How ICS Fixer Works

A technical deep-dive into how we solve Microsoft Outlook's timezone synchronization problem

The Problem

Microsoft Outlook's calendar export uses a flawed ICS format that embeds the timezone where the event was created, not where it takes place. When you subscribe to this calendar in Google Calendar, events appear at incorrect times.

Example: Meeting created in Paris (CET) scheduled for 2:00 PM

→ Shows as 8:00 AM when viewed from New York (EST)

Even though the meeting should be at 2:00 PM New York time!

The Solution

ICS Fixer intercepts your Outlook calendar feed, removes incorrect timezone metadata, and forces all events to display in your chosen timezone. Google Calendar then correctly displays events at the right local time, no matter where you are.

The Synchronization Pipeline

Microsoft Outlook

Your calendar with broken timezone data

  • Exports calendar as ICS feed
  • Embeds creation timezone (wrong!)
  • Updates every few hours

ICS Fixer

Our intelligent conversion service

  • Fetches Outlook calendar every 2 hours
  • Strips incorrect timezone metadata
  • Forces your chosen timezone
  • Generates clean ICS feed

Google Calendar

Shows correct times everywhere

  • Subscribes to fixed ICS feed
  • Refreshes approximately every 4-6 hours
  • Displays events in your local timezone
  • Syncs across all your devices

Technical Details

Automatic Synchronization

ICS Fixer automatically refreshes your Outlook calendar every 2 hours. Google Calendar then syncs the feed approximately every 4-6 hours, keeping your calendar up-to-date throughout the day.

Timezone Normalization

We parse every event in the ICS file and force all timestamps to use your selected timezone, eliminating timezone conversion errors.

Real-Time Monitoring

Our dashboard shows live sync status, with instant alerts if something goes wrong with Microsoft, conversion, or Google access.

ICS Format Compliance

The output feed is fully compliant with RFC 5545 (iCalendar specification), ensuring compatibility with all calendar applications.

Why Not Just Use Direct Sync?

Outlook.com Built-in Export

Problem:

Includes broken timezone metadata that causes time display issues

ICS Fixer Solution:

ICS Fixer strips this metadata and enforces correct timezone

Third-party Sync Tools (Zapier, etc.)

Problem:

Create duplicate events instead of subscribing, expensive for calendar sync

ICS Fixer Solution:

ICS Fixer uses calendar subscription for real-time updates without duplicates

Microsoft 365 Native Integration

Problem:

Only available for paid Microsoft 365 accounts, doesn't fix timezone issues

ICS Fixer Solution:

ICS Fixer works with free Outlook.com accounts and solves timezone problems

Ready to Fix Your Calendar?

Start syncing your Outlook calendar with correct timezones in under 2 minutes