Connecting external calendars: how does iCal work?
Exchange availability with rental platforms through calendar links and recognise iCal’s limits.
Importing and exporting are two directions
An iCal or ICS connection lets a website periodically retrieve availability from another calendar. When importing, Homadu retrieves blocks from Airbnb, for example. When exporting, you give that platform a Homadu calendar link so your own bookings can also be blocked there.
For exchange in both directions, you must therefore set up a link on both sides. One import in Homadu does not send anything back yet. Always use calendar links for the same accommodation; a link from another property otherwise blocks the wrong dates.
Add the connection in Homadu
- Obtain the current iCal export link for the right accommodation from the external platform.
- In Homadu, open External calendars for the accommodation and click Add calendar.
- Enter a recognisable calendar name and the link under Import URL (ICS). Also check which other source calendars should be included in the export for this channel.
- Save, check the synchronisation status after processing and add the appropriate Homadu export link at the external platform.
What iCal exchanges and what it does not
The connection exchanges availability events. It does not synchronise rates, payment details or complete guest bookings. Homadu schedules a synchronisation round every 15 minutes. When availability is actually updated depends on the queue and whether the calendar feed is reachable. The external platform decides when it fetches the Homadu export. A change is therefore not immediately visible everywhere. When setting up a new connection or after a recent booking, also check availability on the other platform.
Use an accessible calendar feed, preferably through HTTPS. A listing page, login page or local link is not an import feed. Share calendar links only with trusted connections; do not publish them on your website or in a forum.