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+1-802-778-9005The primary Admin User is the one who has the right to do admin tasks, such as creating and managing users, running reports, viewing balances, creating tasks, reviewing tasks, etc.
QuickBooks Online (QBO) offers various features to help businesses manage their finances effectively. One important feature is the ability to designate a primary admin who oversees your account.
The primary user is defined as the main user and has the authority to access every part of the QuickBooks account. This user type contains a higher level of permissions. They have the power to manage all the users and other admin tasks.
By default, the primary admin is the one who has set up the account. If you wish to change the primary admin, read the whole article to transfer the role to another QuickBooks user.
You have the option to transfer the primary admin role to the current QuickBooks user. Or, if the person still needs to become a QuickBooks user, you can add them as a new user. Then, you can transfer the primary admin role to them once they’re added.
You should be able to sign in as the primary admin to transfer the role. If the existing primary admin is no longer working with the company, you have the option to request to be the primary admin. Follow the steps mentioned below to transfer the role to an existing user.
Important Note: If you’re an accountant, you’re the primary admin of your firm, and you have the authority to change the primary admin role in a client’s account.
First, you need to sign in to QuickBooks Online as the current primary admin. If you can’t sign in, then you have the option to recover your user ID or password.
Now, navigate to Settings and then choose the Manage Users option.
Search for the user for whom you wish to make the primary admin. Now, from the User Type menu, ensure they are listed as admin. If they’re not, then choose the Edit option to change their role to admin.
Now, choose the small arrow from the Action menu. Then, choose the Make primary admin. Select the option again to save all the changes. After that, sign out of QuickBooks.
First, you need to sign in to QuickBooks Online as the existing primary admin. If you’re unable to sign in, you can recover your user ID or password.
Go to the Settings option and choose the Manage users.
Search the user to make the primary admin. From the User Type column, ensure that they are listed as admin. If they’re not, then choose the Edit option to change their role to admin.
Now, choose the ellipsis icon from the Action menu. Then, choose the Change Primary Admin option. Again, press on the Change Primary Admin to confirm the changes. Lastly, sign out of QuickBooks.
Note: When the user receives the invitation email, they must select the link and accept the initiation to become the primary admin.
To transfer the primary admin role in QuickBooks Online Accountant:
Step 1: Sign in as the current primary admin.
Step 2: Go to “Team.”
Step 3: Find the user for the transfer.
Step 4: Click the menu in the “Action” column.
Step 5: Select “Change primary admin” and confirm when prompted.
If your client wants to regain primary admin access for their company file, you can transfer the role back to them. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1:Sign in to QuickBooks Online Accountant as the primary admin for your client’s company.
Step 2:Click on the GO TO QUICKBOOKS dropdown menu.
Step 3:Select and open your client’s QuickBooks Online company.
Tip: Alternatively, go to Clients, find your client, and click the QuickBooks icon next to their name.
Step 4:Go to Settings ⚙ and then select Manage users.
Step 5: Locate your client on the list of users.
Step 6: Click on the three-dot menu (፧ icon) in the Action section, then select Change primary admin.
Step 7:Click Change primaPrimary Adminn to confirm the transfer.
This will successfully transfer the primary admin access back to your client.
Changing the primary admin role to an accounting firm user could impact billing, user management, support plan, and bank account changes.
For a bank account linked to a payroll account, the Primary Admin must have the business owner’s information. If you encounter a money movement support issue, the firm user must transfer the role to a Primary Admin (who is a non-firm user).
If the Primary account contact cannot transfer the role to you, they can submit a request to our account protection team.
Step 1: Gather Documents for your request:
To protect the account, the documents need to verify your ownership through specific documents. The required documents depend on your business type:
Business Types:
Note: If the primary admin is deceased, you must provide:
Step 2: Complete the Form
Sign in with your email to access the form. If you don’t have an Intuit Account, please create one. After signing in and donating an account, refresh this page.
Important:* To expedite processing, ensure that:
Log in to complete the form. Make sure your browser is updated.
Step 3: Request Status
We will review your case promptly and notify you via email about the status of your request.
Changing the primary admin user in QuickBooks Online is a simple process that ensures the right person has control over your company’s financial data. This may be needed due to role changes, employee turnover, or restructuring. By following the steps provided, you can effectively delegate admin responsibilities, keeping your business data secure and accessible to the appropriate individual.
You can transfer the primary admin role to an existing QuickBooks user or add a new user with the company admin role. Once they accept the invitation, you can transfer the primary admin role to them.
The primary administrator is the main user with full access to the QuickBooks account and can manage all users. You can also create two company administrators, provided they have different email addresses.
Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “How to Change the Primary Admin User in QuickBooks Online?” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.
