Adding an event to calendar

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1

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.

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the event datetime has both date and time of the event. no formatting.

2

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.

  • Ensure the event date and time are in a calendar friendly format, like ISO format, with a clear timezone.

  • 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

3

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

4

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

5

here is the URL using Magic Text

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6

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

7

ok do I use No Formatting?

8

Yes please

9

as for the dtstart i need to put the event date . is there any special format?

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10

sorry, let me be more clear. I need to capture the Event Date and Event Start time

11

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

12

it added the event to the calendar , but the event date is Dec 17 it added to todays date

13

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.

14

can i DM you?

15

Yes of course, feel free to DM me.

16

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!

17

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.