--- title: How to Recover Your QuickBooks Online Account from a Bad Bookkeeper | LedgerFi description: Need to recover your QBO account from a bookkeeper? Follow our step-by-step guide to reset passwords, transfer admin access, & secure your financial data. image: https://www.ledgerfi.co/hubfs/LedgerFi-OG-Default.png --- Expense Management # How to Recover Your QuickBooks Online Account from a Bad Bookkeeper Need to recover your QBO account from a bookkeeper? Follow our step-by-step guide to reset passwords, transfer admin access, & secure your financial data. [ Nathan Hodgens ](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/author/team-ledger) Mar 19, 2025 [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) [Expense Management](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/tag/expense-management) #### TABLE OF CONTENTS - [Assess Your Access](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper#Assess) - [Reset Your QuickBooks Online Password](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper#Reset) - [Recover Admin Control of Your QBO Account](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper#Recover) - [Secure Your Financial Data](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper#Secure) - [Hire a Trusted Bookkeeper or Accountant](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper#Hire) ![How to Recover Your QuickBooks Online Account from a Bad Bookkeeper](https://www.ledgerfi.co/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20closeup%20of%20a%20computer%20screen%20displaying%20the%20QuickBooks%20Online%20QBO%20login%20page%2c%20with%20the%20Forgot%20Password%3F%20link%20prominently%20highlighted-1.jpeg) × Need Help Fast? Talk to an Expert Instantly [** Call now ** ](tel:+18886026210) [ Schedule call ](https://meetings.hubspot.com/jeremy721/web-consultation?uuid=72d6ad92-b616-4404-8180-05ac0a3a20cd) Managing your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account should always remain in **your control**, but if a bad bookkeeper has taken over or restricted your access, you need to act quickly. Whether they refuse to transfer ownership or simply failed to set you as the **Primary Admin**, regaining control is crucial for securing your financial data and protecting your business.  This step-by-step guide will help you assess your access, reset your login credentials, and recover control of your QBO account—even if your bookkeeper is the **only admin**.  1. ## ** Assess Your Access ** Before taking any action, check what level of access you currently have in QBO. ### **How to Check Your Role & Permissions ** 1. **Log into QuickBooks Online. ** 2. Go to **Settings → Manage Users. ** 3. Look at your account:  ○ If you are listed as the **Primary Admin**, you have full control.  ○ If you are listed as an **Admin User**, you can make some changes but may not have full access.  ○ If you are listed as a **Standard User**, your access is **limited**, and changes may require additional steps.  If your bookkeeper is the Primary Admin, you will need to **request an admin transfer from Intuit **(steps below).  1. ## ** Reset Your QuickBooks Online Password ** If you **have login credentials but cannot access QBO**, resetting your password is the easiest solution.  ### **Reset Your Password (If You Still Have Access to Your Email or Phone Number)** 1. **Go to the**** **[**Intuit Account Recovery Page**](https://accounts.intuit.com/app/sign-in?app_group=Identity&asset_alias=Intuit.cto.iam.ius)**.** 2. Enter your **email or phone number **associated with QBO.  3. Follow the instructions sent to your selected recovery method.  4. Log in and check your access under **Settings → Manage Users**.  ### **If You Have Admin Credentials ** If you are an **Admin User but not the Primary Admin**, you can:  1. **Go to Settings → Manage Users. ** 2. Locate your **bookkeeper’s profile **and **remove their access**.  ○ If they are the **Primary Admin**, you will need to transfer ownership first (see next step).  If you cannot remove their access, follow the steps below to recover admin control.  ## Still Have QBO Questions? Talk to an expert directly! Call now at (888) 602-6210 [** Call now ** ](tel:+18886026210) 1. ## ** Recover Admin Control of Your QBO Account ** If your bookkeeper is the Primary Admin and refuses to transfer ownership, you will need to **submit a request to Intuit **to regain control.  ### **Steps to Recover Admin Access from Intuit ** 1. Go to the **Intuit Account Recovery Form****. ** 2. Provide the required **business documentation**:  ○ **EIN Confirmation Letter **from the IRS.  ○ **Bank statements **showing business transactions.  ○ **Business registration documents **(LLC or Corporation paperwork). 3. Submit the request and wait for Intuit’s review **(typically 2–3 business days). ** During this time, monitor your email for any updates from Intuit.  1. ## ** Secure Your Financial Data ** Once you have **successfully regained control **of your QBO account, take these steps to protect your business from future issues.  - **Change Your Passwords **– Immediately update your QBO login and any linked Intuit accounts. - **Audit Transactions **– Review recent financial activity for unauthorized changes, missing funds, or suspicious transactions.  - **Create a QBO Backup File **– Export essential reports and transaction history to the [secure location](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/back-data/back-restore-quickbooks-online-advanced-company/L2Ydvhq3L_US_en_US).  **Best Practice: **Regularly check who has access to your QBO account under **Settings → Manage Users**.  1. ## ** Hire a Trusted Bookkeeper or Accountant ** To avoid future access issues, always ensure you remain the Primary Admin and only grant access to trusted bookkeepers.  ### **What to Look for in a Reliable Bookkeeper ** - Experience with **QuickBooks Online **and small business accounting. - Clear **access policies**—**you **should always be the **Primary Admin**.  - Strong **communication and transparency **in financial reporting.  ## Still Have Questions? Talk to an expert directly! Call now at (888) 602-6210 [** Call now ](tel:+18886026210) [ Schedule a call ** ](https://meetings.hubspot.com/jeremy721/web-consultation?uuid=27a565c2-a1b5-4aab-857e-4f61ccf3f514) Check out [our guide](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/bookkeeping-and-tax-strategy-why-good-bookkeeping-leads-to-effective-tax-strategy-0) on hiring the right bookkeeper to make sure your finances stay in safe hands!  LedgerFi offers expert bookkeeping and QBO management—[contact us today](https://meetings.hubspot.com/jeremy721/web-consultation?uuid=ca861878-cb0c-4847-bcce-aac584da8203) to ensure your financial security! ## Similar posts Business Growth ### [5 Reasons to Switch from QuickBooks Desktop (QBD) to QuickBooks Online (QBO)](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/5-reasons-to-switch-from-quickbooks-desktop-qbd-to-quickbooks-online-qbo) Still using QuickBooks Desktop? Learn why switching to QuickBooks Online is the best move for your business, from cloud access to real-time... Nathan Hodgens Mar 13, 2025 Expense Management ### [Quickbooks vs Xero: Which Accounting Software to Use for Your Business](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/quickbooks-vs-xero-which-accounting-software-to-use-for-your-small-business) Both QuickBooks and Xero bring small businesses affordable and accessible bookkeeping services that keep all your financial ducks in a row. Nathan Hodgens Nov 19, 2022 Business Growth ### [When is the Best Time to Outsource a Bookkeeper?](https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/when-is-the-best-time-to-outsource-a-bookkeeper) Is it time to outsource your bookkeeping? Discover how hiring a bookkeeper can help your business scale, improve financial accuracy, and free up your... Nathan Hodgens Mar 19, 2025 ## Talk to a Small Business Advisor Today ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Nathan Hodgens", "url" : "https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/author/team-ledger" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-13T19:06:44.116Z", "datePublished" : "2025-03-19T22:11:50.000Z", "headline" : "How to Recover Your QuickBooks Online Account from a Bad Bookkeeper", "image" : [ "https://www.ledgerfi.co/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20closeup%20of%20a%20computer%20screen%20displaying%20the%20QuickBooks%20Online%20QBO%20login%20page%2c%20with%20the%20Forgot%20Password%3F%20link%20prominently%20highlighted-1.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.ledgerfi.co/resources/how-to-recover-your-quickbooks-online-account-from-a-bad-bookkeeper", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.ledgerfi.co/hubfs/ledger-logo-green%20(3).svg" }, "name" : "Ledger Fi" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.ledgerfi.co/#organization", "@type" : [ "AccountingService", "LocalBusiness" ], "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Cupertino", "addressRegion" : "CA", "postalCode" : "95014", "streetAddress" : "20065 Stevens Creek Blvd. Ste.B-1B" }, "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "California" }, "name" : "San Jose" }, { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "California" }, "name" : "San Francisco" }, { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Illinois" }, "name" : "Chicago" }, { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "California" }, "name" : "Irvine" }, { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Texas" }, "name" : "Austin" }, { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Arizona" }, "name" : "Phoenix" }, { "@type" : "City", "containedInPlace" : { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Florida" }, "name" : "Orlando" } ], "description" : "LedgerFi provides bookkeeping, payroll, and expert tax strategy coaching for small businesses. 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