Enter your idea

@Mark, while the restore feature may sound reassuring, it’s important to clarify what it does—and what it doesn’t.

WOW(Wowzer) Restore to Xero does not create a full copy of your original data. Key elements like the Journal, audit History, and your Notes are missing. Audit history is critical for accountability and compliance under frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2—without it, restored data will most likely fail audits.

Restoring also conflicts with key accounting 101 principles: errors should be corrected going forward, not by rewriting history. Overwriting past records creates questionable data and auditor red flags. Plus, restore only works inside Xero. If Xero is down or compromised, this is not a disaster recovery plan.

Restore might seem helpful, but it can create compliance risks by removing audit history and journals—critical for traceability and regulatory checks. Accountants should make clients aware of these gaps and guide them toward robust backup and continuity solutions. Instead of relying on restore, businesses should explore the Xero App Store for Business Continuity tools that provide proper backup and disaster recovery capabilities.

Using Control-C now to have an automatic nightly Xero backup to a secure server thats not AWS. Still, it should be an in-built feature for user to activate if they so wish...

We use WOW backup and restore; it will restore the data into a new Xero organization. You can find them in the Xero app store

No organisation, including Xero, cannot guarantee security of the data it holds. Witness Optus, Qantas and Medicare. A full up to date copy on the client's hard drive gives the client valued security. That can be set up so that it is achieved easily with a couple of key strokes or automated so that it runs periodically.
The present options involve multiple, time consuming steps mentioned in a support article. such as burdensome, component by component approach is directly contrary to the reason why we use Xero. It is to save time.
Please provide a one touch visible button that the client can customise to back up a full copy of the data, reports, etc. to the client's nominated location, eg. hard drive, NAS, and a restore option. Thank you

With Amazon going down and Xero not working, what is the recovery for all businesses if there is a catestrophic fail of the systems Xero run on? This is anothe rreaosn why off system back ups are required.

Why Xero Doesn’t Offer Built-In Backups – And Why That’s Okay Under TPB Rules

The TPB’s updated record-keeping obligations (effective from January and July 2025) require tax practitioners to retain proper records of the services they provide [1](https://www.tpb.gov.au/obligation-keep-proper-client-records). However, these rules do not mandate a built-in “backup button” within your accounting software. What they require is that records be:

- Accurate and complete
- Retained for at least 5 years
- Accessible and secure, whether in paper or electronic format

Importantly, the TPB allows records to be stored electronically, as long as they’re retrievable and protected. This means using a third-party backup solution is entirely compliant—as long as it meets those standards.

Xero, like all modern SaaS platforms, follows the Shared Responsibility Model. Xero ensures the platform is secure and available, but you are responsible for backing up your data. This is no different from Microsoft 365, where users must pay for third-party email backups to meet compliance needs.

Requiring Xero to build a native backup tool would limit flexibility and increase costs for all users. Instead, Xero supports an open ecosystem, allowing you to choose a backup solution that fits your practice’s needs and compliance obligations.

So yes, regular backups are essential—but how you do them is up to you. And using a trusted third-party app is a valid, compliant, and industry-standard way to meet TPB requirements.

I think its more to do with locking customers into the product making very hard to move to a better value alternative

Our business expects to use systems that have some ability to protect against unexpected incidents and criminality. The lack of BCP / DR tooling is a massive gap and may cause us to switch platforms. Our clients expect us to have protected systems and this aspect of the Xero roadmap is a real problem.

undo is a basic need and critical to none accountants especialy when your software has no explainations or warnings. regardless of of if the error is due to a faiure with the human or with the app. Those of us who do their own accounting need software set to allow sytems to be learned Plus mistakes to be corrected . if you cant roll back to a given day provide human support to allow access to fix the errors along with your clients/subscribers. on the day its required !

The option to reset the organisation and start afresh without having to cancel current subscription.

Yes I agree. The undo is so critical esp for new user like me

Not only that we recently had no power, phones or internet ALSO NO XERO which is so antiquated. You should be able to have local Backup & be able to reconnect when things are back running at which point the file online gets updated instead of loosing a 10 days plus not being able to do any work.......

Find a solution without charging yet another fee, I am very disappointed with Xero!!

Another reason, along with the exuberant monthly fees that keep increasing, is why I want to ditch Xero!!!!!

Hi Lois, using a third-party tool is your best solution as Xero does not currently have a built-in backup solution. The good news is there are simple and reliable solutions. Boxkite was designed specifically to address this compliance need - it automatically backs up all your Xero data to Dropbox 24/7, including contacts, invoices, transactions, journals, and financial statements.

Check it out here: https://www.getboxkite.com/

Dear Lois,

Thank you for bringing up your concerns regarding data backups and compliance with the Tax Practitioners Board's (TPB) new rules and regulations. We understand your desire for a simple, built-in backup feature within Xero.

