QuickBooks, a renowned accounting software, is indispensable for small and medium-sized businesses globally. Its wide array of features, including tracking income, recording expenses, filing taxes, and creating bills, facilitates seamless financial management. However, the need for remote access to this robust software has emerged with the changing business environment and increased workforce mobility. QuickBooks Remote Access fills this need, enabling users to connect to their QuickBooks Software installed on a main computer from any other device over the internet.

This blog will guide you through setting up and using QuickBooks Remote Access, ensuring you can manage your business finances no matter where you are.

 

What is QuickBooks Remote Access?

QuickBooks Remote Access is a secure, efficient solution for accessing and managing your QuickBooks data from anywhere, anytime. It allows users to connect to their office computers from any internet-connected device, such as a laptop or a mobile device. With QuickBooks Remote Access, you can perform critical tasks such as printing documents from a remote location, copying files between local and remote computers, and accessing other programs on your office computer.

 

How to Access QuickBooks Desktop Remotely?

There are 3 ways for QuickBooks remote access:

QuickBooks Online Remote Access

QuickBooks Online is a vital tool for remote access to your business’s financial data. As a cloud-based solution, it offers constant access from any internet-connected device. This feature significantly improves the flexibility of your business operations. Moreover, QuickBooks Online enables real-time collaboration among multiple users, enhancing team efficiency. 

Notably, QuickBooks Online uses advanced security measures to protect your financial information. As a result, your data remains safe while being accessible at any time, from anywhere. By leveraging QuickBooks Online, you’re investing in a tool that boosts your business’s productivity, improves flexibility, and provides constant access to critical financial data. Following are the steps to use it: 

1. Firstly, launch your preferred browser on your device.
2. Secondly, navigate to the QuickBooks Online login page.
3. Then, enter your credentials to sign in to your QuickBooks Online account.
4. You’ll have access to your QuickBooks data and tools upon successful login.
5. After that, start working on your business accounting as needed.
6. If prompted, confirm your identity with QuickBooks Online by entering the passcode received via email or phone.
7. Utilize the various features available under different menus for managing your business accounts remotely.
8. After completing your tasks, log out from your QuickBooks Online account to maintain security.

 

QuickBooks Cloud Hosting

QuickBooks cloud hosting revolutionizes the way businesses access financial data. With this service, your QuickBooks Desktop is installed on cloud servers. Consequently, it offers remote accessibility from any internet-connected device. Besides, this approach enables multiple users to access and work on the same data simultaneously, fostering efficient collaboration. The hosting service provider oversees server maintenance and data security, freeing you from technical hassles. 

The cloud hosting solution ensures business continuity, even in technical disruptions. Therefore, QuickBooks cloud hosting provides a perfect blend of QuickBooks Desktop’s robust functionality with the flexibility of QuickBooks Online. Ultimately, it ushers in an era of convenient, secure, and real-time access to your financial data, regardless of your geographical location. The following are the steps: 

1. Start by selecting a reputable QuickBooks hosting provider. Intuit should authorize the provider and offer robust security measures, round-the-clock support, and reasonable pricing.
2. After choosing the provider, sign up for their service. They will likely offer different plans based on the number of users and the level of service you require.
3. You will need to transfer your QuickBooks license to the cloud server. The hosting provider typically guides you through this process.
4. Next, upload your QuickBooks company files to the cloud server. Your hosting provider should provide instructions on how to transfer your data securely.
5. Depending on your provider, you may need to install specific software on your computer to access the cloud server.
6. Once everything is set up, you can access your QuickBooks Desktop with an internet connection from any device. You’ll need to log in to the remote server with the credentials provided by your hosting provider.

Also Read:- QuickBooks Payroll Issues

QuickBooks Remote Access Tool

By Intuit, the QuickBooks Remote Access tool served as an excellent solution for remote financial management. This tool provided secure access to QuickBooks over an internet connection from any device. Essentially, it bridging the gap between on-premise software and remote accessibility. Once set up, it allowed users to work on QuickBooks as if they were on their local system. 

Moreover, the tool enables the transfer of files between the remote system and the local computer, enhancing data mobility. Importantly, it ensured data security through end-to-end encryption. Following are the steps to set up the Remote Access Tool:

1. First, click on ‘Set up computer’ to commence the process and download the Remote Access Tool installation file.
2. Then, navigate to the downloaded file, and double-click it to initiate the installation.
3. Input a unique nickname for your computer in the provided field, then click ‘Next.’
4. After that, choose your preferred settings for each remote session. These options include adjusting screen resolution automatically, defaulting to full-screen view, blanking the computer screen, or turning off local mouse and keyboard inputs.
5. Decide which applications you want to access remotely. A small monthly fee allows remote QuickBooks access, while a larger fee grants access to all applications and files. Click ‘Next’.
6. Select your preferred verification option. Choose ‘Use a phone number’ to receive an access code by phone call each time or ‘Add a passcode’ to enter a predetermined passcode on the login page when accessing QuickBooks remotely.
7. Click the ‘Finish’ button.

 

Conclusion

Now, you know different methods for QuickBooks remote access. But, choosing the best method for remote access depends on your specific business needs. QuickBooks Online offers ease of use and accessibility from anywhere, but it may lack some features found in QuickBooks Desktop. QuickBooks Hosting and Remote Desktop tool provide the full functionality of QuickBooks Desktop with remote access but may require more setup and costs. Ultimately, the best solution balances your need for functionality, accessibility, and budget considerations. It’s advisable to consult with our ProAdvisor for personalized advice. Thank You!

 

FAQs

1. What is QuickBooks Remote Access?

QuickBooks Remote Access was a tool by Intuit that allowed users to access their QuickBooks Desktop software installed on a primary device from another remote device over the internet.

2. Is QuickBooks Online a viable alternative for remote access?

Yes, QuickBooks Online is designed to be accessed remotely from any device with an internet connection. It is a cloud-based solution offering many of the features of QuickBooks Desktop, with the added flexibility of remote access and real-time collaboration among multiple users.

3. What are the security measures in place for QuickBooks remote access?

Whether it’s QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Hosting, or Remote Desktop Services, all methods use secure, encrypted connections to protect your data. Additional security measures may include two-factor authentication, automatic sign-out after inactivity, and rigorous access controls.

4. Can multiple users access QuickBooks remotely at the same time?

Yes, multiple users can access QuickBooks simultaneously, provided you have a QuickBooks Online subscription plan supporting multi-user access or purchased additional user licenses for QuickBooks Desktop. In the case of QuickBooks            Hosting or Remote Desktop Services, your provider or IT team may need to set up additional configurations for simultaneous multi-user access.