How to Fix QuickBooks Search Not Working Error?

QuickBooks Search Not Working Error occurs due to corrupted cache files. Other causes of this error are outdated software, browser issues, corrupted search index files, and incorrect antivirus settings. Users will experience the Search Not Working Error in QuickBooks while looking for specific details in lists for customers, employees, transactions, employees, items, classes, and charts of accounts.

Ensure to create a copy of the company file before fixing the error. Users can fix QuickBooks Search Not Working Error by clearing browser cache and cookies, checking for updates, using incognito mode, adjusting firewall settings, restarting the software and workstation. Here are the top 7 ways to fix QuickBooks Online and Desktop Search Not Working Error.

Solution 1: Clear Corrupted Cache Files

Your browser saves cache files to speed up website loading. Over time, cache files can become outdated and cause problems. Follow the steps below to clear the cache on different browsers:

Firefox:

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings or Preferences.
3. Choose Privacy & Security.
4. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data.
5. Click Clear Data.
6. Select the data to delete.
7. Click Clear.

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click on More from top right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Click Privacy and security.
5. Choose Clear browsing data.
6. Pick the types of data to delete.
7. Set the time range for the data.
8. Click Clear browsing data.

Safari for Mac, iPad, and iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Choose Safari.
4. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
5. Confirm by tapping Clear History.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. Choose Privacy, search, and services.
4. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
5. Select a time range.
6. Tick the box next to Cached data and files.
7. Click Clear now.
8. Restart your browser after clearing the cache.
9. Google Chrome is recommended for QuickBooks Online and Desktop users.

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop

The latest version of QuickBooks software is the most updated one with no bugs. Using it will fix Search Not Working Error in QuickBooks due to using an outdated version.

Note: QuickBooks Online users can skip this solution.

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click the Help menu.
3. Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
4. On the Overview tab, click Update Now.
5. Wait for the update process to complete.
6. Restart QuickBooks Desktop after the update finishes to ensure all changes take effect.

Solution 3: Use Incognito Mode

In case the error is due to cache and cookies, using QuickBooks Online in private mode will fix the issue. Here’s how you can use QBO in incognito mode.

1. The issue with typing in the customer’s name may stem from corrupted cache files.
2. Switch on Incognito mode and then open QuickBooks Online (QBO).
3. Use the following shortcuts for your browser:
   • Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
   • Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
   • Safari: Command + Shift + N
   • Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
4. This will open a private browsing window that does not use stored cache or cookies.

Solution 4: Reboot Computer and then Re-open QuickBooks

Rebooting the computer system refreshes the system memory and shuts the background applications. Here are the steps to restart computer system:

1. Close QuickBooks properly to avoid data corruption.
2. Open the Start Menu on your computer.
3. Select the Restart option from the power menu.
4. After the computer reboots, find the QuickBooks icon on your desktop.
5. Double-click the icon to launch QuickBooks again.

Solution 5: Setup Antivirus Software Correctly

Antivirus interruption can cause QuickBooks Search Not Working Error. Hence, users must ensure that their antivirus software is set up correctly. Mentioned below are the steps to correctly configure the Firewall/antivirus:

Step 1: Add Firewall Port Exception for QuickBooks

1. For each version of QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps:
   • Open the Windows Start Menu.
   • Search for Windows Firewall and open it.
   • Select Advanced Settings.
   • Right-click Inbound Rules and select New Rule.
   • Choose Port and click Next.
   • Ensure TCP is selected.
   • In the Specific local ports field, enter the appropriate ports for your QuickBooks version:
     • QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX
     • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX
     • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
     • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
       • Note: QuickBooks 2019, 2020, and later use dynamic ports, assigned during installation.
2. Click Next after entering the port numbers.
3. Select Allow the Connection and click Next.
4. Ensure all profiles are marked, then click Next.
5. Name the rule (e.g., “QBPorts(year)”) and select Finish.

Step 2: Create Windows Firewall Exceptions for QuickBooks Programs

1. Open the Windows Start Menu.
2. Search for Windows Firewall and open it.
3. Select Advanced Settings.
4. Right-click Inbound Rules and select New Rule.
5. Select Program and click Next.
6. Choose This Program Path, then click Browse.
7. Find and select the appropriate executable file from the table.
8. Click Next.
9. Select Allow the Connection and click Next.
10. Ensure all profiles are marked, then click Next.
11. Name the rule (e.g., “QBFirewallException(name.exe)”) and select Finish.

Solution 6: Log Out and Log Back In

Logging out and logging in back to QuickBooks will reduce temporary data glitches and network issues and fix QuickBooks Search Not Working Error. Here’s how you can do it:

For QuickBooks Online:

1. Go to the top right corner of the screen.
2. Click on your profile icon (initials or profile picture).
3. Select Sign Out from the dropdown menu.
4. To log back in, visit the QuickBooks Online login page.
5. Enter your credentials to access your account.

For QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Click File in the top menu bar.
2. Select Close Company to log out.
3. To log back in, open QuickBooks Desktop.
4. Choose the company file you want to access.
5. Enter your login credentials when prompted.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Search Not Working Error?

• A restart can fix minor software issues.
• Ensure a stable internet connection for proper QuickBooks functionality.
• Always back up your QuickBooks company file before making any changes to avoid data loss.

How to Identify QuickBooks Search Not Working Error?

• Search terms return no relevant transactions, customers, or vendors.
• Results take a long time to load, even with simple search terms.
• The search shows irrelevant or incorrect data, despite using precise criteria.
• The search bar doesn’t respond to clicks or typing.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Search Not Working Error?

Seek professional help if you are still experiencing a search error after trying all the suggested solutions. A technician can diagnose underlying issues, such as data corruption or complex system conflicts, that might require advanced troubleshooting. Consulting a professional ensures your QuickBooks functions properly and avoids further disruptions to your business workflow.