How to Add a Manual Journal Entry in Xero
- George Apostolov
How to Add a Manual Journal Entry in Xero: step-by-step guide
On Xero's main dashboard, head over to the top menu bar and click 'Accounting'.
Choose 'Reports' from the list of options.
After that, click 'Journal Report' to proceed.
Tap 'Go To Manual Journals' afterwards.
Find and open the journal where you wish to add an entry.
Following that, tap 'Journal Options' at the top-right corner.
Select 'Edit' to continue.
Head over to the table, then add a new entry. Provide the Description, Account, Tax Rate, Debit, and Credit of the transaction.
Once done, review your input and click 'Post' to save the changes.
After completing these steps, your manual journal entry in Xero will be added accordingly.
Quick answer: To add a manual journal entry in Xero, navigate to Accounting, Reports, and Journal Report. Tap Go To Manual Journals, open the desired journal, and select Journal Options and Edit. Add the entry details to the table, review your input, and click Post.
About this Xero tutorial
Easily add manual journal entries in Xero by editing your journal reports, filling in transaction details, and posting the changes. This guide shows how to add a Manual Journal Entry in Xero in 10 steps, starting with "On Xero's main dashboard, head over to the top menu bar and click 'Accounting'" and finishing with "After completing these steps, your manual journal entry in Xero will be added accordingly". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Xero interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to add a Manual Journal Entry in Xero?
10 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Xero data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Xero. Related guides: How to Add a Manual Journal in Xero, How to Add a Petty Cash Account in Xero and How to Add a Sick Leave Request in Xero. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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