QuickBooks Subscription has Lapsed? Here’s How to Renew

The “QuickBooks Subscription Has Lapsed” error in QuickBooks Desktop appears when the system can’t verify your active subscription. Common triggers include expired or incorrect billing details, declined payments, outdated QuickBooks versions, connectivity issues, or damaged license files. Even with a valid plan, these glitches can block access to key features and disrupt your workflow.

Before fixing the issue, ensure prerequisites like admin access, a stable internet connection, updated system compatibility, and correct Intuit account credentials. Early signs include error prompts about subscription verification, inability to open company files, failed updates, and payroll service disruptions. Identifying these signs early helps prevent downtime. Check out these 10 proven solutions to fix the QuickBooks Desktop “Subscription Has Lapsed” Error, curated by our team of experts.

Solution 1: Update Your Billing Information in Intuit CAMPs

In case your payment details are outdated, QuickBooks will stop verifying your subscription. Check out these steps to update your billing information in Intuit CAMPs:

1. Log in to the Customer Account Management Portal (CAMPs) as the admin.
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop under your products.
3. Click Details next to your product, then Edit beside your payment method.
4. Update your payment details, then click Save and Close.
5. In QuickBooks, go to Help > Manage My License > Sync License Data Online.

Solution 2: Install QuickBooks Updates

Applies the latest patches to resolve subscription glitches. Check out these steps to fix the QuickBooks Subscription Lapse Error and prevent future lapses.

• Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click on Options> Mark All.
• Select Update Now> Reset Update.
• Click on Get Update.

• Download and install any available updates.
• Restart QuickBooks.

Solution 3: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

A damaged Windows component can stop QuickBooks from connecting to subscription services. Check out these steps to fix the QuickBooks Subscription Lapsed Error and restore QuickBooks functionality.

• Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub (Windows 10 64-bit recommended).
• Open Tool Hub, go to Installation Issues, and select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.

• Let the tool run, then click OK when it’s done.
• Open QuickBooks again and check if the error is gone.

Solution 4: Restore the Product and License File

QuickBooks stores your license and product information on your hard drive. In case that file gets damaged, QuickBooks may think your subscription is invalid. Follow these steps to fix damaged license data:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Open the Windows Start Menu, type Run, and press Enter.

In the Run box, type: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8

3. In case that doesn’t open, try v6 instead.
4. Locate EntitlementDataStore.ecml, right-click it, and select Delete. Confirm by clicking Yes.
5. Reopen QuickBooks and your company file.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to re-enter your product and license information.

Solution 5: Check Your Internet Connection Settings

Ensures QuickBooks connects to Intuit servers for license verification. Check out these steps to fix the subscription error effectively.

• Stable internet connection.
• In QuickBooks, go to Help > Internet Connection Setup, and select Use my computer’s internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the internet.
• Save your settings and try again.

Solution 6: Install Digital Signature Certificate

Installing the correct security certificate ensures QuickBooks can connect securely to Intuit’s servers. Check out these steps to verify securely.

Using Google Chrome:

• Visit https://ratable.qbdt.intuit.com/.
• Click the padlock icon in the address bar, then View Certificates.
• In the Certification Path tab, select Symantec Class 3 Secure Server CA-G4.

• View and Install Certificate using the default options.

Using Internet Explorer:

1. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Content > Certificates.
2. In the Intermediate Certification Authorities tab, select Symantec Class 3 Server CA-G4.
3. View and install the certificate.

Solution 7: Reset Internet Explorer settings

QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings to connect online. Here are the steps to fix the subscription lapsed error and reset internet settings quickly.

• Open Internet Explorer.
• Go to Tools > Internet Options.
• Click the Advanced tab, then Reset or Restore Defaults.

• Apply and click OK.

Solution 8: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software can sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing license data. Here are the steps to fix the subscription-lapse error and restore connectivity.

1. Locate your antivirus icon in the system tray (bottom right corner of Windows).
2. Right-click it and select Disable.
3. In case disabling isn’t possible, you may need admin rights.
4. Temporarily turn off your firewall.
5. Try opening or updating QuickBooks again.

Solution 9: Configure QuickBooks Folder Permissions

In case Windows blocks access to the license files, QuickBooks can’t verify your subscription. Here are the steps to configure the folder permissions:

1. Navigate to the QuickBooks folder in File Explorer.
2. Right-click it, select Properties, then go to Security.
3. Select your Windows account and grant Full Control (Read, Write, Modify).
4. Save and close.

Solution 10: Change the QuickBooks License Number and Product Code

Updates mismatched license details, causing subscription errors. Check out these steps to reactivate services.

For QuickBooks Desktop (Windows):

• Go to Help > Manage My License > Change My License Number.
• Enter the new license number and click Next, then Finish.

For QuickBooks Desktop (Mac):

• Go to QuickBooks Menu > Manage My License > Deauthorize This Computer.
• Click Deauthorize and Quit.
• Relaunch QuickBooks and register with a new license number.

For QuickBooks Enterprise users:

• You can also change the product code by editing the qbregistration.dat file (requires technical steps) or by reinstalling the software.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix “Subscription Has Lapsed” Error?

Ensure that the following requirements are met before fixing the QuickBooks Desktop Subscription Error:

• Make sure you have QuickBooks Desktop installed on a compatible, updated Windows or Mac system.
• Log in as an administrator to make required changes.
• Have a stable internet connection to sync license and billing data.
• Keep your product and license numbers ready for reactivation if needed.
• Confirm that antivirus or firewall settings allow QuickBooks access.
• Verify that your Intuit account login credentials are correct.
• Make sure Windows permissions allow access to QuickBooks folders and files.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop “Subscription Has Lapsed” Error?

Here’s how you can identify Subscription Lapded Error in QuickBooks Desktop:

• Look for the on-screen message: “Your QuickBooks Subscription has lapsed.“
• Following are the error descriptions you will encounter:

“Sorry, we need to verify your subscription before installing QuickBooks Desktop.”
OR
“Sorry, it looks like you need a subscription to install QuickBooks Desktop.“

• Other variations include prompts asking to verify your subscription before installation.
• QuickBooks may fail to open company files despite an active subscription.
• Certain payroll features may stop working unexpectedly.
• Updates and online services might fail to download or install.
• The issue may appear only on one workstation while others work normally.
• Syncing license data online may fail with an error prompt.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Desktop “Subscription Has Lapsed” Error?

Follow these tips to avoid facing this error in the future:

• Keep payment methods in your Intuit account updated.
• Renew your subscription before the expiry date.
• Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest release.
• Maintain a stable, secure internet connection for license verification.
• Configure firewall and antivirus settings to allow QuickBooks connections.
• Periodically sync license data in QuickBooks.
• Store your product and license details securely for quick reactivation.
• Avoid making changes to QuickBooks installation or license files without guidance.