I am suddenly unable to search by client name in the search bar

Thanks for posting here, @kim-ashleymartin,

I can share the steps to help you rectify this missing customer list issue in QBO. For now, let's see if this is a browser related problem by opening your QuickBooks in a private window.

Unexpected behaviors in the program, are sometimes affected by issues in the web browser. This is because the cache will overwrite itself and will not delete any data over time. 

Private browsers prevents cookies from being stored on your computer, making it a great place to identify browsing issues. Use these keyboard shortcuts to open a private window:

Google Chrome: press Ctrl + Shift + N  
Mozilla Firefox: press Ctrl + Shift + P
Safari: press Command + Shift + N

If it rectifies the problem, clear the browser's cache. Clearing the history or log of sites resolves most issues with the web pages.

Also, make sure you're logged on to the correct company file, in case you have multiple companies.

Keep me updated with the result, as I want to make sure this is taken care of. I'm also here if you have any questions or need help with other QuickBooks processes. Have a productive week!

Thank you for your quick response. I found this another chat when I was looking and it did not fix the issue. I tried incognito browser, as well has another safari instead of chrome. Cache has been emptied and it still is not allowing me to use the search bar to search by client name

Let me help search the client name on your QuickBooks Online account, kim-ashleymartin.

You need to check if a client's company is connected and what to do if it isn't. Even if a client is on your list, their QuickBooks company may not be connected to your firm. 

Here's how to solve it:

Solution 1: See who's connected:

1. In QuickBooks Online Accountant, go to Settings ⚙, then select Switch Company.
2. Select the drop-down ▼ symbol under your QuickBooks Online Accountant firm name.
3. Look for your client's company.

If their company isn't on this list, it's not connected. You can ask the client to invite you to be their accountant again.

Solution 2: Check the client's business name

If you see your client and their company is connected, but can't find their company, don't worry. Go to your client's profile and make sure their business and display names match:

1. In QuickBooks Online Accountant, go to the Clients menu.
2. Look for your client and select Edit.
3. Review the business name, display name, and personal names.
4. Click Save.

Solution 3: Make sure you still have access

If other members of your team can open the client's company, you may not have the right permissions. Ask your QuickBooks Online Accountant firm admin to give you access:

1. Sign in to QuickBooks Online Accountant as a firm admin.
2. Go to the Team menu.
3. Select your name, then go to the Client Access tab.
4. Mark the checkboxes for the client companies you need access to, then click Save.

Additionally, if the company checkbox is already checked, uncheck it and select Save. Open the Client Access tab again, mark the checkbox, and click Save.

You can also browse this link to learn how to access the client's data: Open and review clients' QuickBooks Online.

Stay in touch with me if you have follow-up questions about searching for a client. I'm always right here to help you.

I have the same issue in both Chrome and Safari for the last month or so. I don't know if it is related to the fact that I have recently added 1 account making 2 in total? The work around is very clunky (listing and searching ALL clients), so I have this bug is fixed soon and QBO will start supporting all standards compliant browsers in 2024.