QuickBooks Error: You and Another User Were Working on This at the Same Time

Last Updated on October 31, 2025

If you have just stumbled upon the QuickBooks Error: You and Another User Were Working on This at the Same Time, this blog is for you.

QuickBooks has a long list of features and tools that streamline and simplify operations. One of such features includes the multi-user mode, where you can host the company file over a shared network and let multiple users work on it simultaneously.

However, users can sometimes run into QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time. This is a syncing issue due to simultaneous editing of the same company file, so when another user saves their work, your changes can not be saved.

Let’s dive deeper into this problem and get to the source of this error, along with the top solutions to fix it.

Unable to troubleshoot the QuickBooks error on your own? Dial 1.855.738.2784 for quick and practical solutions to resolve it. Our team of Accounting Helpline professionals will provide you with end-to-end support to fix this issue.

An Overview of the QuickBooks Error: You and Another User Were Working on This at the Same Time

When two or more users are working on the same company file and one of the users tries to save their work, then they can run into this problem. This can be an irritating issue as the work done by the user will not be saved, requiring them to redo it entirely. The following error message is usually displayed:

“You and (name) were working on this at the same time. (Name) finished before you did, so your work was not saved.”

Or

“You and another user were working on this at the same time. Another user finished before you did, so your work was not saved.”

Many users have reported running into this error while they are creating invoices, and it occurs repeatedly. Users enter all the details, but when they hit the Save button, the error message window appears. Moreover, closing the error window leads to the invoice details page closing as well.

Key Factors Leading to QuickBooks Error You and Another User Were Working on This at the Same Time

There can be many reasons why you are facing this problem. A list of some common causes is given below.

1. More than one user is editing the same item in QuickBooks Online at the same time, leading to synchronization issues due to simultaneous editing.
2. In the case of QBO, another user saved their work before you, leading to a session timeout for you.
3. If there are applications connected or integrated with the QB Online, then sync issues can occur and cause such errors.
4. You have logged in to the same company file from multiple sessions or different devices using the same user profile.
5. A slow or weak internet connection can lead to synchronization failure.

Now that we have discussed the factors contributing to this issue, it will be easier to get to the root cause. Moving on, we will go through the best fixes for this QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time. Another user finished before you did, so your work was not saved.

Solutions for QuickBooks Error You and Another User Were Working on This at the Same Time

In this segment, we will dive into some proven methods to troubleshoot this issue. Make sure to go through these procedures first before you implement them.

Solution 1: Review the Audit Log

In order to know whether someone else is currently working on the same file as you at the same time, you can check the audit log. Moreover, you can check all the modifications and changes made by others recently in QB.

1. Log in to QuickBooks Online.
2. Tap on the Gear icon.
3. Select the Audit Log option.
4. Click on Filter.
5. You can sort the logs to narrow down the results:
   • Use the User, Date Changed, and Events filters.
   • Once selected, hit Apply.
6. Review the generated list.

You will be displayed a total of 150 records on your screen at once. If you want to see the most transactions or events, then click on View from the History column to check the audit history. All the changes have been made, and the users who made those modifications will be listed there.

After you finish this process successfully, you can ask other users to log out and save your changes temporarily. Did it resolve the QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time? If not, then move ahead to the next process.

Solution 2: Open QuickBooks Online in Incognito Mode

It is possible that you did not find any activity in the Audit Log; therefore, you can open QBO in a private window. Doing so will prevent any local files from saving up to ensure that you do not face any webpage issues.

Use the shortcut above to open your preferred web browser in incognito mode, then log in to QBO. Now, the QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time should not show up. If it did, then you can move along to the following solution.

Solution 3: Delete Cache and Cookies from Browser

A lot of times, the accumulated data, like cookies and cache in your web browser, can be a source of such errors. In order to get rid of such issues, you can follow this guide to know how to delete cache and cookies in the browser.

Once you clear out the cache and cookies for QuickBooks, you will be able to use it normally with no issues. Moreover, you can check out the supported versions of web browsers to operate QB Online properly.

Solution 4: Browsers Compatible with QuickBooks Online

If you use an outdated or incompatible version of a web browser, then it can cause many errors while using QBO. The QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time is likely a result of that. QBO can only operate on the current or two previous versions of a web browser. Check out the list below to know the compatible version for your preferred browser.

If you keep running into the QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time. Another user finished before you did, so your work was not saved. Then, move on to the following method to resolve this issue.

Solution 5: Log in to QuickBooks Online Again

There can be some underlying issues with your current user session on the web browser. In order to overcome this, you can log out of QBO and then log back in. You can take the steps outlined below to do this in a safe and secure manner.

1. Head to QB Online.
2. Tap on your profile:
   • A gear icon or a blue circle.
   • In the upper-right corner of the screen.
3. Click Sign out from the menu.
4. You will return to the QuickBooks Online login page.
5. Enter your email or user ID.
6. Type in your password.
7. Hit Sign in.

Once done, you will be logged back into QBO. However, if you have multiple company files, then go to the “Choose your company” page. From there, you can open any one company file that you want to access. 

A Quick View for Error: You and Another User Were Working on This at the Same Time

You can get a quick glimpse of everything we have discussed so far in the table below, which is a summary of the entire blog.

What You Should Remember

The QuickBooks error you and another user were working on this at the same time is a synchronization issue, and it can occur while creating an invoice. There are many factors that can lead to this problem, such as more than one user simultaneously editing the same item in the same company file. We have listed out some effective countermeasures to solve this issue that you can carry out easily. 

However, if you continue to struggle with this problem and need expert guidance to get QBO back on track quickly, dial 1.855.738.2784. It will connect you to a Accounting Helpline professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Edward Martin

Edward Martin is a Technical Content Writer for our leading Accounting firm. He has over 10 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero. He has also worked with Sage, FreshBooks, and many other software platforms. Edward’s passion for clarity, accuracy, and innovation is evident in his writing. He is well versed in how to simplify complex technical concepts and turn them into easy-to-understand content for our readers.