QuickBooks Simple Start and QuickBooks Desktop Login Guide

QuickBooks Simple Start is the entry-level plan of QuickBooks Online, Intuit's cloud-based accounting platform. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop (sometimes referred to as "Intuit Desktop") is a locally installed QuickBooks software for Windows or Mac computers. This guide provides step-by-step login instructions for both QuickBooks Simple Start (online) and QuickBooks Desktop, along with troubleshooting tips for common login issues, solutions for password recovery and multi-factor authentication problems, and best practices for secure access to your QuickBooks account.

1. Navigate to the QuickBooks Online sign-in page (for example, qbo.intuit.com).
2. Enter your Intuit account user ID or email and password associated with your QuickBooks Simple Start account.
3. Optional: If you're on a private device, check the "Remember me" option to save your credentials for next time.
4. Click the Sign In button to log in to QuickBooks.
5. If prompted, complete the two-step verification by entering the 6-digit code sent to your email or phone, then select Continue (or Sign In) to finish signing in.

After successfully entering the verification code, QuickBooks Online will open your company dashboard. You can now access all your QuickBooks Simple Start features and data.

References: [1]

1. Launch the QuickBooks Desktop application on your computer. In the No Company Open window, select your company file and click Open (or create a new company file if needed).
2. If prompted with an Intuit account sign-in, choose the appropriate option:
   • You're the admin: Select this if you are the QuickBooks Desktop company file administrator (you'll sign in with your Intuit account credentials).
   • I'm not the admin: Select this if the company file's admin credentials are being shared with you (in this case, you might not need to enter a personal Intuit account).
3. Click Continue. If you chose "You're the admin," enter your Intuit account email or user ID and password when prompted, then select Sign In.
4. If your company file has its own internal QuickBooks login (such as an Admin password for the file), enter that password when prompted to access the file.
5. After signing in, QuickBooks Desktop will open the company file and you can begin working with your business data.

References: [2]

Even with valid credentials, you might occasionally have trouble logging into QuickBooks. Here are some common login issues and how to resolve them:

• Double-check your credentials: Make sure you’re using the correct user ID (or email) and password for your Intuit account. Passwords are case-sensitive, so verify that Caps Lock is off. If you've forgotten your credentials, use the password recovery options (see the next section below).
• Clear your browser cache and cookies: If QuickBooks Online is stuck or keeps looping on the sign-in screen, clearing your web browser’s temporary files often resolves the issue. After clearing cache and cookies, close and reopen the browser, then try logging in again.
• Use a private/incognito window: Opening a new private browsing window helps rule out issues caused by cached data or browser add-ons. Sign in to QuickBooks from an incognito or private window. If it works there, return to your normal browser and clear the cache.
• Try a different browser or device: Sometimes browser-specific issues can prevent login. Switch to a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.) or try signing in from another device to see if the problem persists. This helps determine if the issue is with your original browser or device.
• Disable extensions and security software: Ad blockers, script blockers, or strict anti-virus/firewall settings might interfere with the QuickBooks login page. Temporarily turn off these extensions or security software and attempt to log in again. If the login works, adjust your software settings to whitelist QuickBooks, then re-enable your protections.
• Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. A weak or dropping connection can cause login attempts to fail or time out, especially for QuickBooks Online.
• Update QuickBooks Desktop: If you're unable to sign in on QuickBooks Desktop, make sure your software is updated to the latest release. Updates often fix known bugs or connectivity issues that could affect the login process.
• Account locked or still can't sign in: Multiple failed login attempts can lock your Intuit account temporarily as a security measure. Wait a few minutes and try again, or use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your credentials. If you still cannot access your account after trying the above steps, contact QuickBooks support for further help.

References: [3] [4]

If you're unable to log in due to a forgotten password or issues with two-factor authentication (verification codes), try the following solutions:

• Forgot your password: If you forgot your Intuit account password, click the "Forgot password or user ID" link on the QuickBooks sign-in page. Enter your email address or phone number, and follow the prompts to receive a verification code and reset your password. For QuickBooks Desktop company file passwords, use the "I forgot my password" option in QuickBooks. In older versions of QuickBooks Desktop, you can download and run Intuit’s Automated Password Reset Tool to recover the admin password (quickbooks.intuit.com).
• Didn't receive the verification code: If you didn’t get the 2FA code via text or email, check your spam/junk email folder and confirm you entered the correct email or phone number. Also, ensure Intuit’s noreply email isn’t blocked and that your phone can receive short code texts (unblock SMS from numbers 88811 and 97962). On the sign-in page, click the "I didn’t get a code" option to have Intuit resend the verification code.
• Verification code isn't working: If you received a code but it’s not being accepted, you might be entering an outdated code. Request a new code and use the most recent one sent to you. Be sure to keep the sign-in window open while you retrieve the code—closing or refreshing the page can invalidate the code and require you to start over.
• Lost access to your 2FA device or email: If you no longer have access to the phone number or email associated with your QuickBooks account (and therefore can’t receive the verification code), you’ll need to use Intuit’s account recovery process. Fill out the account recovery form and provide a photo ID to verify your identity. Intuit will verify the submission and, once approved (usually within one business day), email you a link to reset your password and regain access to your account.

References: [4]

Protecting your QuickBooks account and data is crucial. Follow these best practices to ensure secure access to your QuickBooks:

• Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easily guessable words or personal information. Never reuse your QuickBooks password on other sites or accounts.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Turn on two-step verification for your Intuit account to add an extra layer of security. With MFA enabled, even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your QuickBooks without the secondary verification code.
• Keep account recovery info up to date: Maintain a current email address and phone number in your Intuit account profile so you can easily recover your account if you forget your password. It’s also wise to set up security questions as a backup identity check.
• Never share login credentials or codes: Do not share your QuickBooks user ID, password, or verification codes with anyone. Be wary of phishing attempts—Intuit will never ask you to provide your password or MFA codes via email or phone.
• Use secure networks and devices: Avoid logging into QuickBooks from public computers or unsecured Wi-Fi. If you must use a public network, consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection. Always sign out of your QuickBooks session when finished, especially on shared or public devices.
• Keep software up to date: Install the latest updates for your web browser and QuickBooks applications. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities, helping protect your account from emerging threats.
• Manage user access wisely: If your QuickBooks has multiple users, give each user their own account with appropriate permissions instead of sharing one login. Leverage QuickBooks’ user roles to restrict access to sensitive areas. Regularly review user access and revoke permissions for people who no longer need access.

References: [5] [6] [7]

[1] Sign in to QuickBooks Online account
[2] Create or open a company file with your Intuit account
[3] Troubleshoot sign-in CAMPS issues
[4] Recover your Intuit Account if you can’t sign in
[5] QuickBooks Online Data Security Best Practices
[6] QuickBooks for Small Business: What it is & how to secure it
[7] Best Practices for Account Security

Read more: QuickBooks Downloads & Upgrade Guide