How to set up Appointments & link your calendar

Note: Google and Apple iCloud (iOS only) are the only calendars that can be linked with the Appointments feature at this time, but we hope to expand support for other third-party calendar tools in the future. We are currently experiencing a bug with Microsoft Outlook Calendars. 

The Appointments feature allows Index subscribers to share their business calendars with customers to easily schedule appointments based on availability. In this article, you will learn about the Appointments feature & how to connect your calendar. 

1. Supported Calendars
2. Setting up/Linking your calendar
   • 3rd party calendar, Google (Android & iOS), or Apple iCloud (iOS only)

Supported Calendars

You can connect the following calendars to the Appointments feature:

• Apple iCloud (iOS users only)
• Google (iOS and Android users)
• 3rd party calendaring tools (i.e. Calendly, etc)

FYI: The Appointments feature cannot be set up via Index Web at this time; please use the mobile app to connect your calendar. 

Click on the tab below for calendar-specific instructions. 

--Tab Names--

• Apple iCloud
• Google
• 3rd party

--Tab 1 Start--

In order to use the Appointments feature, you will need to select a calendar to link so that your customers can view your availability and schedule appointments. Below you'll find steps for how to connect your Google calendar for iPhone.

Important: You can only have one calendar connected to the Appointments feature at a time. 

Initial Set-Up

Follow these setup steps before linking your iCloud calendar.

1. Index Settings. 
2. Under Tools, tap Appointments (SET UP)
3. Tap the Continue button.
4. On the next screen, select "I need a scheduling solution"
5. Select Apple iCloud calendar.

Apple iCloud Calendar

After completing the steps above, continue below to link your Apple iCloud calendar with the Appointments feature. 

1. Follow the setup steps above.
2. Then, on the connect with iCloud screen, enter the email associated with your iCloud/Apple calendar (this is likely your Apple ID email).
3. Tap Continue. 
4. Next, create an app-specific password to connect with Apple iCloud. (This is required.) 
   • Go to my Apple Account = select this if you need to create a password now. 

If you have already created an app-specific password via Apple (not likely), select "I have an app-specific password" & enter the 16-digit code. If you need a password, follow the steps below.  

#1: To create a NEW app-specific password for Index: 

If you have not yet created an app-specific password for Index per Apple's requirements and need to create one at this time:

1. Select "Go to my Apple account" (seen in step 5 above). 
   • If using a computer, sign into your Apple ID account. 
2. On the Apple ID screen, select Sign In and Enter your Apple ID and password (or use face ID or touch ID is currently enabled on your device to sign into your Apple ID).
   • Enter the 6-digit authentication that was texted to you (if prompted). 
3. Once logged in to your Apple account, scroll down & tap “App-Specific Passwords” to open.
   • A list of app-specific passwords will display (if you have created ones in the past).
4. Tap the + icon or select "Generate an app-specific password." 
5. Create a unique password, then tap Create. 
6. Next, on the "Confirm Your Password" screen, enter your Apple ID password > Continue. (This is required before you can receive your app-specific password.)
7. You will then receive your generated 16-digit password. 
   • Important: Save this password before you proceed (write it down, or copy/paste it) as you will need it in the next steps. It will not be accessible again through iCloud unless you create another one.
8. Go back to the Index app.
9. Select "I have an app-specific password" (since you just created one).
10. On the Login with iCloud mail screen, enter the 16-digit app-specific password you were given.
11. Tap Log in.
    • Tip: If you receive an error when trying to log in, try removing the dashes from the password (if you used the copy/paste method) and see if that allows you to log in.   
12. After that, you should see a "Your Calendar is Connected" screen and a prompt to "Add a scheduling page"

Your iCloud calendar is now connected with the Appointments feature and you can start creating your appointment types. 

#2: I already have an app-specific password:

If you already created an app-specific password for Index (not as likely):

1. Select "I have an app-specific password" (seen above).
2. Enter your email and app-specific password for Index.
3. Tap "Log in"
4. Your iCloud calendar is now connected with the Appointments feature and you can start creating your appointment types. 

Note: This is not the password you use to sign in to Index, but rather, the app-specific password you created specifically for Apple to use with the Index app. 

--Tab 1 End--

--Tab 2 Start--

In order to use the Appointments feature, you will need to connect a calendar to link so that your customers can view your availability and schedule appointments. Below you'll find steps for how to connect your Google calendar for both iPhone & Android. 

Important: You can only have one calendar connected to the Appointments feature at a time. 

Google Calendar on iPhone

1. Index Settings. 
2. Under Tools, tap Appointments (SET UP)
3. Tap the Continue button.
4. On the next screen, select "I need a scheduling solution"
5. Select Google calendar.
6. Then, on the Sign in screen, enter the email address that you use for booking & managing your appointments.
7. Tap the Sign in with Google button. 
8. From there, select the Google account that you'd like to pair with the Appointments feature.
   • If the correct email address is already populated, click NEXT.
9. On the next screen, you will see a list of permissions that Index needs in order to link your Google calendar to the Appointments feature.
10. Review the permissions, then, on the last line, click the box to allow.
    • Note: All (4) boxes must be checked in order to proceed with connecting your google calendar.
11. When all boxes have been checked, Click Continue.
12. After that, you will see a pop-up stating that "Your Calendar is Connected"
    • This confirms that you have successfully linked your Google calendar with the Appointments feature.

Tip: Check out the tutorial video below for steps on how to connect your Google calendar & create your first appointment for iPhone. Click play, then click the to open the video in full screen.

Google Calendar on Android

1. View your Index Settings. 
2. Under Tools, tap Appointments (SET UP)
3. Tap the Continue button.
4. On the next screen, you'll see two options displayed.
   1. To connect your Google business calendar with the Appointments feature, select "I need a scheduling solution"
5. On the Connect with Google screen, select the account you would like to use for booking appointments.
   1. Or, in this instance, if the correct email address is not listed or you need to add an account to link, select "Add Another Account"
      1. Enter the email address, then select the Sign in with Google button.
6. Click Next.
7. Enter your Google password, then select Sign In.
8. After that, you will see a pop-up stating that "Your Calendar is Connected"
9. This confirms that you have successfully linked your Google calendar with the Appointments feature.

--Tab 2 End--

--Tab 3 Start--

If you have a 3rd party calendar tool and already have the ability to share your booking link with clients, you can add that link to Index so you can easily share it from the Index menu. 

Here's how to add your calendar booking link to Index:

1. Index Settings. 
2. Under Tools, tap Appointments (SET UP)
3. Tap the Continue button.
4. On the next screen, select "I Already Have A Scheduling Solution"
5. then enter/paste the special booking link from your current calendar tool.
6. Tap Save.

--Tab 3 End--