Can I access my QB online data while offline similar to dropbox?

Hi there, @eventdirector.

Thank you for dropping by the Community. I can share some information about the system requirement when using QuickBooks Online.

We have several QuickBooks platforms available such as the Desktop and Online version. Both programs need an internet connection to download the latest update released and to automatically sync your data changes. The recommended internet connection requirement speed is 3Mbps or higher.

For in-depth information, you can refer to this article: System Requirements for QuickBooks Online.

Let me know if you have other questions about QBO. I'm always here to offer additional help. 

Did you ever get an answer to this question?  I would like to know, as well.

Were you able to get an answer to this question?  I also would like to know.

Thanks for joining the discussion, @andersc. I can provide clarification on accessing QuickBooks (QBO) while offline.

The software is designed to require an internet connection, as it's cloud-based. I can see how the ability to work offline could be helpful to you and others, but could also cause data and syncing issues. One example of this would be if a user working offline created invoice 37 and someone connected online made invoice 37 for a different customer and service, which would result in two invoice 37's when synced.

Should you not have a standard internet connection at a location, you may wish to consider using the QuickBooks Online Mobile App. It's free with a QBO subscription and is designed to provide access to their books from anywhere with their mobile device. Please see the following article for additional insight into this: Mobile App.

If you have any questions about this information or anything else, please let me know. Have a good one. 

Sorry but I've held back long enough on these incredibly STUPID answers from Quickbooks Support since...well inception.

1. He didn't ask how offline works. Many, many cloud companies have offline options and have figured out a way to deal with what you outline. Um, Github is maybe one example. Stop acting like you are teaching us something!!

2. Send your folks to Salesforce for a week to learn a few things. They aren't perfect in their support either, but man you don't get responses like this which really had NOTHING to do with his question.

3. He wouldn't have the question if the products made more sense. I'm pissed now because I, again, downloaded the QB online desktop app b/c I knew I wouldn't have an Internet connection. Can I...nope. What the f*c* good is a downloadable app for a cloud product if I ALSO have to have an Internet connection to use it?? Keep getting an error telling me I'm not connected to the Internet. Ok...thanks.

BTW, the mobile app is NOT AT ALL a substitute for desktop, and probably never will. We get that...so don't suggest that as a viable option. If you want to see a report...great. Do something...nope...and again I get why that's hard on mobile. Well, again, go visit Salesforce in San Fran for some help.

4. Finally, while I posted on this thread I've found that MOST responses from the support for QB are HORRIBLE! Suzy says "Thanks for asking the question greg12345, here is a link to our Help site...blah, blah" while it's evident that "greg" is WAY past that.

Templated answers and must get some recognition for responding to something...I guess.

Hi there, @ddeveaux, 

As mentioned by @David-212915 , QBO is a cloud-based system, thus it requires you to have an internet connection for you to enter/edit transactions and work in your company data. We currently don’t have options to save files locally or to other locations because the system automatically backs up the data in our servers.

Both the desktop and mobile apps still need to be connected to the internet to open your companies. The advantage of using these apps is that the data you entered syncs directly with the web/browser version of QBO.

Please know that I am listening to you. I’m taking notes here of all your comments and your experience so I can pass these along here on my end.

You can always count me in if you need anything, @ddeveaux .

There are MANY cloud services that can be used offline! The concept of cloud works the same for everyone so the explanation of how cloud services work isn't needed. They have methods to identify what information is changed when syncing back...it's pretty standard now. Couple top of the head examples.

Gmail

Outlook

Salesforce

GitHub

Microsoft Office

Evernote

Box

Hi, 

I did use QBO, and there is locations I will be wanting to you use them offline. But however, what you said is an issue, mixing of invoice numbers. I believe you can have solution to that, by creating an ref# instead of invoice number when the system is offline. And once the system is back online it automatically assign a invoice#. Allowing the system to maintain its invoice numbering system and sametime, it can also be useful at locations with slow connection or no connection at all. My usage is mainly in African region. Hence network isn't that great. But QBO is a great software to use and solution to this issue would be a great advantage. 

I appreciate for sharing your thoughts , Nashops12. 

I'll make sure to pass your feedback to our product development team. In some way, your suggestions will let them know the features that they might consider in their future updates.

You're always welcome to post again here if you have additional concerns. We're ready to help. Have a good day!

It is essential that they solve this problem. I use quickbooks desktop in my office. I was going to change QB On line this week, thank God I did not.

I thought that his product allowed work offline. In my case I require this functionality because where we are located frequently fails the internet 2 or 3 times a day and we can not afford the luxury of waiting 3 hours to fix it to continue working.
The last fault we had waited 4 days for a Comcast technician to come to solve the problem, You imagine 4 days without being able to make an invoice and other processes.

Definitely i will  have to buy other cloud-based software.

Thanks to community

Hi there, ASCARGO.

