ICS file
An ICS file is a calendar file in the iCalendar format that lets you pass appointments between calendar apps, email programs and websites.
What is an ICS file?
An ICS file with the extension .ics contains one or more appointments in the standardised iCalendar format. It stores details such as the title, start and end, location and a description in fixed fields, as plain text. Because almost every calendar program understands this format, on a smartphone as well as on a computer, it lets you pass on appointments without everyone using the same service.
How to open an ICS file
When you tap or click an ICS file, your device usually offers to add the appointment to a calendar. On a smartphone this opens the calendar app; on a computer, for example Outlook, Thunderbird or the operating system’s calendar; many web calendars have an import function. An imported appointment is a separate copy: if the sender changes it later, your copy does not change by itself. A subscribed calendar is different, as it is reloaded regularly.
What to look out for
An ICS file is plain text and does not start any program. The description of an appointment can contain links, however, and scammers send fake calendar invitations to lure people to phishing sites. So do not open invitations from strangers, and never enter login details via such links. After importing, also check the date and time: if the file has no time zone, an appointment sometimes ends up in the calendar at the wrong hour.
On Friendstime
On Friendstime, there are several ways to add appointments to your calendar. On the website, you download an event as an ICS file from its detail page, provided you are allowed to see it. For an appointment shared in the messenger, the browser creates an ICS file via “Add to calendar”. In the Android app, “Save to calendar” opens your device’s calendar app directly. For appointments from the chat, a duration of one hour is entered. Appointments in the chat are not end-to-end encrypted.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ICS file dangerous?
The file itself is plain text and does not run any program. Links in the description of an appointment can be dangerous. Only add appointments from senders you trust, and never enter login details via such links.
How do I get a Friendstime appointment into my calendar?
On the website, via the ICS file on the detail page of an event or via “Add to calendar” on an appointment in the chat. In the Android app, “Save to calendar” adds an appointment from the chat directly to your device’s calendar app.
Does an imported appointment update by itself?
No. An appointment from an ICS file is a copy in your calendar. If the organiser moves it later, you import the new version again or adjust the entry yourself.
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