The concept of a "single-click" restore or backup in Xero is a myth and far more complex than it initially seems. It's not a straightforward process like restoring a file on your computer. Furthermore, in today's increasingly regulated environment, more and more businesses are seeking to meet compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and others. For these organizations, the need for a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is paramount, far exceeding the value of a simple, incomplete restore.

Why Relying on Xero for Backups is Not Practical

While it might seem logical for Xero to provide a built-in backup feature, relying solely on your accounting platform for backups is generally impractical and risky. Here's why:

Proprietary Formats Limit Flexibility:
- Xero, if it were to offer backups, would likely store them in proprietary formats. These formats are designed to be compatible only with Xero. This poses a significant risk. In a disaster recovery (DR) scenario, you might find yourself unable to access your data if you need to switch to a different platform.
Enhanced Disaster Recovery:
- Disaster recovery is about more than just having a backup; it's about having a plan to restore your business operations swiftly. If Xero's backup is in a proprietary format, you could face delays and complications during a DR event.
Redundancy and Security:
- Relying on a single backup solution is risky. If Xero experiences a failure or cyber-attack, your data could be compromised. Using a third-party backup service adds an extra layer of security.
Counterparty Risk:
- Relying on one vendor for both your accounting platform and backup solution introduces counterparty risk. Diversifying your backup solutions by using third-party providers mitigates this risk.

A Real-Life Example: QuickBooks Online Backups

Many Xero users point to QuickBooks Online, which allows users to back up their data to a local drive, as an example of why Xero should offer a similar feature. However, this seemingly convenient feature presents its own challenges. QuickBooks Online backups are typically saved in a proprietary format, which is not directly usable for recovery into another accounting platform.

Therefore, even with a built-in backup feature, the lack of data portability due to proprietary formats can severely hinder your ability to recover your financial data effectively.

The Importance of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)

Lois, your requirement to "keep a backup copy of the data file" is crucial for compliance. However, it's not just about having a backup; it's about having a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP).

Why Control-C is a Sound Solution

This is where a third-party application like Control-C becomes invaluable. Control-C provides:

- Open Format Backups: Control-C offers backups of your Xero data in open formats, ensuring your data remains accessible and portable.
- Comprehensive BCP Assistance: We offer professional consulting services to help you formulate a robust BCP. This includes developing a tailored strategy for recovering your financial records in your required format and platform.
- Compliance Framework Support: We understand the importance of compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others. Our services help you meet these requirements.
- Auditable Record Keeping: Control-C provides auditable record-keeping, which is essential for compliance and maintaining accurate financial records.
- Operational Continuity: Control-C is designed to help you recover your data and maintain business operations, not just store a static backup.

Addressing Your Concerns

You mentioned, "We do not want to start a new Xero file from a backup - that is not logical." We completely agree. A proper BCP ensures you can recover your data and continue operations with minimal disruption.

While a built-in Xero backup button might seem convenient, it wouldn't address the broader compliance and recovery needs you face. Control-C, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive solution that meets the TPB's requirements and ensures your business's financial data is secure and recoverable.

We'd be happy to schedule a call to discuss your specific needs and demonstrate how Control-C can help you achieve compliance and ensure business continuity.

Sincerely,

Campbell Green
Control-C.com

Under all the new rules and regulations set down by the Tax Practitioners Board, it is a requirement to keep a backup copy of the data file. We do not want to start a new Xero file from a backup - that is not logical. We need the ability to click on a button and run a backup to comply with the new rules. Using another app is also not a solution. It must be built in the the Xero program that we can use as bookkeepers. This is an essential feature if we are to comply and do regular backups of the datafile.

Our Draft Accounts (Xero Partner version) have "Rental Schedule" and "Profit and Loss Report" (on separate pages to the Rental Schedule).
Today, I created a new report named "Motorhome Report".
For some unknown, when I tried displaying the "Profit and Loss Report", the data was 100% replaced with "Rental Schedule" account codes and amount.
The original "Rental Schedule" did not disappear. However the "Profit and Loss Report" is now 100% identical to the "Rental Schedule" Report with the exception of the header name.

In other words, the Profit & Loss Report was completely replaced with the "Rental Schedule" data.

There ought to be a way to revert the Draft Accounts to the version dated yesterday (ie. prior to this occurring). Because it would take hours to set up the P & L Report again as there are 254 P & L account codes to re-customise!

I used another app to import data from my Etsy shop. I don't like what it did and want to remove everything the app did, which included bill generation, bill payments, bank accounts, other accounts, in other words, a lot of stuff. Best way seems to go back to Xero as it was yesterday.

This is critical in my opinion. This isn't the first time I've needed something like this to rectify a mistake I've made. It would save so much time and confusion if we could restore/wind back to a previous day.