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M
MN_Mom
February 13, 2024
Solved

Why does QuickBooks Online sign me out while I'm working, and how do I stop it?

  • February 13, 2024
  • 26 replies
  • 146 views

Why does the QBO app log me out when I'm working in the app?

Best answer by cody_a

QuickBooks Online signs you out automatically to protect your data when you're away from your computer. This applies to QuickBooks Online in a browser and the QuickBooks Online mobile app. If it's happening while you're actively working, the steps below can help.

QuickBooks Online in a browser

By default, QuickBooks Online signs you out after 1 hour of inactivity. It measures inactivity from the last time you moved your mouse, clicked, or typed on a transaction form.

You can extend this to up to 3 hours:

  1. Go to Settings, then select Account and settings.
  2. Select Advanced.
  3. In the Other preferences section, select Edit.
  4. Choose 1, 2, or 3 hours from the Sign me out if inactive for dropdown.
  5. Select Save, then Done.

Only the master administrator can change this setting, and it applies to all company users.

Learn more: Change the timeout duration in QuickBooks Online


QuickBooks Online desktop app for Windows or Mac

The desktop app works differently. It's designed to keep you signed in for up to 6 months unless you sign out manually, so it shouldn't time you out the way the browser version does.

If you're getting signed out unexpectedly in the desktop app, try this:

  1. Close the app completely, then reopen it.
  2. If that doesn't help, uninstall the app and reinstall the latest version.

Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app

 

Got questions about this or anything else in QuickBooks Online? Drop a reply below.

26 replies

S
Sherrie_FQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
February 13, 2024

I can see the significance of using the QBO app, @MN_Mom.

 

QuickBooks Online (QBO) has a timeout feature that automatically logged you out after the maximum hours allotted to your account. This feature prevents unauthorized persons from accessing your data every time you're away from your device.

 

To stay signed in, you have to ensure that the app is updated and its data cleared. You can then uninstall and reinstall it again. 

 

Here's how:

 

1. Change the Wifi data connection on your device to 4G (varies by device).

2. Close and restart the app.

3. Clear the data:

  • Open your device Settings.
  • Select Apps (varies by device).
  • Choose QuickBooks app from the list, then select Storage.
  • Select clear data.

4. Power down and restart your device.

5. Uninstall and reinstall the app.

 

Once done, I suggest setting your account's time-out preference in the Account and Settings page. I also encourage to save your user ID and password before the allotted time end for you to be not logged out of QuickBooks.

 

You can follow these steps:

 

  1. On the upper right corner, look for the Gear icon.
  2. Select Account and Settings.
  3. Choose the Advanced menu.
  4. Scroll down to the Other Preferences section.
  5. Click the Pencil Icon.
  6. In the Sign me out if inactive for drop-down, select 3 hours.
  7. Click Save.
  8. Hit Done.

 

Lastly, here's an article that you can browse through on how to solve common errors in QuickBooks Online mobile app: Fix common errors in the QBO mobile app.

 

Let us know if you still have further queries managing your QBO account via app. We're always here to assist you at any time. Take care!

 

M
MN_MomAuthor
February 14, 2024

I'm not on the mobile app. I'm on the QBO desktop app for a Mac. I changed the settings to 3 hours, but I'm still getting logged out for inactivity while I'm typing and using the app. It happens when I've only been signed in for like 15 minutes.

    Adrian_A
    Adrian_A
    Level 8
    February 14, 2024

    Hello MN_Mom,

     

    I appreciate you for trying the steps shared by my colleague.


    Since the issue persists even after changing the preferences, I suggest reaching out to our phone support team so we can investigate this further.

     

    Here's how:
     

    1. Click the ? Help icon.
    2. Go to the Search tab.
    3. Click Contact Us.
    4. Select Ask about something else.
    5. Enter a few words about your concerns.
    6. Click Continue.
    7. Select either Chat with us or Schedule appointment.

     

    Furthermore, you can visit our Help Article page whenever you have questions.

