Review Insights · App Store
Xero Verify
Xero Ltd · 204 ratings · ★ 1.5
1.5
★★★★★
204 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 70 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"xero"
27 negative reviews mention this · 39% of all complaints
★★★★★ "RUN FOR THE HILLS. I have canceled my Xero subscription multiple times, yet I continue to be charged. Every attempt to resolve this issue turns into a dead end because I’m blocked from accessing my own account due to their authentication system. Xero claims y…" - dominic402c
2
"work"
15 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Horrible software and Support. The multi factor authentication is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced and as a tech guy I deal with a lot of software every day. Every month, we have to reset the bank fees and go through the process of logging in over and over again…" - Liv8tday
3
"authentication"
10 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Horrible software and Support. The multi factor authentication is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced and as a tech guy I deal with a lot of software every day. Every month, we have to reset the bank fees and go through the process of logging in over and over again…" - Liv8tday
4
"account"
10 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "RUN FOR THE HILLS. I have canceled my Xero subscription multiple times, yet I continue to be charged. Every attempt to resolve this issue turns into a dead end because I’m blocked from accessing my own account due to their authentication system. Xero claims y…" - dominic402c
5
"ridiculous"
10 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "RUN FOR THE HILLS. I have canceled my Xero subscription multiple times, yet I continue to be charged. Every attempt to resolve this issue turns into a dead end because I’m blocked from accessing my own account due to their authentication system. Xero claims y…" - dominic402c
6
"phone"
10 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Clunky Doesn’t Work Requires Notifications. Not user Friendly No telephone E number to call Locks you out of the system in the middle of your workday" - Elizabethzz
7
"forced"
10 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Forced 2fa is outrageous. Change it back or give an option. This is beyond stupid to force 2fa" - DragonMaster999
8
"factor"
9 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Horrible software and Support. The multi factor authentication is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced and as a tech guy I deal with a lot of software every day. Every month, we have to reset the bank fees and go through the process of logging in over and over again…" - Liv8tday
9
"every"
9 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Horrible software and Support. The multi factor authentication is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced and as a tech guy I deal with a lot of software every day. Every month, we have to reset the bank fees and go through the process of logging in over and over again…" - Liv8tday
10
"doesn"
8 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Horrible software and Support. The multi factor authentication is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced and as a tech guy I deal with a lot of software every day. Every month, we have to reset the bank fees and go through the process of logging in over and over again…" - Liv8tday
11
"into"
8 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "RUN FOR THE HILLS. I have canceled my Xero subscription multiple times, yet I continue to be charged. Every attempt to resolve this issue turns into a dead end because I’m blocked from accessing my own account due to their authentication system. Xero claims y…" - dominic402c
12
"stupid"
8 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "This is Stupid!!. How can one log in to set up MFA keys when you need MFA to log in?!?!?!" - K Smoot
📋 All 70 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Horrible software and Support
The multi factor authentication is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced and as a tech guy I deal with a lot of software every day. Every month, we have to reset the bank fees and go through the process of logging in over and over again and downloading statements when the bank refuses to work.
The software doesn’t even have a proper shipping layout for Shipping fields. We have to. Use some creative manipulation to get the system to work.
The software doesn’t even have a proper shipping layout for Shipping fields. We have to. Use some creative manipulation to get the system to work.
RUN FOR THE HILLS
I have canceled my Xero subscription multiple times, yet I continue to be charged. Every attempt to resolve this issue turns into a dead end because I’m blocked from accessing my own account due to their authentication system. Xero claims you can use third-party authenticator apps like Duo, but in practice, it repeatedly throws errors and prevents login. At that point, it’s hard not to question whether this is by design-forcing users into their proprietary authentication setup just to regain account access.
The result is a ridiculous loop: you can’t log in without jumping through unnecessary hoops, and you can’t cancel effectively without logging in-yet billing continues uninterrupted. That’s not just frustrating, it raises serious concerns about unauthorized recurring charges and basic account access rights.
For a company handling financials and payroll, this level of friction is unacceptable. Strongly recommend looking into alternatives like ADP if you value reliability, transparency, and actually being able to control your own account.
The result is a ridiculous loop: you can’t log in without jumping through unnecessary hoops, and you can’t cancel effectively without logging in-yet billing continues uninterrupted. That’s not just frustrating, it raises serious concerns about unauthorized recurring charges and basic account access rights.
For a company handling financials and payroll, this level of friction is unacceptable. Strongly recommend looking into alternatives like ADP if you value reliability, transparency, and actually being able to control your own account.
Doesn’t work
Don’t know what to say, it doesn’t work.
Pointless app
This is a pointless app with Face ID and text verify but xero makes you download it.
This is Stupid!!
How can one log in to set up MFA keys when you need MFA to log in?!?!?!
Terrible Technical Support
You can only get help by sending an email and it takes forever for a reply. I would not recommend this product. Unless, the customer service had a direct line to call.
Otherwise, Xero would be a great tool for your personal or business needs.
Otherwise, Xero would be a great tool for your personal or business needs.
