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Resolving 'Unauthorized–401' error with QuickBooks Online

If Acctivate shows an 'Unauthorized–401' error, your QuickBooks Online connection has expired and must be reconnected in Database Maintenance.

Summary

The 'Unauthorized–401' error indicates that Acctivate is no longer authorized to communicate with QuickBooks Online (QBO). This usually happens when the QBO security token expires or the connection is revoked. The issue can be resolved by disconnecting and reconnecting QuickBooks Online in Acctivate Database Maintenance.

When does this happen?

You may see this error when:

  • Posting transactions to QuickBooks Online

  • Running synchronization or financial exports

  • QuickBooks Online credentials have expired or changed

Expected Result

Acctivate successfully connects to QuickBooks Online and posts transactions without errors.

Actual Result

Acctivate displays an 'Unauthorized–401' error and cannot communicate with QuickBooks Online.

How to Fix the 'Unauthorized–401' Error

Follow these steps on the Acctivate Server or main workstation:

  1. Log out of Acctivate on all workstations.

  2. Open Acctivate Database Maintenance.

  3. Select Database > Database Info.

  4. Click on your QBO company.

  5. Under QuickBooks Company File, click Disconnect.

  6. Click Yes, then click OK.

  7. Click Connect to QuickBooks.

  8. Sign in to QuickBooks Online as the Admin user.

  9. Select the correct QuickBooks Online company and approve access.

  10. Launch Acctivate and retry the transaction.

Important Notes

  • You must log in to QuickBooks Online using an Admin-level user.

  • Only one user should need to reconnect QuickBooks Online.

  • This process does not affect historical transactions.

  • If the error continues, verify that the QuickBooks Online subscription is active.