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FAQs and troubleshooting for Spreadsheet Sync in QuickBooks

by Intuit Updated 1 month ago

Learn how to find answers to common questions and solutions to Spreadsheet Sync issues in QuickBooks Online Advanced. Spreadsheet Sync is a tool that connects your QuickBooks data with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Easily import and export data for streamlined financial reporting and in-depth analysis.

🛈 This article is for customers who use QuickBooks Online Advanced or QuickBooks Online Accountant.

Frequently asked questions

Spreadsheet Sync lets you sync Excel to your QuickBooks Online Advanced or Accountant account. Here are some of the benefits:

Spreadsheet Sync allows you to sync Excel with your QuickBooks Online Advanced or Accountant company, offering:

  • Pull data into an Excel spreadsheet, edit it, and then post it back to QuickBooks Online Advanced.
  • Create new data to post to QuickBooks Online Advanced using Spreadsheet Sync records and transaction templates.
  • Create custom reports or pivot tables and refresh them with up-to-date QuickBooks Online data.
  • Data flexibility: Pull data into Excel, edit it, and post it back to QuickBooks.
  • Custom templates: Create new data entries using records and transaction templates.
  • Enhanced reporting: Build custom reports or pivot tables and refresh them with real-time QuickBooks data.

For more details, see Get started with Spreadsheet Sync for QuickBooks Online Advanced and Accountant.

Spreadsheet Sync is available only for QuickBooks Online Advanced and Accountant customers. If you’re using Simple Start, Essentials, or Plus, follow the steps to upgrade your subscription to QuickBooks Online Advanced.

  1. Log in as an admin in your QuickBooks Online Advanced account. (Learn more about changing admin users).
  2. Follow the instructions on how to install and access Spreadsheet Sync.

Important notes:

  • Spreadsheet Sync is compatible with Office 365 Excel and Google Sheets (not older Excel versions).
  • If your computer's default browser is Internet Explorer 11, install this file to upgrade your browser to Microsoft Edge.

Spreadsheet Sync is included in the cost of your QuickBooks Online Advanced or Accountant subscription. If you need access, follow the steps to upgrade your QuickBooks Online subscription.

Spreadsheet Sync’s posting function allows you to edit multiple transactions at once and post the changes back to QuickBooks.

  1. Select Spreadsheet Sync from the toolbar and sign in to Spreadsheet Sync.
  2. Select Create or edit records.
  3. Select the company data from the Select company ▼ dropdown.
  4. Select the Invoices and Bills template.
  5. To download and sync data, select Edit QuickBooks records and sync back, then filter the data you need.
  6. (Optional) Use Select custom field columns to edit transactions and fields.
  7. Select transaction type.
  8. Select Get template to view and update the data.
  9. In the Post? column, select Yes for the transactions to import.
  10. Select Sync to QuickBooks in the task panel, then select Sync to confirm.
  11. Use View sync details to check successful imports and address any errors.

For detailed instructions, see Import data using Spreadsheet Sync in QuickBooks Online Advanced.

  1. Open your excel file and log into Spreadsheet Sync.
  2. Select Quick refresh to pull the latest data from QuickBooks based on existing filters.
  3. Use Edit filters to update the data using new criteria.
  4. Enable Automatic refresh for updates every time you open the workbook or sign in.

For more information, see Get started with Spreadsheet Sync for QuickBooks Online Advanced and Accountant.

To contact our support team, sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
Select Help Help, then Contact Us.



Common errors with solutions

How do I change filters for Quick Refresh in my sheet?

  1. Go to Refresh in the toolbar.
  2. Select Quick refresh (current sheet) and choose new data filters.

Why doesn’t my pivot table update when I refresh the report sheet?

  1. Right-click a cell in the pivot table.
  2. Select Refresh.

When posting transactions (e.g., invoices, bills, receipts), errors may occur if the data doesn’t match QuickBooks' validation rules.

Common posting errors

  • Invalid text entries: Ensure data matches dropdown menu choices.
  • Incorrect date format: Use the correct format based on template settings.
  • Decimal errors: Enter numbers with only one decimal point.
  • Pasting errors: Copy and paste as values; avoid altering formulas.
  • Missing quantities: Ensure all required fields have values.

Specific error messages and fixes

Error: "Oops, something went wrong while generating the Excel spreadsheet"

  • Add new rows to the bottom, not the top.
  • Only add columns to the right, not the left.
  • Do not delete or move starred (★) columns.

Error: "This value doesn’t match data validation requirements"

  • Enter only validated data.
  • Use Manage Records to upload and validate data before syncing.
  • Expand dropdown lists by adding entries in QuickBooks Online Advanced.

OLE action error in Excel

This message appears when downloading large data sets or due to a slow internet connection.

  • If the download takes longer than 90 seconds, select OK/Proceed and wait until the process completes.
  • Do not cancel the download.

I accidentally pulled data into my current sheet instead of a new one. How can I recover my original data?

  • Open a previously saved version of your Excel file. If unavailable, you will need to start over.

Can multiple users work in Spreadsheet Sync simultaneously?

  • Yes, but only if they have different logins and are working with different company data.
  • Multiple users cannot update reports or post data to QuickBooks Online Advanced at the same time if working on the same company data.

Can I track changes made by my colleague in Spreadsheet Sync?

  • Yes, view the Audit Log in QuickBooks Online Advanced:
    1. Go to Settings ⚙.
    2. Select Audit log to track changes.


What's next?

After making the necessary corrections and updates, review your financial reports to ensure all changes are accurately reflected. Learn more about how to create and edit reports in Spreadsheet Sync.

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