutions, and How to Fix It

QB is one of the most popular and reliable accounting solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. It helps streamline operations, manage finances, and track transactions efficiently. However, like all software, QB users may encounter occasional errors that can hinder their workflow. One such error is QB Error 179.

QB Error 179 typically arises when users try to sign in to their QB Online account or connect their bank accounts, and it often involves issues with authentication. This error can be quite frustrating because it can prevent users from completing important financial tasks like reconciling bank statements, making payments, or accessing crucial business data.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the causes behind QB Error 179 and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix it.

What is QB Error 179?

QB Error 179 occurs when QB Online is unable to authenticate your bank account or financial institution. The error typically appears when you attempt to log into QB Online or connect to your bank account to download transactions. It can also appear during the process of linking or updating a bank account.

The error message usually looks like this:

"Error 179: Your bank is not responding, or the login credentials are incorrect."

When this error occurs, you are usually unable to access or download your bank transactions. This means you cannot reconcile your bank account, pay bills, or update your records accurately.

Common Causes of QB Error 179

There are several potential reasons why QB Error 179 might occur. Below are the most common causes:

Incorrect Login Credentials: The most common cause of this error is entering the wrong login credentials for your bank account. If the username or password you enter does not match the one on your bank’s website, QB cannot authenticate the connection.
Bank Server Issues: Sometimes, the error is not on your end. It could be related to the bank's servers being down or experiencing technical difficulties, preventing QB from accessing your account.
Two-Factor Authentication (copyright) Problems: If your bank requires two-factor authentication (copyright) and you haven’t completed the second authentication step, QB might not be able to authenticate the connection.
Browser Issues: Using an outdated or unsupported browser to access QB Online or the bank website can sometimes cause conflicts and lead to this error.
Bank Account Connection Problems: Occasionally, the connection between QB and your bank’s server might be disrupted. If the bank's server is temporarily down, QB will not be able to establish a secure connection.
Outdated QB Version: Using an outdated version of QB may cause compatibility issues with your bank's security protocols, leading to error 179.

How to Fix QB Error 179

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to resolve QB Error 179. These solutions will help you authenticate your bank account and fix connection issues between QB and your financial institution.

1. Check Your Login Credentials

The first step to fixing QB Error 179 is to verify that you’re using the correct login credentials for your bank account. Double-check your username and password, ensuring there are no typos.

What to do:

Visit your bank’s website directly and log in to your account.
Verify that your credentials work on the bank's website.
If you’ve forgotten your username or password, reset them through your bank’s recovery process.
Once you’ve verified your login information, try connecting your bank account again in QB.

2. Check for Bank Server Issues

Sometimes, QB Error 179 is due to an issue with your bank’s servers or systems. If your bank is having technical difficulties, there is little you can do except wait for the problem to be resolved on their end.

What to do:

Check your bank’s website or contact your bank’s customer support to see if there are any ongoing outages or server issues.
If the bank is experiencing issues, wait for them to resolve it, and then attempt to reconnect your account in QB.

3. Verify Two-Factor Authentication (copyright) Settings

If your bank uses two-factor authentication (copyright), you might need to complete the authentication step before QB can connect to your account. Ensure you have successfully authenticated your login by providing the second factor.

What to do:

Log into your bank’s website and check if any copyright steps are pending (such as entering a code sent to your phone or email).
Once you complete the copyright process, try connecting your bank account to QB again.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

If you’re using QB Online in a web browser, your browser cache or cookies could be causing the issue. Clearing these files can help ensure a smooth connection to your bank account.

What to do:

Open your browser’s settings and clear the cache and cookies.
Restart your browser and log back into QB Online.
Attempt to link your bank account again.

5. Update QB to the Latest Version

Using an outdated version of QB can cause compatibility problems. Make sure you’re using the most recent version of QB Online or QB Desktop to ensure seamless integration with your bank.

What to do:

Check for any available updates for QB Online or QB Desktop.
Update QB to the latest version to ensure that you’re using the most secure and up-to-date features.
Try reconnecting your bank account after updating QB.

6. Manually Add Bank Transactions (As a Temporary Solution)

If you’re unable to connect your bank account due to Error 179, you can manually import your bank transactions into QB as a temporary workaround until the issue is resolved.

What to do:

Log into your bank account and download a CSV file of your transactions.
In QB, go to the Banking menu and select Upload Transactions.
Follow the prompts to upload the CSV file into QB and match the transactions to your existing records.

7. Contact QB Support

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it’s best to contact QB support for further assistance. They can help troubleshoot the problem and provide more specific guidance.

What to do:

Go to the Help menu in QB and select Contact Us.
Reach out to QB support for additional troubleshooting steps or to report an issue with your account.

Conclusion

QB Error 179 can be a major inconvenience, especially when it interferes with your ability to download bank transactions and reconcile accounts. The error is most commonly caused by incorrect login credentials, bank server issues, or problems with two-factor authentication. However, with the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog, you should be able to resolve the issue and reconnect your bank account with QB.

By carefully following the solutions provided, you can fix QB Error 179 and continue with your business operations smoothly. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact QB customer support for further assistance.

Have you encountered QB Error 179? Let us know in the comments below if these solutions worked for you, or if you have any additional tips to share

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