How to Fix the “QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect” Issue?

The “QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect” error occurs when the software fails to authenticate your email credentials, often while sending invoices or payment receipts. This issue can be triggered by incorrect login details, outdated software, security setting conflicts in your email provider, or blocked sign-in attempts. You may notice this issue if QuickBooks repeatedly asks for your password or redirects you to security verification pages, both signs that the software can’t establish a secure connection with your email service.

Before fixing this issue, make sure your QuickBooks Desktop is updated, your email settings are properly configured, and that any security features like two-step verification or antivirus software aren’t interfering. Follow these 3 solutions to fix the ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue quickly and efficiently.

Solution 1: Update Your QuickBooks Desktop

Before anything else, ensure your QuickBooks Desktop is up to date. An outdated version can cause compatibility issues, especially with email services. Here are the steps to update QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT):

• Close QBDT.
• Open the Start menu and search for QuickBooks Desktop.
• Right-click the QBDT icon
• Select Run as administrator.
• When the No Company Open window appears, go to the Help menu.
• Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click the Options tab.
• Select the Mark All option.
• Click Save.
• Move to the Update Now tab.
• Check the box labeled Reset Update.
• Click Get Updates.

Once the update downloads completely:

• Click Yes to install it.
• Restart QuickBooks once the installation finishes.

Note: Send yourself a test email from QuickBooks. In case the issue is gone, great! If the problem persists, continue to Solution 2.

Solution 2: Review Your Email Settings and Filter Preferences

Email services like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL, and Hotmail have security features that can block QuickBooks from connecting. Let’s look at how to adjust your email settings for both Yahoo and Gmail.

Steps to Fix Yahoo Security Settings:

1. Log in to your Yahoo Mail account.
2. Go to the Yahoo Account Security page.
3. Enable 2-step verification.
4. You turn on the Allow Apps toggle, which requires a less secure sign-in.

After updating these settings, go back to QuickBooks and send a test email. In case it doesn’t work, try generating in a different way.

Generate a Yahoo App Password for QuickBooks

1. Visit the Yahoo Account Security page.
2. Click on Manage App Passwords or Generate App Password.
3. Choose QuickBooks from the list.
4. Click Generate.
5. Copy the password shown, then click Done.
6. Open QuickBooks and send yourself a test transaction.
7. Use the password you have generated and fill it out in the Password field.
8. Click OK to finish.

For Gmail Users:

Google blocks what it calls “less secure apps” by default, and this can include QuickBooks.  As a result ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue can be encountered. Follow these steps to fix this issue:

Step 1: Enable Less Secure App Access:

1. Sign into your Gmail account.
2. Visit the Less Secure App Access settings.
3. Enable access for less secure apps.

Step 2: Try Disabling Two-Step Verification:

1. Go to your Gmail account and navigate to the Security tab.
2. Click on 2-Step Verification.
3. Click Turn off, then confirm your choice.
4. Delete any saved backup codes.

Step 3: Grant Access to QuickBooks:

1. While in your Gmail settings, look for app access permissions.
2. Choose QuickBooks from the list to allow access.

After you follow all the steps provided above, make sure to send a test transaction email to yourself in QuickBooks. In case it is not sent successfully, move on to the next solution.

 Solution 3: Check Your Antivirus Software

Sometimes your antivirus or firewall settings may block QuickBooks from connecting to email servers. Follow these steps to fix ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue:

• Visit your antivirus provider’s official website.
• Look for settings that let you allow or exclude certain applications or ports.

Make Sure These Ports Are Open:

• Port 465 – Required for Yahoo! Mail users.
• Port 587 – Required for Gmail and other providers.

In case you’re using McAfee:

Add the following files to the Excluded Processes list:

• QBW32.exe , Path: C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]\QBW32.exe
• QBDBMGR.exe , Path: C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]\QBDBMgr.exe
• QBDBMGRN.exe , Path: C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]\QBDBMgrN.exe

Once done, open QuickBooks and try emailing yourself a test transaction again.

After completing all the steps, make sure to:

• Open QuickBooks.
• Send yourself a test email or transaction.
• In case it works, your issue is fixed!

In case you’re still facing trouble, you may want to revisit each solution carefully to ensure nothing was missed.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix the ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue?

Here are a few requirements that must be fulfilled before fixing this issue:

• Exit QuickBooks and re-open it using the “Run as administrator” option for full access.
• Make sure the “No Company Open” screen is visible before beginning any update or fix.
• Verify that you are signed into the correct email account used in QuickBooks.
• Have access to your email account’s security settings to make necessary changes.
• Ensure your internet connection is stable, as interruptions may block email authentication.
• Temporarily disable any background updates or heavy downloads to prevent system lag during troubleshooting.

How to Identify the ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue?

You will see the following signs when you encounter the ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue:

• QuickBooks fails to send emails and displays an “incorrect password” prompt even after multiple attempts.
• The system may redirect you to an unexpected security verification page.
• You notice repeated email sign-in prompts while performing transactions.
• Error messages suggest your credentials are invalid despite entering them correctly.
• You receive a notification from your email provider about blocked sign-in or suspicious activity.
• Outlook or webmail disconnects from QuickBooks without notice during email tasks.
• Test emails don’t deliver, indicating an authentication failure between QuickBooks and your email service.

How to Prevent ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue?

Follow these tips to avoid facing the ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue in the future:

• Use secure webmail integration by linking your webmail with your Intuit account.
• Regularly generate and update app-specific passwords when using Gmail or Yahoo with QuickBooks.
• Avoid frequent password changes unless necessary, and update saved credentials in QuickBooks promptly.
• Add QuickBooks to your email service’s trusted app list or allow specific app permissions.
• Schedule periodic checks of email filter settings and security updates.
• Add QuickBooks-related executables to your antivirus software’s exception or whitelist list.
• Create a habit of sending a test transaction monthly.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for Fixing ‘QuickBooks Email or Password is Incorrect’ Issue?

You should consider getting professional help if you’ve followed all the recommended steps but the error still persists, or if QuickBooks keeps prompting for your password. It’s also wise to seek support when security settings are too complex, antivirus configurations are overwhelming, or you simply don’t want to risk losing data.

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