     

    You can always post a reply whenever you have concerns about your QuickBooks account. 

    B
    bytebackjrd
    April 29, 2024

    Having the same issues with my M3 MacBook Pro.  I was even creating an invoice and it just randomly signed me out.  I then have to restart the program to get back into it.  This is not mobile but the online app from quickbooks for the Mac OS system.  Is there any fixes for this?  I have turned inactivity to 3 hours, reinstalled the app and reset the app with no success.

    M
    MirriamMQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    April 30, 2024

    Hello there, bytebackjrd.

     

    I appreciate you joining the thread and performing some steps to resolve the issue. However, since you're still getting the same problem, I recommend contacting our Customer Care Team. They have the tools to pull up your account to investigate the root of the problem and why the issue keeps appearing.

     

    To get in touch with them, click the ? Help button at the top-right corner and select Contact Us to talk with a live agent.

     

    In case you're working on your QuickBooks Online account and inactive for some time, you can consider utilizing the timeout feature. This will help you prevent from logging out at a specific hour when you're away from your computer.

     

    To learn about the features of the desktop app and how it works, you can check out this article: Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app.

     

    If you want to add specific info to your invoices or other sales forms, you can check out this article: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

     

    If you need further help with managing your invoice transactions, please don't hesitate to let me know by leaving a comment below. I'm always here to answer any questions you may have. Take care, bytebackjrd.

    M
    MN_MomAuthor
    April 30, 2024

    I'm so happy that this issue is now resolved. Now if Reminders can be fixed! When I use a Reminder from my Reminder list, I expect it to disappear from the list (as it used too!).

    MariaSoledadG
    MariaSoledadGQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    April 30, 2024

    I'll guide you on deleting your reminder list, MN_Mom.

     

    If referring to the transaction reminders, you'll want to go to your Recurring transactions list to delete a reminder. To do so, follow the steps outlined below:

     

    1. Go to the Gear icon, then choose Recurring Transactions.
    2. Find the reminder you want to delete.
    3. Under the ACTION column, click the arrow icon (beside Edit).
    4. Choose Delete.

     

    On the other hand, if you're referring to other reminders that aren't tagged as recurring and show up on the Dashboard, you can click the Go button and complete or delete the transactions instead. I've added a screenshot for your visual guide.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Furthermore, QuickBooks offers various reports that cater to your business needs. You'll only have to make sure to customize them so you'll get the right data. I've added this article for more information: Customize Reports In QuickBooks Online.

     

    Drop your comment if you have any concerns about the reminder list. I'm always right here to assist. Have a great day!

    cody_a
    cody_aCommunity ManagerAnswer
    Community Manager
    August 26, 2026

    QuickBooks Online signs you out automatically to protect your data when you're away from your computer. This applies to QuickBooks Online in a browser and the QuickBooks Online mobile app. If it's happening while you're actively working, the steps below can help.

    QuickBooks Online in a browser

    By default, QuickBooks Online signs you out after 1 hour of inactivity. It measures inactivity from the last time you moved your mouse, clicked, or typed on a transaction form.

    You can extend this to up to 3 hours:

    1. Go to Settings, then select Account and settings.
    2. Select Advanced.
    3. In the Other preferences section, select Edit.
    4. Choose 1, 2, or 3 hours from the Sign me out if inactive for dropdown.
    5. Select Save, then Done.

    Only the master administrator can change this setting, and it applies to all company users.

    Learn more: Change the timeout duration in QuickBooks Online


    QuickBooks Online desktop app for Windows or Mac

    The desktop app works differently. It's designed to keep you signed in for up to 6 months unless you sign out manually, so it shouldn't time you out the way the browser version does.

    If you're getting signed out unexpectedly in the desktop app, try this:

    1. Close the app completely, then reopen it.
    2. If that doesn't help, uninstall the app and reinstall the latest version.

    Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app

     

    Got questions about this or anything else in QuickBooks Online? Drop a reply below.

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