If you forget your password for accessing QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online, you can reset it by following the correct password recovery process. Resetting your password properly ensures you regain access while maintaining security.
Overview of Resetting QuickBooks Passwords
Here is an overview of the process for resetting a forgotten QuickBooks login password:
- Request a password reset link via email or security question in QuickBooks login screen
- Receive a temporary verification code via email or text
- Answer security questions if prompted to verify identity
- Create and confirm your new password
- Login with the new reset password
- Update password reset security questions
- Communicate password changes to appropriate users
- Consider tighter access controls like MFA to prevent lockouts
Follow the specific steps for your QuickBooks product below when needing a password reset.
Requesting a Password Reset
If you forget your password, begin the recovery process by requesting a reset:
QuickBooks Online:
- On the QBO login page, click “Forgot password?”
- Enter the email address on your account and click “Continue”
- Choose to receive a verification code via email or text message
QuickBooks Desktop:
- At company file login screen, click “I forgot my password”
- Select answer a security question or get reset instructions emailed
- Provide identifying info like company file, username or email
This initiates the password reset process. Delays in receiving emails may occur – be patient.
Receiving and Entering Verification Code
Once you request a reset link or code, check your email or phone:
- For QBO, enter the 6-digit verification code sent
- For Desktop, click reset link in email then enter new password
- Codes expire quickly, so check promptly
Entering the correct verification code proves you have access to the account email or phone number on file.
Answering Security Questions
For an additional account verification safeguard, QuickBooks may prompt you to answer security questions before allowing a password reset:
- Answer the security questions previously set up for your account
- Choose questions with answers only you know (not publicly searchable)
- Provide case-sensitive answers matching those in your account
Answering designated security questions provides the identity confirmation needed to reset the login password securely.
Creating and Confirming New Password
Once verified, you will create and confirm your new QuickBooks password:
- For QuickBooks Online, enter your new password and confirm
- For QuickBooks Desktop, type the new password at company file login
- Choose a strong, complex password – different from old ones
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords
Be sure to save or remember the new password for future access. Write it down securely if needed.
Logging In With Reset Password
After resetting your password, login to QuickBooks with your new credentials:
- For QuickBooks Online, use new password at QBO login page
- For QuickBooks Desktop, login locally to access company file
- Update the password within QuickBooks if prompted
- Reset the password for connected apps like bank feeds also
The reset password should now provide access to all areas previously available with the forgotten password.
Updating Security Questions
Once logged in, immediately update your security questions within account settings:
- Choose new questions with obscure answers not easily discovered
- Avoid security questions with answers findable via social media or public records
- Strengthen questions beyond defaults like “mother’s maiden name”
Updated security questions increase protection for future verification if needed.
Communicating Password Changes
Notify any team members or colleagues that also access QuickBooks to use the newly reset password:
- Set a temporary universal password for convenience
- Then require users to update individual passwords for security
- For QuickBooks Online, edit connected QBO user accounts
- Update passwords used in integrated tools like bank feeds
Coordinating password changes ensures continuous business operations.
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication
To reduce lockout risks, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for additional login verification:
- QBO allows enabling MFA for all user accounts
- Desktop users can leverage third party MFA apps
- MFA requires an extra step like code or biometric scan to login
Adding MFA security minimizes dependence on just passwords for account access.
Getting Help Resetting Passwords
If struggling to complete the password recovery process, reach out for assistance:
- QuickBooks Online users can contact Intuit customer support
- For Desktop, your accounting firm like QB Tax Advisors can provide help
In some cases, Intuit may require proving account ownership to reset Business QB passwords. An accountant can facilitate contact with Intuit support to resolve access issues.
Conclusion
Receiving a temporary verification code, answering security questions, creating a new password, and communicating changes allows recovering access after forgetting your QuickBooks credentials. Enabling MFA improves security. With the proper process, a lost password doesn’t have to mean lost access or productivity.