Unwanted and unnecessary
I was able to fill out my work hours on one device previously, remotely, on the road, or late at night in my bed. It worked well.
Now I require multiple devices just to add my hours for work. I must be at my computer, and you have taken away the freedom I had.
No one is hacking into my account to change my hours - my employer checks each timesheet and wound happily check with me if something looked weird.
You have added unnecessary security to something no one cares about. I can see from your reviews that I am not alone in my disgust.
Your responses keep saying “this review isn’t about the app’s performance” - yes you’re right - none of us want to use your app to begin with.
Now I require multiple devices just to add my hours for work. I must be at my computer, and you have taken away the freedom I had.
No one is hacking into my account to change my hours - my employer checks each timesheet and wound happily check with me if something looked weird.
You have added unnecessary security to something no one cares about. I can see from your reviews that I am not alone in my disgust.
Your responses keep saying “this review isn’t about the app’s performance” - yes you’re right - none of us want to use your app to begin with.
Testament to Cero customer service
Terrible app- annoying procedure. Will be pivoting our company away from this piss poor app asap. How can you have this many terrible reviews and still believe youre making good decisions. Listen to your clients- in the mean time we will be using a software that is less invasive
Clunky Doesn’t Work Requires Notifications
Not user Friendly
No telephone E number to call
Locks you out of the system in the middle of your workday
No telephone E number to call
Locks you out of the system in the middle of your workday
BAD
AWFUL
Awful
Awful. Got stuck in a loop from h*ll trying to access my account. Not able to access account now nor am I able to access support. Cancelling my Xero account due to this huge frustration.
Ridiculous
It took me way to long to sign up on the app. Just send me an SMS code every time, that’s the best and easiest 2FA there is.
0 stars
Forcing me to install this stupid app to cancel my Xero account!! FTC should be contacted
impractical
You can not expect people to install an MFA app for every website they use.
Cant log in with new phone
I cannot sign into my account on desktop because i have a new phone and Xero only sends an authentication to my old phone. Their support team is non-existent.
So this is suspect
The authentication process DOES NOT WORK!
Waste of my time trying to fix this. It seems like it’s a known issue, why hasn’t it been fixed?
Waste of my time trying to fix this. It seems like it’s a known issue, why hasn’t it been fixed?
Worst app ever
Never seen anything so bad. Good intention (MFA), terrible execution. Scan code nowhere to be found, help pointing back to 2019 emails. Circular references everywhere. Really awful.
Why is a separate app required?
MFA has been around for better than a decade. This is the first time I’ve seen an additional app as a requirement to accomplish what should be done as an integration into the Xero App.
I will not be using Xero going forward.
I will not be using Xero going forward.
MFA
Agree with all others. Hassle. And I have to do MFA every time I log in even when I say it’s a trusted device! Over and over!
And to have to download an app to get authentication via phone is ridiculous. Not to mention the support is awful. Basically submit your issue and wait……and the get a response of “check out this link and figure it out yourself.” Pitiful.
And to have to download an app to get authentication via phone is ridiculous. Not to mention the support is awful. Basically submit your issue and wait……and the get a response of “check out this link and figure it out yourself.” Pitiful.
Garbage
Frustrating doesn’t work properly waste of time annoying. Tap notifications app opens but no verification prompt only scan QR code which doesn’t exist the app is broken. Sometimes you get in sometimes you don’t. Absolute trash
Forced 2fa is outrageous
Change it back or give an option. This is beyond stupid to force 2fa
Doesn’t work
I am trying to set up my login. I scanned the QR code and tried to enter the code. None of them work
Bad app!!
This is literally the most worthless app ever. No one asked for this app so why go through the trouble of mandating it for your website.
I’m reading all the reviews and the developer responses and it’s clear that you’re not listening to your customer’s criticism. You just keep beating around the bush and answering questions that no one asked.
I’ve never seen any website that makes it mandatory to install an app on my phone in order to login. (Except for scam websites)
I’m reading all the reviews and the developer responses and it’s clear that you’re not listening to your customer’s criticism. You just keep beating around the bush and answering questions that no one asked.
I’ve never seen any website that makes it mandatory to install an app on my phone in order to login. (Except for scam websites)
Worst app I’ve ever used
I am updating my review for clarity. The primary issue is that the time to request a code and receive a code ranged between a few minutes and in one instance over 10 minutes. This makes you believe it doesn’t work and request a new one. Then you receive your first code and it’s invalid. This should typical haven in no move than 5 seconds.
Forced to download
Ridiculous to force customers to download an app simply for the sake of MFA.
HORRIBLE
What in the world is this?! I can’t even login to my Xero account. I have been trying to cancel for months. These people are robbers do not sign up for Xero!!!!!!
Just has to work
I was not thrilled downloading another app for authentication but went ahead and took the time. Security is security. How ever Xero on mobile gets hung up when I use the authentication code. So I’m basically locked out of the app. If you are going to make me jump through these hoops just make sure they work.
Garbage
Requiring 2FA is garbage. Considering changing software providers.
