# How to Unlock a Period in Xero

> To unlock a period in Xero, navigate to Accounting and Advanced from the top menu. Next, select Financial Settings, locate the Lock Dates section, and clear the date from the input field. Finally, click Save to remove the default lock dates and unlock your financial reporting period.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-unlock-a-period-in-xero/
Apps: Xero
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a504dab56e05a00ffce69/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. On Xero's main dashboard, go to the top menu bar and click 'Accounting'.
2. Choose 'Advanced' from the list of options.
3. After that, click 'Financial Settings' to proceed.
4. Scroll down to the Lock Dates section, then tap the input field. From there, delete the date indicated.
5. Once done, click 'Save' to apply the changes.
6. After completing these steps, the default lock dates will be removed, unlocking your Xero financial reporting period.