What is the Gear Icon in QuickBooks and Where to Find it

An icon that looks like a wheel may have been seen by you in QuickBooks. This wheel-like symbol is the Gear icon in the accounting software. In different versions of QB such as QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, this icon would have been noticed by you. To provide an overview of what is the Gear icon in QuickBooks, it is regarded as an important part of the software. This icon helps you in reaching the settings and several options. You should also know where is the Gear icon in QuickBooks, as well as its versions, to make any changes to the software or execute processes.

What is the Gear icon in QuickBooks?

You may have often been told to select the Gear icon while executing some tasks in QB. This is an important icon in the software and its versions like QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. It is selected for entering the menu for settings. From the software’s settings, you can find various options, features, and other things. Thus, it can be said that the QuickBooks Gear icon works like an important option for carrying out multiple tasks in the software.

What does the Gear Icon Look Like in QuickBooks?

The gear icon in QuickBooks Desktop/Online can be identified by its shape. It resembles the shape of a wheel. There can be different versions of this software. In these, this icon can usually be found at the top. However, in some versions of QuickBooks, this icon may be located between two other icons. They can be the icons for Create and Help. 

What does the Gear Icon do in QuickBooks?

In QuickBooks, the Gear icon has been given for certain purposes. You can move to certain features, sections, and options with its help. For finding “Setting”, “List”, “Company”, and “Tool”, this icon should be selected. After you select it, these options can be accessed.

Below, you can learn more about these options for improving your knowledge.

Setting

QB’s Gear-like symbol helps you in opening the Setting. With this option, you can make adjustments to the software. Also, different types of customizations can be made to it.

Tools

Some of you may like to use the option of Tools. It can be found via the Gear icon. With this option, you can view the Chart of Accounts. Using this, several tasks can be performed.

Company

Company is an option that can be found by pressing the Gear button. When a user wishes to set up his or her account in the accounting software, the Company option is required. For managing the users as well, this option can be helpful.

List
When you tap on this Gear icon QuickBooks Online, you will see the option of List. This option can be chosen for viewing some recurring transactions. For getting a list of these transactions, this option can be preferred.

Where Do I Find the Gear Icon in QuickBooks?

Many of you would now understand that in QuickBooks, the Gear icon is needed for multiple things. You may want to use a feature or select an option. Usually, the features, buttons, and options can be accessed using this icon. Therefore, given that you want to know where is the Gear icon in QuickBooks, then you can simply run the software. The upper side of it will help you in locating it.

  • Opening the “QuickBooks” software is the first step.
  • Look at the corner at the top and towards the right.
  • The “Gear” icon will be visible here. It may look similar to a wheel.
  • Press it and reach “Settings“.

Where is the Gear Icon in QuickBooks Desktop?

The Gear icon in QuickBooks Desktop is usually accessible when you open its company file. For running its 2019 version, you can find this icon near the Help menu. The location of it can be right at the top when you own QBDT with the year versions 2020 and 2021.

Method 1: In QBDT

The QuickBooks Desktop users can access the Gear-like symbol simply by running the software. An option stating Company Name has to be found. Next to this option, you will find the Gear symbol. Now that you know where this symbol is, you can press it. Soon, a menu will be launched. This will be the menu for Settings. From here, you can carry out your tasks, use the features given, and do a lot more.

  • The user needs to launch “QuickBooks Desktop”.
  • After launching it, view “Company Name” written in it.

Note: You will be suggested to find “Company Name” at the right in “QuickBooks Desktop”.

  • An icon will be visible near “Company Name”. This will be considered as the “Gear” icon.

These steps would have helped you in knowing where is the Gear icon on QuickBooks Desktop. In this software, the Gear symbol can be utilized for various purposes once it has been found. Even for making changes to the company files, this symbol will assist you.

Method 2: On QuickBooks Desktop 2019

Should you happen to be a user of the QuickBooks Desktop 2019 year version, you can find the Gear button at the top. You can open the accounting software like you always do. In the right corner, on the upper side, the button for the same shall be given. The Gear button can be recognized by its shape. Its shape will be similar to that of a wheel.

To understand more about where is the Gear icon in QuickBooks Desktop 2019, you can read the 5 steps mentioned as follows:

  • See to it that “QuickBooks Desktop 2019” is running at present.
  • In the software, scroll up and move towards the right.
  • Ensure that you can see the “+” or “Plus” icon.
  • Now, check for the “Help” or “?” icon.
  • Between the two icons found in steps 3 and 4, the “Gear” like icon will be available.

Once the Gear-like icon has been found, you can use it for navigating to the settings of QuickBooks Desktop 2019. From the settings, you can start using its features.

Method 3: In QBDT 2020/2021

The 2020 and 2021 versions of QuickBooks Desktop are commonly used by many professionals. For learning where the Gear icon is located in these versions, you can first find the icon of Create. Followed by this, you have to view the symbol representing a question mark. Accompanied by finding the 2 icons, you will see an icon between them. This will be the Gear icon. 