Don’t force 2FA -clearly your users don’t want
I’m with the others. When you force users to use a feature, they won’t appreciate it. It will make me use the app less frequently.
Terrible new requirement
Requiring an app in the name of security is ludicrous. Let us use a password.
This will make me (and my clients) consider switching to a different accounting platform.
Wish I could give you zero stars for this “improvement”.
This will make me (and my clients) consider switching to a different accounting platform.
Wish I could give you zero stars for this “improvement”.
MANDATORY 2 Factor Authentication
For Xero to REQUIRE 2FA is awful. Look at all these reviews. 2FA has not been perfected and is incredibly invasive. I don’t want to give you my phone number. You don’t need to install an app on my phone. To increase the “security” to my account you need to invade more of my privacy? Get real. How about you take the burden of security OFF of the consumer and secure your freaking assets? Don’t make it my job to go through the hassle of 2FA and invade my privacy because you’re worried about getting hacked. Do your job.
A compromise is allowing 2FA for those who want it and for those who don’t, allowing a simple password. It’s a PASSWORD for a reason. I’ll assume a burden. But not the 2FA burden and burden of risk to my privacy. I’ll assume to burden of if my password is compromised that’s on me, not Xero. This is ridiculous. Do better Xero.
A compromise is allowing 2FA for those who want it and for those who don’t, allowing a simple password. It’s a PASSWORD for a reason. I’ll assume a burden. But not the 2FA burden and burden of risk to my privacy. I’ll assume to burden of if my password is compromised that’s on me, not Xero. This is ridiculous. Do better Xero.
Unnecessary
Why? Just why.
I’m leaving xero over this
Xero wake up, I’m going to leave over this (back to quick books) it’s ridiculous. The app is horrible and I don’t want to be forced to verify through an app.
Forced and not happy about it
Terrible implementation. I have never left a bad review for anything before but forcing users to download an external app for this sole function is terrible. Zero thought put into the impact this has on customers. Now searching for an alternative accounting software for my entire organization.
Junk
Echoing what others have said, this MFA is absolute junk.
I can’t turn this off
I keep trying to turn off multi factor verification and every time I log back in to Xero I have to set it up all over again.
Clunky and a total pain
I’m off to quick books after this
Too many apps
Don’t want both apps! Consolidate them!
Not able to opt out
Forcing people to use your app to login is ridiculous.
Security Overkill
Too much focus on security and not enough on making your reports work. Piece of crap product, nightmare to use.
Terrible rollout
Xero, what a terrible rollout of multi-factor verification. Not impressed by your execution.
MFA is a terrible thing to force on customers
The fact that I, as a customer, do not get to choose my own level of protection, is terrible. I can’t login until I use my phone?! My Mac is secure, passwords are secure, it’s super ridiculous.
Please disable this requirement. I do not want it!
Please disable this requirement. I do not want it!
Bad form
No prior warning. Forcing you to download an up in order to access your accounts. I’ll be migrating to a different platform. Poor form Xero.
My accountant can’t log in!
A have a remote accountant and now she can’t log in. We have we have tried to sync it up so she can call me and put in the password it sends to my phone but that isn’t working either. She would need my email too? This is the most useless thing no one wanted. Still trying to figure out how to log her in remotely with no luck so far.
Why even give the option to turn this off? When you turn it off, the next time you log in, it just forces you to set it up again before you can do anything within the program?!
So as every other reviewer has mentioned, this is insane dumb to force MFA for users. It should be up to them if they want that extra blanket of security.
Why even give the option to turn this off? When you turn it off, the next time you log in, it just forces you to set it up again before you can do anything within the program?!
So as every other reviewer has mentioned, this is insane dumb to force MFA for users. It should be up to them if they want that extra blanket of security.
Using my personal cell for work
I absolutely loathe having to add an app for my employer/for my job on my personal cell phone that I pay for. So stupid.
The WORST
I have wasted 2 hours of time trying to get this MFA done. The app will not recognize the code I was sent multiple times,Even though I copied and pasted it from the email they sent me.
I even changed the email I had used as an alternate… And the same problem. They really should’ve work the bugs out before they released this. Now for two days in a row I am not able to log into my zero account to get any work done at all. It has locked me out and insists that I do multi factor authorization. However I keep getting error messages when I’m following the exact instructions.
Sorry guys this is the last straw for me.
I even changed the email I had used as an alternate… And the same problem. They really should’ve work the bugs out before they released this. Now for two days in a row I am not able to log into my zero account to get any work done at all. It has locked me out and insists that I do multi factor authorization. However I keep getting error messages when I’m following the exact instructions.
Sorry guys this is the last straw for me.
Hate It
If you have to do this, just send a text message with a code like everyone else. I don’t want a dedicated app I have to open every time I log in.
required mfa is a horrible idea
mfa’s great for those who want it, but for those of us who don’t, it’s just an extra step in an already packed day with an extra app we don’t want. making it required was a horrible idea
Crap!
This stupid 2-step verification should be optional.
Xero Authenticate
Dumb!
+ 20 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
11%
Positive (4-5★)
0%
Neutral (3★)
88%
Negative (1-2★)