Connecting your iCloud account and calendars to ZipLeads lets you sync events, availability and appointment scheduling. Follow this guide to connect your iCloud account and set up your calendar integration.
Note: ZipLeads can sync events between iCloud and ZipLeads calendars. However, contact creation from iCloud events is not supported.
Step 1: Get an app-specific password from Apple
Before you connect your iCloud calendar, you'll need an app-specific password from Apple. This password is different from your normal Apple account password. Apple requires an app-specific password, and two-factor authentication turned on, when you connect to third-party apps.
Step 1a: Sign in to Apple
Sign in to https://appleid.apple.com/
Step 1b: Turn on two-factor authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication under the Security section if you haven't already.
Note: If you skip this step and run into trouble later, come back and turn it on.
Step 1c: Generate an app-specific password
Click into the Sign-in and Security section and choose "App-Specific Password". Then, in the pop-up, click "Generate an app-specific password".
Step 1d: Name the app-specific password
Enter a label for the password (for example, 'CRM iCloud Integration') and click 'Create'.
Step 1e: Save the app-specific password
Copy the generated app-specific password and keep it somewhere safe. You'll use it to connect your iCloud calendar in the next step.
Step 2: Connect your iCloud account to ZipLeads
Use the app-specific password from Step 1 to connect your iCloud account to ZipLeads.
Step 2a: Add a new connected calendar
In your account, go to Settings > Calendars > Connections and click "+ Add New".
Step 2b: Save your credentials
Click "Connect" in the iCloud Calendar widget. Enter your iCloud Apple ID and the app-specific password from Step 1, then click "Connect".
Step 3: Configure your calendars
Once iCloud is connected, set your primary linked calendar and your "blocking" (conflict) calendars.
Note: If you haven't connected a third-party calendar, the Calendar Configuration panel won't appear. If you can't see it, go back and connect a calendar first.
Step 3a: Open the Calendar Configuration panel
In your account, go to Settings > My Profile > Calendar Configuration OR Settings > Calendars > Connections > Calendar Configuration. Both take you to the same panel.
Step 3b: Edit your primary linked calendar
Click "Edit" next to the primary linked calendar. In the linked calendar pop-up, choose the third-party calendar that new events should be added to. All new events created in ZipLeads will be added to your linked calendar, and all events created in the linked calendar will sync to ZipLeads.
Step 3c: Edit your conflict calendars
Click "Edit" next to the conflict calendars. Select one or more options, such as holidays in the United States, your own calendar and other team members' calendars.
Troubleshooting your iCloud integration
Sign-in problems:
Make sure you're using the app-specific password.
Check that two-factor authentication is turned on for your Apple ID.
Calendar sync problems:
Make sure the correct calendar is selected as your primary calendar.
Events created in iCloud must be on the correct calendar to sync to ZipLeads.
Scheduling conflicts:
Set up conflict calendars if you want busy times in iCloud to prevent double bookings in ZipLeads.
Limitations with iCloud Integration
Google and Outlook connections let you set their Sync Preferences in Advanced Settings. iCloud only supports Default Sync (One-Way Sync).
This means all events coming in from iCloud are treated as Blocked Slots, and no contacts are created for guests in those events.
Blocked Slots created in ZipLeads for a user do not sync to iCloud Calendar.
Each user can connect more than one iCloud integration to your account.
You can't connect a subscription calendar. This means ZipLeads can't connect to iCloud calendars you've subscribed to via a URL (usually public calendars).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I block my ZipLeads calendar with events from third-party calendars?
A: Yes. Events from third-party calendars added as conflict calendars sync to ZipLeads and block your availability for the length of the event. Your availability is only blocked if the event is marked as 'BUSY' in the third-party calendar. Events marked as 'FREE' are still brought into ZipLeads, but your availability stays open.
Q: Can I add more than one blocking calendar?
A: Yes. You can add several calendars to be checked to prevent double bookings.
Q: Can I sync iCloud two-way?
A: No. Google and Outlook connections let you set Sync Preferences in Advanced Settings, but iCloud only supports Default Sync (one-way sync). This means all events coming in from iCloud are treated as Blocked Slots, and no contacts are created for guests in those events. Also, if a Blocked Slot is created in ZipLeads for a user, it won't sync to the iCloud calendar.
Q: Can I connect more than one iCloud calendar?
A: Yes. Each user can connect multiple iCloud integrations to your account.
Q: Can I connect calendars I've subscribed to in iCloud?
A: No. Connecting a subscription calendar isn't possible. This means ZipLeads can't connect to iCloud calendars you've subscribed to via a URL (usually public calendars).