Let us now find out more information about where’s the Gear icon in QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and 2021. You will be suggested to read the directions mentioned as follows:

  • “QuickBooks Desktop 2020/2021” needs to be kept open on your system.
  • View certain icons at the top in the accounting software.
  • Check that you are able to find the “Plus” icon. It may be represented by the icon “+”.
  • Now, the icon of “?” or “Help” has to be viewed.
  • Once you have found these icons, look between them. You will see a symbol representing a wheel. This will be the “Gear” icon.

For accessing the features of QuickBooks Desktop 2021 or 2020 like lists, tools, and settings, the Gear icon has to be tapped on. The features will be seen. As you click on them, you will be able to use them.

Where to Find the Gear Icon in QuickBooks Desktop if it Disappears?

Sometimes, you may want to know where is the Gear icon in QuickBooks Desktop when has disappeared. Let us tell you that the icon can get disappeared when QB Desktop is being opened via a browser and its cache has not been cleared. Due to the cache, a minor error may be seen. Thus, the Gear icon may stop appearing. In this instance, the Gear icon can be found by opening QuickBooks Desktop in the private mode of your internet browser. At the top, the icon shall be seen. 

After this, the cache can be removed. Then you may open the software in the normal mode of your browser. The Gear icon shall be found.

  • Go to your web browser.
  • In the browser, press the keys displayed as follows:

“Ctrl” key + “Shift” key + “N” key

Now, the incognito window or private mode will be launched.

Note: The combination of keys mentioned in step 2 will be the most suitable for opening the incognito window in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer. If you are using a browser other than this one, then you can open the incognito window from its settings.

  • Then open “QuickBooks Desktop” in the incognito window.
  • In the software, look at the top. The “Gear” symbol will be found.
  • After finding it, you can clear the cache of your web browser.
  • You can try opening the accounting software in the normal mode of the browser. The “Gear” symbol would be available.

Where is the Gear Icon in QuickBooks Online?

Common observation tells us that for executing various tasks in QBO, the settings have to be opened first. Usually, the settings are represented by the Gear-like symbol in this software. So, to enter these settings, the symbol will have to be pressed. This symbol is located between two icons in QuickBooks Online. These icons are of the Create and Help options. Looking between them, the Gear symbol can be found.

  • Initially, you have to run “QuickBooks Online“.
  • Find the “+” icon in the software.
  • Now, find the button for “Help“. This button may be represented by a question mark.
  • Between “+” and “Help” or “?“, the “Gear” icon shall be given.
  • After finding it, the icon has to be tapped. Now, you will be able to enter “Settings“.

Note for Readers: The “+” symbol, “Help” button, and “Gear” icon will be located at the top in “QuickBooks Online“.

Where is the Gear Icon in QuickBooks 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018?

Various versions of QuickBooks can exist. The users may want to find the Gear icon on versions like QuickBooks 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In these versions, you can find certain symbols at the top. One of these symbols will be the Gear icon. You can identify it by its appearance. It should look like a wheel. It will be important to note that for using numerous features of the accounting software and its versions, you should know where the Gear button is. As you press it, you will be able to use these features.

Thoughts in Closing

QuickBooks has been featured with a Gear icon. This icon aids you in opening the menu of settings. From the settings, you can find multiple options, features, etc. You can also execute several tasks from the menu. However, for opening the menu for this purpose, the Gear icon has to be located. The purpose of preparing this blog was to help you learn the location of the Gear icon in QB. Usually, it can be found at the top, preferably in the right-hand side corner. Here, we also assisted you in finding the icon’s location in different versions like QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. 

If you found this reading helpful, then you can prefer sharing it with those who need help in viewing the QuickBooks Gear icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does the Gear icon disappear?

A browser loaded with cache can be the primary reason that your Gear icon is not appearing. To prevent this, you can access QBO through incognito mode. If that works, return to the regular browser and clear the cache. This will help you to load QBO faster and the Gear icon will start displaying in its place. Other web browsers can also be used to use QuickBooks Online to avoid bugs.

2. Does QuickBooks Desktop have any Gear icon?

Yes, the Gear icon is usually located on the top right of your QuickBooks home screen. Your company name can also be found near this icon. This feature helps you to operate the Intuit program efficiently. Many tasks such as customizing the templates, updating the fields, making the adjustments in QB, etc., can also be done through the Gear icon.

3. What does the Gear icon look like in QuickBooks Desktop?

In QuickBooks, the Gear icon looks like a Wheel that represents app settings. Users also recognize this icon as the QuickBooks Settings icon which can be found beside the company name on the QuickBooks Homepage. This icon is used to make quick adjustments to your accounting system. It also includes tools, companies, and lists options.

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