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This is fully recoverable: because QuickBooks doesn't "restore" a deleted transaction, you recreate it using the details saved in the Audit log, then mark it reconciled again in the register. The key step people get stuck on is the recreate itself, so here's exactly how to do both parts.
Step 1: Get the deleted transaction's details from the Audit log
Everything you need to rebuild the transaction is recorded in the audit log, which keeps events for two years.
- Select Settings (the gear icon), then Audit log. (You'll need admin access for this one.)
- Select Filter, choose the user, date, and events, then select Apply.
- Find the deleted transaction and select View in the History column to see its full details (date, amount, account, payee). Tip: use your browser's search (Ctrl + F) and type "deleted" to spot deletions fast.
One heads-up: if the deletion is older than that two-year window, it may no longer appear in the log. On QuickBooks Desktop, the audit log is called the Audit Trail: go to Reports, then Accountant & Taxes, then Audit Trail. Reference: Use the audit log to re-enter deleted transactions in QuickBooks Online.
Step 2: Recreate the transaction (the part that was missing)
Recreating just means entering the transaction again, with its original date.
- Select + New, then choose the same transaction type shown in the audit log (for example Expense, Check, or Journal entry).
- Enter the same details, and be sure to use the original transaction date.
- Select Save and close.
Tip: you can also add it straight into the register. Go to Settings, then Chart of accounts, find the account, select View register (called Account history in some layouts), then add the transaction there with the same details.
Step 3: Mark it reconciled again
Reconciled status comes back with three clicks in the register.
- In that account's register, select the recreated transaction to expand it.
- In the checkmark column, select the box until it shows R (it cycles from blank to C to R).
- Select Save.
That's the same status box used to unreconcile transactions, just cycled the other way: Undo or remove transactions from reconciliations in QuickBooks Online.
If your reconciliation or beginning balance is now off
After you recreate the item, it may still appear on the Reconciliation Discrepancy Report, but the Total Discrepancy Difference should read $0.00, and your beginning balance should match your statement again so you can resume reconciling. If it doesn't, work through Fix issues with your beginning balance for accounts you've reconciled before.
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