How do I change a check number so it matches my actual paper checks?

Hello, Sarah. 

I'm here to help you ensure your checks are printed with the correct check numbers. 

Just to give an overview, we won't be able to edit the check number if the Print later box is checked. This is why you're unable to enter or edit the check number. 

Regarding the "check number already in use" prompt, we can still proceed to print the check with the same number by clicking on Continue. Though, this will duplicate the number from a prior check. 

So, we'll want to edit the previous checks you've already printed with the correct numbers and sync it with your actual check. Here's how to do it: 

1. Go to Expenses. 
2. Find the "Bill Payment (Check)" transactions and open one. 
3. Edit the number under Ref No. If the box is greyed out, make sure to uncheck the Print later box. 
4. Once done, click Save and close. 

Do this until all of the recorded and printed checks have the correct numbers. 

Now, we can print the current checks by going to the + New button, then selecting Print checks. Make sure to enter the correct beginning check number in the Starting check no. box.

The system will automatically increment the number by one. So if you have three checks in the queue, it will print as "Check no. 1", "Check no. 2", and so on. 

For more details about printing checks and setting up your print settings, we can take a look at these articles: 

• Print a check in QuickBooks Online
• Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online
• Print a report in check number order

Need to check your financial data after printing your checks with the correct numbers? We'll want to browse an article in our Financial Reports topic page. They'll contain guides on what reports you can run and how to customize it. 

Do you have other concerns regarding your checks? Or perhaps do you need help with other entries? Keep me in the loop in this thread, and I'll help you out. 

"The system will automatically increment the number by one. So if you have three checks in the queue, it will print as "Check no. 1", "Check no. 2", and so on. "

What if my checks arrive in reverse order? if I need check 7,6,5,4 instead of 4,5,6,7, my only option is to manually re-sort the physical checks by hand, which is time consuming for that many checks.

In desktop, we could use the following method:

1. Go to File, then select Printer setup.
2. In the Form Name  dropdown, select Check/Paycheck.
3. Select Options.
4. In the Page order  dropdown, select either Front to back or Back to front.

Is there a similar method in Online? We don't have time to do this manually for the volume of vendor payment checks and need to use "print later"

Thank you for joining this thread and sharing comparisons between our accounting products, @apeters at ES.

You're correct that you'll have to input the check numbers manually since the system increases the check number by one. I know how beneficial it is when we can automate to decrease the check number by one. Your insights and goodwill is important to us.

For us to boost your QuickBooks Online (QBO) experience, I recommend submitting feedback to our product developers. In this manner, they will know that this is crucial to your business. They might consider adding this functionality for the benefit of many users.

Here's how:

1. Login to QBO and then click the Gear icon.
2. Select Feedback below Profile.
3. Enter your suggestion.
4. Hit Next to submit.

I've also submitted feedback for this functionality to support your business needs.

Making everything else easier with printing checks, I've added articles for more insights:

• Print a check in QuickBooks Online
• Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online

Please get back in this thread if you have other QuickBooks concerns. Anytime I can help. Stay safe and have a prosperous year ahead.