How Outlook sync works

Sync2Cal can add calendars to Outlook in two ways. Push sync is the default and the one we recommend. An ICS subscription link is also available as a slower alternative.

Push sync (recommended)

Push sync connects your Microsoft account to Sync2Cal using OAuth (secure account authorization). Sync2Cal then writes events directly into a dedicated calendar it creates in your Outlook. Your events usually appear within minutes of the first sync, and Sync2Cal keeps the calendar updated automatically after that.

To set it up: go to sync2cal.com, open a calendar, tap Sync to Calendar, select Outlook Calendar, and authorize Sync2Cal when prompted. The calendar appears automatically.

What permissions does Sync2Cal need?

Microsoft does not offer an app-created-only calendar option, so Sync2Cal requests Calendars.ReadWrite — Microsoft's standard calendar permission. Sync2Cal uses it only to write to a dedicated calendar it creates, and never reads the events you create or your other calendars. You can revoke access any time. We never share or sell your data.

ICS link (slower alternative)

Every Sync2Cal calendar also has an ICS subscription link. You can add this link to Outlook under Add calendar > Subscribe from web. This works without connecting your account, but Microsoft refreshes subscribed internet calendars on its own slow schedule, often only once every 24 hours. Push sync is faster, so use the ICS link only if you cannot use push sync.

Which should I use?

Use push sync for automatic updates. Use the ICS link only if you prefer not to connect your Microsoft account, and expect updates to take up to a day.