Do not teach “there is no Sync now.” On Connections, a connection that can sync shows Sync now. Expired, error, or revoked rows tell you to Reconnect via the package list — “Sync needs a live grant.” Sandbox fixture rows can still expose Sync now. That poll reads fixture data, not your live Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage organisation.
Refresh a connection (Admin)
- Open Settings → Connections.
- Find the accounting card (Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage Accounting). Note sandbox — fixture data if it is there.
- If Sync now is shown, click it. The same engine as the schedule runs — no shortcut.
- If you see Needs reconnecting, use Reconnect on the catalogue card first.
- Read last synced, the interval (for example every 60 minutes), and the batch counters: imported, updated, unchanged, waiting on you, not chased, could not be read, new customers, matched existing.
The Import page has no Sync now. It may show an accounting status and a Sync Options or Fix Connection link into Settings. That is a handoff, not a second engine.
Keep your own book current with a file
- Open Invoices → Import (Admin to write).
- Upload a fresh .csv or .xlsx (not .xls). First worksheet only for Excel.
- Map the four required fields. Company name is optional. Currency is the workspace currency.
- Click Update Preview, then Import N invoice(s).
Re-import does not update existing invoice numbers. Same customer + same number is skipped (Already have it). A second file cannot mark an existing invoice paid, change the amount, or rewrite the due date. Record payment on the invoice instead. New numbers can still be created and, when chasing mode is automatic, may enrol chasing. Import does not send messages.
Expected result
Sandbox Sync now refreshes fixture invoices. File import adds only new numbers. The Invoices list may show a relative synced-ago note when a connection last succeeded. Workflows and Templates are unchanged.
If something goes wrong
- Non-Admin → “Only an Admin can run a sync.”
- No such connection / grant gone — Reconnect; do not expect Sync now.
- Repeated failures — chasing continues on what was already imported; nothing new arrives until reconnect.
- Duplicates after re-import — expected. Not a paid-status update path.
What this does not do
- Refresh does not send follow-ups, SMS, or letters.
- It does not connect FreeAgent, MYOB, Wave, or Google Sheets.
- It does not write back to your accounting package.
- It does not mix customer Stripe payments with your PayBlah subscription bill.