Calendar Sync
Two-way integration between scheduling tools and calendar platforms like Google Calendar or Outlook that prevents double-bookings and reflects availability in real time.
Definition
Calendar sync connects scheduling tools with calendar applications (Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar) to automatically check availability, block time for bookings, and prevent double-bookings across multiple calendars.
How Calendar Sync Works
- Scheduling tool connects to calendar via API
- Tool reads existing events to determine availability
- When someone books, the tool creates a calendar event
- Changes sync bidirectionally (cancel in either place)
Sync Types
One-Way Sync
Tool reads your calendar to check availability but doesn’t write events back. Simpler but requires manual event creation.
Two-Way Sync
Tool reads availability AND writes bookings to your calendar. Bookings appear automatically; cancellations sync both ways.
Calendar Integrations
| Calendar | Sync Support | |----------|--------------| | Google Calendar | Excellent - most tools support | | Outlook/Office 365 | Good - widely supported | | Apple Calendar | Limited - fewer tools support directly | | CalDAV | Some tools - for self-hosted calendars |
Common Sync Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution | |-------|-------|----------| | Double bookings | Sync delay | Enable real-time sync if available | | Missing events | Permission issue | Reconnect calendar, check scopes | | Wrong timezone | Misconfiguration | Verify timezone in both tools | | Stale availability | Caching | Trigger manual sync refresh |
Tools with Calendar Sync
Scheduling platforms with calendar integration:
- Calendly - Google, Outlook, iCloud
- Cal.com - Google, Outlook, Apple, CalDAV
- SavvyCal - Multiple calendar support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sync multiple calendars?
Most scheduling tools let you connect multiple calendars. They check availability across all connected calendars and can add events to a designated calendar.
Does calendar sync work with shared/team calendars?
Support varies. Some tools handle shared calendars well; others only work with personal calendars. Check specific tool documentation for team calendar support.
How often does calendar sync update?
Real-time sync is common for major platforms (Google, Outlook). Some tools use polling intervals (every 5-15 minutes). For time-sensitive bookings, verify sync frequency.