How to Lock Periods in Xero
- George Apostolov
How to Lock Periods in Xero: step-by-step guide
On Xero's main dashboard, go to the top menu bar and click 'Accounting'.
Choose 'Advanced' from the list of options.
After that, find and click 'Financial Settings'.
Scroll down to the Lock Dates section, then set your preferred period. Simply click the drop-down menu and pick your a date from the calendar.
Once done, click 'Save' to apply the changes.
After completing these steps, the financial reporting period of your Xero organization will be locked based on your input.
Quick answer: To lock periods in Xero, navigate to Accounting on the dashboard, select Advanced, and open Financial Settings. Scroll to the Lock Dates section, set your preferred period using the calendar drop-down menu, and click Save to apply the changes.
About this Xero tutorial
Secure your financial data by restricting reporting periods in Xero through the Financial Settings menu. This guide shows how to lock Periods in Xero in 6 steps, starting with "On Xero's main dashboard, go to the top menu bar and click 'Accounting'" and finishing with "After completing these steps, the financial reporting period of your Xero organization...". 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 lock Periods in Xero?
6 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 Mark Invoices as Paid in Xero, How to Merge Contacts in Xero and How to Pay a Bill in Xero. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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