Chart of Accounts batch update not working

Hi @CFOSecrets,

Let's Start with the Quick and Easy Things:

1. Give it a Refresh: Sometimes, QuickBooks Online just needs a little nudge. Try simply refreshing the page you're on. You can usually do this by clicking the refresh button in your browser (it looks like a circular arrow) or by pressing F5 on your keyboard (if you're on a Windows computer) or Command + R (if you're on a Mac). After refreshing, try the Batch edit again.

2. Try Again in a Little While: It's possible that QuickBooks Online is experiencing a temporary hiccup on their servers. Wait a few minutes (maybe grab a cup of coffee!) and then try the Batch edit one more time. Sometimes, these unexpected errors are just fleeting moments.

If a Refresh Doesn't Do the Trick, Let's Try Some More Robust Steps:

1. Switch to a Different Browser: Your current web browser might be having a little disagreement with QuickBooks Online. Try using a different browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. See if the Batch edit works correctly in another browser. This will help us determine if the issue is browser-specific.

2. Clear Your Browser's Cache and Cookies: Over time, your browser stores temporary data (cache and cookies) that can sometimes interfere with how websites function. Clearing this data can often resolve unexpected errors. The steps to clear your cache and cookies vary depending on the browser you're using, but you can usually find the option in your browser's settings or history menu. After clearing, close your browser completely, reopen QuickBooks Online, and try the Batch edit again.

3. Disable Browser Extensions: Browser extensions can sometimes conflict with web applications like QuickBooks Online. Try temporarily disabling all your browser extensions to see if that resolves the error. You can usually manage your extensions in your browser's settings or add-ons menu. If the Batch edit works with extensions disabled, you can try re-enabling them one by one to figure out which one might be causing the conflict.

4. Check Your Internet Connection: While the error message doesn't scream "internet issue," a momentarily unstable connection could potentially cause problems when saving changes. Make sure you have a stable and reliable internet connection.

If the Error Persists, Let's Look at the Data and the Process:

1. Try Editing a Smaller Batch: If you're trying to update a large number of accounts at once, it's possible that the system is getting overwhelmed. Try selecting a smaller group of accounts to edit and see if you can save those changes successfully. If that works, you can try editing in smaller chunks.

2. Carefully Review the New Numbers You're Entering: Double-check the new account numbers you're trying to save. Are there any special characters, unusual formatting, or numbers that might be outside the expected range? Sometimes, a simple data entry issue can trigger an unexpected error.

3. Try Using Incognito or Private Browse Mode: Most web browsers have an incognito or private Browse mode that opens a new window without using your saved Browse data or extensions. Try opening QuickBooks Online in this mode and see if the Batch edit works. If it does, it could indicate an issue with your browser's cache, cookies, or an extension.

If You've Tried All This and It's Still Not Working...

1. It Might Be Time to Reach Out to the QuickBooks Online Support Team Directly. They have the tools and access to look into your specific account and see if there's a more technical issue happening on their end.

   • You can usually find their contact information by clicking the "Help" icon in the top right corner of QuickBooks Online. Look for options like "Contact Us" or "Chat with an expert."

   When you contact them, be sure to tell them:

   • You're trying to use the Batch edit feature in the Chart of Accounts.
   • You're getting the error message: "Error. Sorry, an unexpected error has occurred. Please try again."
   • Mention the steps you've already tried (like the ones we just went through). This will help them troubleshoot more efficiently.

Here's a little personalized tip: When you're working with your Chart of Accounts, especially when making changes in bulk, it's always a good idea to have a backup of your QuickBooks Online data, just in case! While QuickBooks Online does have its own backups, knowing you have an extra copy can give you peace of mind.

I really hope one of these steps helps you get that Batch edit working! Let me know if you try any of these and what happens. We'll keep trying to figure it out together. Good luck!

I understand the urgency, Dawn; let's work together to resolve this promptly.

QuickBooks can experience unexpected behavior, such as the Batch edit feature in the chart of accounts not working properly due to excessive cached files in your browser. To resolve this, we can perform basic browser troubleshooting steps.

First, restart your browser. Then, log in to your account in a private browser. You can use these keyboard shortcuts to launch a new private window:
 

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Command + Shift + N
   

If it fixes the issue, go back to the regular browser and clear the cache. Doing this will eliminate outdated files or data that cause system issues and glitches when using the program. Otherwise, you can use another supported browser.

If the issue continues, I suggest contacting our Live Support Team. That way, they can securely check any reported issues and add you to the list of affected users.

Additionally, to learn more about managing the chart of accounts in QuickBooks, you can refer to this article: Learn about the chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online.

Once everything is good and the accounts are already in a good place, you can do your regular bank reconciliation.

I'll be around if you need more help managing chart accounts in QuickBooks.

I am  having the same issue. I have tried all the steps outlined here, but nothing has worked. And, even though I'm on an advanced subscription, when I try to contact "help" I am getting the message that nobody is available at this time. I need someone to help me fix this asap. 

I completely understand your situation and appreciate the effort you've put into trying to make the batch update work, Andie713. I'd like to share some details on why this issue is occurring.

There's an ongoing issue where users receive a "Sorry, unexpected error has occurred" message when attempting to use the Batch Edit option in the Chart of Accounts. Our engineering team is working diligently to identify and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

As a workaround, you can edit one account at a time. I've attached a screenshot for reference:

On another note, the availability of our support services varies depending on the QuickBooks Online (QBO) subscription you have. For instance, since you're using QuickBooks Online Advanced, you should have access to support services even during weekends.

I still recommend contacting our support team  again. This way, you'll be added as one of the affected users and will be looped in once there is an update.

If you have an account that you've never used and want to make it inactive, please refer to this detailed guide: Make an Account Inactive.

Additionally, you might find it useful to visit this  link to learn more about which default or special accounts can be edited, deleted, or merged: Manage Default and Special Accounts in your QuickBooks Online chart of accounts.

If there's anything else that you need help with, batch editing, or have any other questions regarding your chart of accounts, reply with a comment below. I'm always here, ready to help you anytime.

If the Chart of Accounts batch update isn’t working, try clearing your browser cache or switching to incognito mode — that fixes it sometimes. Also double-check your user permissions and account limits. If it’s still stuck, QuickBooks Support can usually help sort it out quickly.