Hello,
I’m trying to add an event to IOS & Android phones. keep getting an error message that Sarfi cant download file. he is a copy what i have so far.
the event datetime has both date and time of the event. no formatting.
Hello @ProvmanRI,
Thanks for sharing the details. This usually happens on iOS when the link doesn’t return a calendar file in a format that Safari can handle properly.
Please check the following few things:
-
Make sure all Magic Texts in the URL are (URL-encoded). Spaces and special characters often break the link.
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Ensure the event date and time are in a calendar friendly format, like ISO format, with a clear timezone.
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For best reliability on iOS, use a direct .ics file URL that returns text/calendar instead of relying only on query parameters.
Also, please try opening the link directly in Safari, not inside the app by deactivating the (In-app browser) option, to confirm it downloads correctly.
If you can share a sample URL with dummy data, I can point out exactly what needs adjusting. I’m happy to help further if needed.
Ali Bazzi, Adalo Expert
here is a sample URL i wrote up. https://ics.agical.io/?subject=Test%20Event&description=Sample%20calendar%20event&location=Providence%2C%20RI&dtstart=2025-12-18T19:00:00-05:00&dtend=2025-12-18T21:00:00-05:00
Hi @ProvmanRI,
Thank you for sharing the link. The URL is formatted right.
Your dates and encoding are fine.
If Safari is still saying it cannot download the file this is usually a problem with the browser on your iOS device not a problem with the link. The issue is with the browser that’s part of the iOS system not, with the Safari link itself.
Two things to test:
1. Open the link in full Safari (not inside the app / preview / webview)
2. Test on a published build (TestFlight / Google Play), not preview
Most of the time the.ics file works properly when you open it using a browser outside of the one that is built in. The.ics file downloads correctly once you open the.ics file outside of the embedded browser.
Ali Bazzi – Adalo Expert
Hi @ProvmanRI,
It looks like you’re still using the same date&time property for both dtstart and dtend.
Calendar files need a start and a different end time. When both are identical, iOS/Safari often fails to open or download the .ics file.
In order to fix it:
- Use a separate End DateTime property for dtend
Once dtstart is different from dtend, it should work correctly.
Ali Bazzi – Adalo Expert
ok do I use No Formatting?
Yes please
sorry, let me be more clear. I need to capture the Event Date and Event Start time
No worries!
Yes, there is a format. dtstart / dtend must be Date&Time properties, and we should set Magic Text to No Formatting.
Example: 20251218T190000-0500
it added the event to the calendar , but the event date is Dec 17 it added to todays date
Great👍
This can happen if the value being passed is not a full Date & Time.
dtstart / dtend must come from Date & Time properties (with time included), and Magic Text set to No Formatting.
Once the event field includes both date + time, the calendar will use the correct day automatically.
can i DM you?
Yes of course, feel free to DM me.
Hi @ProvmanRI,
You solved this with Ali in a DM? Would you have some time to post the solution that worked for you, which this thread will be useful for other makers?
Thank you and have a great day!
The user resolved the issue independently before any solution was provided by me.
If they’re comfortable, they can share what worked for them here.
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