Xero Sync Errors

If invoices aren't syncing to Xero or you're seeing error messages, here's how to resolve common issues.

Connection Issues#

"Xero connection expired"#

Your authorisation with Xero has expired and needs to be refreshed.

Solution:

1. Go to Settings > Integrations
2. Click Reconnect next to Xero
3. Log in to your Xero account
4. Approve the connection
5. Try syncing again

"Unable to connect to Xero"#

The connection to Xero couldn't be established.

Possible causes:

• Xero is temporarily unavailable
• Your Xero account has been deactivated
• Network connectivity issues

Solutions:

• Wait a few minutes and try again
• Check if Xero is experiencing an outage
• Verify you can log in to Xero directly
• Check your internet connection

Sync Errors#

"Failed to sync invoice"#

The invoice couldn't be pushed to Xero.

Common causes and solutions:

Missing Client Details#

Xero requires valid client information.

Check:

• Client has a name
• Client has a valid email (if required by your Xero settings)

Solution: Update the client details and try syncing again.

Invalid Line Items#

Line items must have valid descriptions and amounts.

Check:

• All line items have descriptions
• Amounts are greater than zero
• No invalid characters in descriptions

Solution: Review and fix any problematic line items.

Tax Configuration Mismatch#

Your tax settings don't match Xero's configuration.

Check:

• Tax rate matches a valid Xero tax rate
• GST is correctly configured in Xero

Solution: Verify your tax settings match your Xero account.

"Invoice already exists"#

An invoice with the same number already exists in Xero.

Solutions:

• Check if the invoice was already synced
• If it's a duplicate, delete one version
• Contact support if you need to resolve a conflict

"Unauthorised"#

Your Xero connection doesn't have the required permissions.

Solution:

1. Disconnect from Xero in Settings
2. Reconnect and ensure you approve all required permissions
3. Try syncing again

Checking Sync Status#

Each invoice shows its Xero sync status:

To see error details, click on the invoice to view the full error message.

Manual Sync#

If automatic sync isn't working:

1. Open the invoice
2. Tap Actions (on a computer it's in the bottom-right corner), then Sync to Xero
3. Check for any error messages
4. Address the issue and try again

Xero Account Requirements#

For sync to work, your Xero account needs:

• Active subscription (not expired)
• Correct permissions granted to the integration
• Matching organisation selected (if you have multiple)

Checking Permissions#

In Xero:

1. Go to Settings > Connected Apps
2. Find the integration
3. Review the permissions granted
4. Ensure invoicing permissions are enabled

Common Data Issues#

Contact Not Found#

The client doesn't exist in Xero.

Solution: A new contact will be created automatically, or you can create the contact in Xero first.

Account Code Not Valid#

The error mentions an account code (for example "Account code '200' is not a valid code for this document"). Sammy records invoice lines against account 200 (Sales) unless you've picked a different one, and your Xero chart of accounts doesn't have that account.

Solution: Go to Settings > Integrations > Xero and pick the right account under Revenue account in the Invoice sync settings. Ask your accountant or bookkeeper if you're not sure which one to use.

Currency Mismatch#

The invoice currency doesn't match Xero settings.

Solution: Ensure both systems use the same currency (AUD for Australian accounts).

Reconnecting to Xero#

If issues persist, try a fresh connection:

1. Go to Settings > Integrations
2. Click Disconnect next to Xero
3. Wait a moment
4. Click Connect to set up a new connection
5. Log in and approve permissions
6. Try syncing invoices again

Getting Help#

If Xero sync issues continue:

1. Note the exact error message
2. Check if the issue affects all invoices or just specific ones
3. Try syncing a simple invoice as a test
4. Contact support with:

• Error messages received
• Invoice details (without sensitive client info)
• Steps you've already tried

Related Articles#

• Xero Integration
• Create Your First Invoice