Prevent Duplicate Events

How Duplicate Detection Works

GCalSync automatically prevents duplicates by tracking each synced event with metadata. When syncing, GCalSync checks if an event already exists before creating a duplicate.

Each synced event is tagged with:

• Source calendar ID
• Source event ID
• Sync configuration ID
• GCalSync identifier

Common Causes of Duplicates

1. Multiple Overlapping Syncs

Creating multiple sync configurations between the same calendars can cause duplicates.

2. Manual Event Creation

If you manually create the same event in both calendars before syncing, you'll end up with duplicates.

3. Circular Sync Chains

Complex sync chains (A → B → C → A) can cause events to loop infinitely.

Best Practices

✅ Do This

• Use bidirectional sync for two-way synchronization
• Review existing syncs before creating new ones
• Create events in one calendar and let sync handle the rest
• Use the sync preview/test feature before enabling automatic sync
• Keep sync configurations simple and logical

❌ Avoid This

• Don't create overlapping one-way syncs in opposite directions
• Don't manually duplicate events that will be synced
• Don't create circular sync chains
• Don't sync the same calendars through multiple paths

Fixing Existing Duplicates

If you already have duplicate events:

Option 1: Clean Reset

1. Go to Dashboard → Syncs
2. Click "Delete All Synced Events"
3. Review and fix your sync configurations
4. Run sync again with correct settings

Option 2: Manual Cleanup

1. Identify synced events by their prefix or color
2. Manually delete duplicates from target calendars
3. Pause problematic syncs
4. Reconfigure syncs properly before resuming

Understanding Sync Logic

💡 Tip: This logic ensures each source event creates exactly one synced event per sync configuration.

Common Questions

Why do I see duplicates after changing sync settings?

Changing sync configurations (like direction or target calendar) creates new tracking metadata. The old synced events remain. Use "Delete All Synced Events" before reconfiguring.

Can I sync the same calendar to multiple targets?

Yes! One source calendar can sync to multiple target calendars without creating duplicates. Each sync configuration is tracked independently.

What happens if I delete and recreate a sync?

GCalSync treats it as a new sync configuration and will create new synced events. The old synced events won't be automatically deleted.

Related Guides

• → Understand sync directions
• → Troubleshooting common issues