I got your point here and I appreciate you for sharing this with us. Your feedback regarding your preference in accessing QuickBooks Online (QBO) data while offline is noted. As soon as we get updates about this feature suggestion, we'll be sure to keep you posted through this thread.

You may also want to visit our QuickBooks Blog as another way of getting updates to the latest features and product enhancements of QBO: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/blog/.

Know that you're always welcome to reach back to me for any concerns you may encounter in the future. I'd be delighted to help out.

---

@Charies_M wrote:

Hi there, ASCARGO.

 

I got your point here and I appreciate you for sharing this with us. Your feedback regarding your preference in accessing QuickBooks Online (QBO) data while offline is noted. As soon as we get updates about this feature suggestion, we'll be sure to keep you posted through this thread.

 

You may also want to visit our QuickBooks Blog as another way of getting updates to the latest features and product enhancements of QBO: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/blog/.

 

Know that you're always welcome to reach back to me for any concerns you may encounter in the future. I'd be delighted to help out.

---

To product development team. I also would like very much to have the ease and accessibility of using QB Online, offline. For example doing multiple invoices.. I would rather go and do something doing something boring like that going out for dinner or out for a coffee or riding the bus or something and being in the world and not tied to an internet or wifi connecton. Please solve this problem as obviously this is a major hang up and other companies have solved this issue. Patiently waiting for that, "GO Day!" Love the program though. Cheers and thanks

We're happy you love the program, Chicoandtheman.

As shared by my colleagues DavidSC and RaymondJayO, QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a cloud-based program. Thus, the functions and features are made available to users via the internet.

I know it's beneficial for you and other users to work in QBO offline. While this option is unavailable, I'll make sure to take note of your request and forward this to our developers. Your thoughts are important for learning, growth, and development and we take them all into consideration.

I'll update this thread once there are any changes with your recommendation.

You can also check out the Firm of the Future site to learn more about product enhancements and tips to efficiently manage your business.

Please to let me know if you need any help with QuickBooks. I'm always here to assist.

I solely use QBO, nobody else in the company has access. I take my laptop to worksites and want to fill out invoices offline and have them sync when im home. nobody will be creating duplicates. Give the option at least, because right now i have to write everything down in word and then re enter the info into quickbooks. just a waste of time that could easily be avoided. Put a disclaimer about duplicate invoices and your butt is covered.

Over a year later... Planning on solving this issue?

Thanks for joining the thread, @SKOFLEK.

I know how precious time for everyone, and I totally understand the inconvenience you’ve experienced, especially on transferring them manually to QuickBooks.

We are doing as much as we can to make sure QuickBooks Online suits your business needs. I’m sure our product developers were doing a course of action to improve the program based on customer’s feedback and suggestions.

You may consider getting a third-party app for invoicing in the meantime. You can visit our Apps website to look for a tool that can sync entries to QuickBooks. All third parties found on our site are guaranteed compatible.

As mentioned by my colleagues above, a way to get updates is to visit our blog site. This is where we posted the latest happenings, feature enhancements, including integrations and accounting advice.

You can always reach out to us in case you have other concerns. I’m here determined to take care of them for you.

@SKOFLEK 

You may record the data in XLS format and utilize TPImporter to import them in bulk.

https:// transactionpro.grsm.io/qbo

Just remarkable how obtuse the replies are to this issue.  Using a cloud based software while offline should be simple enough.  QB could very easily limit what can be done while offline.   Things that can 'sync' up when on line without causing data conflicts.  Example- I have a "dumb" copy of my books on my computer.  I can enter information for a series of "draft" transactions that are limited in scope and are "confirmed" when back on line.   These  might be:

1. invoices - write new ones and mark others paid
2. Schedule payments
3. Enter time data
4. Start a new Job number or similar

There would be no reason to be "live" - just a way to work while offline- perhaps on a plane or during an outage.  This is common sense and should be easy enough!

Dear Intuit- Any updates on this.  Our company has waited a year for a solution.  We have money in hand waiting to switch to QB online, but our internet goes out once a week sometimes.  I  cannot wait hours on end for the internet to come back online.  I would like to be able to complete my work and have it upload once I have internet.  Earn your pay!  OP posted this problem Nov of 2018.  How long does Intuit IT need to fix this problem? 

You should be using the mobile app

 You can create invoices on your phone and even accept payment.

Well said! I've been looking for these answers since notification of the platform change. I've been researching other programs to use, but it's a royal pain in the a#$ to redo all of my pricing and employee data, etc...

QB has taken the "strong-arm" approach to get users to switch to a more expensive version of a program that already works well, as it is. Why not simply keep the off-line version as well, but let us users who have internet issues, pay a fair fee, to continue QB Pro support?  Or, would that be too simple. I think it all comes down to the QB Board, wanting that monthly fee!

Jody O.