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iCal Calendar Synchronization Guide

What is iCal Sync?

iCal synchronization keeps your property calendar up-to-date across multiple booking platforms. Instead of manually updating availability on each platform, iCal feeds automatically sync reservations and blocks between systems.

Import vs Export Feeds

Import Feeds (Pull Data In)

Import feeds pull reservation data from external platforms into KIKS. This prevents double-bookings by marking dates as unavailable when guests book through:

  • Airbnb
  • Booking.com
  • Vrbo/HomeAway
  • Other PMS systems

Export Feeds (Push Data Out)

Export feeds push your KIKS calendar data to external platforms. This shares your availability and bookings with other systems that need to know when your property is occupied.

How to Add an Import Feed

  1. Find your iCal URL from the external platform (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.)
  2. Navigate to your property's Calendar Sync page
  3. Switch to the "Import" tab
  4. Paste the iCal URL in the input field
  5. Click "Add Feed"

The system will automatically:

  • Detect the booking platform
  • Extract guest information from event descriptions
  • Create availability blocks for booked dates

Auto-Sync Settings

Enable automatic synchronization to keep your calendar current:

  • Auto-sync: Toggle on/off for automatic updates
  • Sync every: Choose interval (15, 30, or 60 minutes)
  • Manual sync: Click "Resync" anytime for immediate updates

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Feed Won't Sync

  • Check URL: Ensure the iCal URL is correct and accessible
  • Format issues: Some platforms export malformed iCal data
  • Rate limiting: External platforms may temporarily block requests

Missing Reservations

  • URL permissions: Verify the feed includes all reservation data
  • Event parsing: Guest information is extracted from event descriptions
  • Date formats: Ensure your property timezone is set correctly

Sync Status Indicators

  • Healthy: Feed is syncing successfully
  • Error: Check feed URL and try manual resync
  • Last synced: Shows when the feed was last updated

Best Practices

  • Test feeds with manual sync before enabling auto-sync
  • Monitor sync activity regularly in the dashboard
  • Keep URLs secure - don't share them publicly
  • Use descriptive names for multiple feeds from the same platform
  • Set appropriate intervals - balance timeliness with platform limits

Security Notes

  • iCal feeds are publicly accessible URLs
  • No authentication required for cross-platform compatibility
  • Rate limiting protects against abuse
  • Only active properties serve calendar data