QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working on Mac Desktop: Solved

Mac users often find QuickBooks multi-user mode not working at instances. For example, they are trying to access the company file on a workstation but can’t. Or perhaps they face an issue while switching from single users to multi-user mode.

In a multi-user environment, a lot of factors are at play, such as hosting configuration, server computers, workstations, network connection, etc. To troubleshoot the multi-user mode issues, we need to check them all one by one.

This is the purpose of this guide, to walk you through comprehensive solutions to resolve multi-user mode issues in QuickBooks Desktop. Alright then, let us begin.

Remember, this guide is for QuickBooks Desktop on macOS. If you are a Windows user, learn how to resolve QuickBooks multi-user mode issues on Windows.

Possible Reasons Why QuickBooks won’t allow multiple users

Let us look at some reasons why QuickBooks multi-user mode might not be working on the Mac desktop.

• The server computer might not be running or have gone to sleep.
• The company file is not shared, or the folder permissions aren’t set right
• The MacOS firewall might not allow QuickBooks to communicate to the internet.
• Bonjour service might not be working on all Mac computers on the network.
• There might be an issue with network configuration.

However, if the error code you see on the screen is H202, H303, or H505, follow the personalized steps to fix it.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting Multi-User Mode Issues on Mac

To begin with, update your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.
Now, there are a few things that you need to take care of to facilitate the multi-user environment on your mac computer.

1. Check If the Server Computer Went to Sleep

The server computer hosts the company file, and thus it should stay active for the users on the workstation to access the company file.
Therefore, check that the server computer didn’t go to sleep. Here is how you can change the preferences to ensure the host computer doesn’t go to sleep.

• Open System Settings, followed by Energy Saver.
• Now, select the energy preferences accordingly and close the settings.

2. Check Network Settings

Favorable network settings allow QuickBooks to communicate on the workstation and your host computer. However, if these settings change, you might find QuickBooks multi-user mode not working.
Therefore, check the network settings on your host computer and workstations and ensure they are set right. This is how you can check the network settings on a Mac computer.

• Go to System Settings and choose Network.
• If you find the settings to be correct, close it.
• However, if you need to make changes, do so, and finally, choose Apply to save the changes.

3. Are You on a Wifi Network?

You might not be able to access the server due to a weak network connection. Consider moving to an area with stronger connections or using an ethernet cable to connect to the Internet.

Now, check if you can work on QuickBooks in multi-user mode without a problem. However, if you still face a problem, let us move to comprehensive troubleshooting.

How to Fix QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working on Mac

In this section, we will troubleshoot each and every factor involved in multi-user mode that may give way to errors.
If you find QuickBooks multi-user mode not working on a Mac computer, go through these solutions and carry out the instructions given.

1. Ensure QuickBooks Server is Running and Company File is Shared

First, ensure that QuickBooks server computer is running, and then check file-sharing preferences.

• Choose Go, followed by Applications.
• Double-tap the QuickBooks 20XX Server.app icon.
• If required, share the file following these steps:
  • If you can find the file under the NOT SHARED section, click on the file followed by Start Sharing.
  • However, if you don’t find the file on the list, choose + icon and add the file.

Note:

• Ensure the QuickBooks Server app is only installed and running on the host computer. If it is installed and running on workstations, disable or uninstall it.
• Ensure the company file is on the same computer where the QuickBooks Server application is installed.

2. Verify the MacOS Firewall Settings

Let us check the MacOS firewall is not interrupting QuickBooks communication.

• Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
• Go to the Security & Privacy icon and click on Firewall.
• Choose Firewall Options. If you find the button grayed out, tap on the lock icon to unlock it.
• Ensure the QuickBooks Server app is configured to Allow Incoming Connections.

Now, check if you can enable multi user mode QuickBooks and work in it without an error.

3. Check the File Sharing Permissions on the Host Computer

Another reason why you might find QuickBooks multi user mode not working is the incorrect file sharing permissions on the server computer.
Therefore, follow the steps below to verify the file sharing permissions on the server computer and ensure they are correct.

• Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
• Tap on the Sharing icon.
• Mark the checkbox for File Sharing.
• Now, you need to add the folder where the company file is located into Shared Folders.
  • Click on the + icon under the Shared Folder field.
  • Browse and go to the folder where your company file exists and choose Add.
• Now, go to the Users field and ensure the permission is configured as Read and Write for Everyone or just certain users who use QuickBooks.

If still the QuickBooks won’t open in multi-user mode or won’t work, try the next solution.

4. Verify if the Bonjour Service is Working Fine

Mac computers use the Bonjour service to communicate with each other, and therefore, this should be enabled on all computers for multi-user mode to run well.
Follow these steps on the host computer and workstations to ensure the Bonjour service is working.

• Choose File followed by New Finder Window.
• Go to the Shared section and see if you can see other computers where QuickBooks is installed.
• Ensure ports 56565 TCP, 5297 TCP, 5298 TCP/UDP, and 5353 UDP are open.

5. Check the Network Configuration

Let us check the network configuration to ensure that your hardware is not blocking communication between QB Desktop and QB server.

• Plug out the ethernet cable. In case you are on wireless internet, switch off your Wi-Fi.
• Restart your computer. Now, plug in the ethernet cable or switch on the wifi.
• Open QB Desktop, then enable multi-user mode.

If some computers are on the wireless network, ensure they are connected to the same network you are sharing company files on.

6. Establish a Peer-to-Peer Direct Connection

If you still can’t work on multi-user mode, setting up a peer-to-peer direct connection will help. This enables two computers to communicate via an ethernet cable.

• Shut down the host computer and the workstation you are facing a problem with.
• Now, plug in either end of the same ethernet cable into the ethernet ports of each computer.
• Now, restart the computers.
• The Bonjour service will allow both computers to see each other.
• However, to ensure this, go to File and then to New Finder Window. Go to the Shared section and see if you can see other computers where QuickBooks is installed.
• One of these computers was chosen as the host for QuickBooks Server. On this computer, launch QuickBooks, followed by File, and then Enable Multi-user mode.
• Now, on the other computer, open QuickBooks and go to Shared Files. Open your company file from here.

This will allow you to access your company file on multi-user mode on Mac computer.

Conclusion

This was all on how to resolve QuickBooks multi-user mode issues on Mac computers. Therefore, if you find QuickBooks multi-user mode not working, carry out the above-given solutions on server computers and workstations.
However, if the problem persists, connect to a QuickBooks expert, who will help you configure the multi-user mode so you can resume your work right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kate Churchill

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.