# Resolving Xero invoice number conflicts

> Learn about resolving Xero invoice number conflicts in ServiceM8.

When you approve an invoice to Xero, the invoice number must be unique in Xero. If the number already exists in Xero, ServiceM8 automatically adds a letter to the job number and sends the invoice again. For example, job 4899 becomes 4899A. If 4899A is also taken, ServiceM8 tries 4899B, and so on.

To keep the original invoice number, rename or remove the existing Xero invoice before you approve the job in ServiceM8. The steps below show you how to find it.

If ServiceM8 can't send the invoice, you will get an error icon in **Invoicing > Awaiting Approval** alerting you that the invoice number must be unique.

[![“Invoice # must be unique” error](/images/004-263-211-medium-2e47f83e-02c7-4960-abd8-b1bb64b93c51.png)](/images/004-263-211-2e47f83e-02c7-4960-abd8-b1bb64b93c51.png)

**To find the conflicting invoice in Xero:**

1.  Go to **Xero Business > Invoices > All > Search**.
2.  Select _Include Deleted & Voided_.
3.  Enter the invoice number under _Enter Number, Reference, Contact or Amount_.
4.  Click **Search**.

[![Searching for an invoice](/images/004-263-213-medium-a6140557-da2c-4e98-98b6-4a6989299e33.png)](/images/004-263-213-a6140557-da2c-4e98-98b6-4a6989299e33.png)

Once you find the invoice, verify the status on top. It could be _Draft_, _Awaiting Approval_, _Awaiting Payment_, _Paid_, _Voided_, or _Deleted_.

**If the invoice status is** _**Draft**_ **or** _**Waiting Approval:**_

1.  Either delete the invoice by clicking **Invoice Options > Delete**, or change the invoice number and click **Save**.

[![Deleting an invoice](/images/004-263-215-medium-aa7822b1-4f73-4ea3-9e9a-18a89073c888.png)](/images/004-263-215-aa7822b1-4f73-4ea3-9e9a-18a89073c888.png)

**If the invoice status is** _**Awaiting Payment**_ **or** _**Paid:**_

1.  Edit the invoice number by clicking **Invoice Options > Edit**.
2.  Change the invoice number and click **Save**.

[![Editing an invoice number](/images/004-263-217-medium-d11bf257-7d58-40fc-a272-489ae1a1e86d.png)](/images/004-263-217-d11bf257-7d58-40fc-a272-489ae1a1e86d.png)

**If the invoice status is** _**Voided**_ **or** _**Deleted:**_

1.  Click **Invoice Options > Copy** to copy it to a new invoice.

[![Copying to a new invoice](/images/004-263-228-medium-1a876500-706f-43ed-a0d7-27c4ccb99642.png)](/images/004-263-228-1a876500-706f-43ed-a0d7-27c4ccb99642.png)

1.  Go to **Invoicing > Awaiting Approval**.
2.  Select the job, right-click, and click **Approve job(s) without sending to Xero**.

[![Approve jobs without sending to Xero](/images/004-263-230-medium-71f007ff-82c6-4d45-9499-1be5ff63671d.png)](/images/004-263-230-71f007ff-82c6-4d45-9499-1be5ff63671d.png)

**If, after trying the above options, you still need assistance:**

Contact ServiceM8 Support at [support@servicem8.com](mailto:%20support@servicem8.com) and request that the job number be changed so you can sync the invoice to Xero.

## Avoiding future invoice number conflicts

Follow these best practices to avoid future conflicts:

-   If you need to void or delete an invoice then re-sync it, edit the invoice number in Xero first (for example, "102void"). Otherwise, ServiceM8 sends the invoice with a letter added to the job number (for example, 102A).
-   Creating an invoice in Xero rather than ServiceM8 can also cause an invoice number conflict. To resolve this issue, go to **Settings > Preferences > Invoicing > Xero > Xero invoice number** and select _Let Xero issue invoice number._

## Related FAQs

- [In Invoicing > Awaiting Approval, why do I get an "invoice must be unique" error when approving to Xero?](/questions/jobs/invoicing-awaiting-approval-select-job-1223-click-approve-send-xero-get)