FamilyCast Integrations
Connect FamilyCast with your existing calendars and photo services to automatically display your family's schedule and memories.
Available Integrations
Google Calendar
Two-way sync with Google Calendar for real-time schedule updates and full event management.
Key Features:
- Two-way sync: Edit events in FamilyCast or Google Calendar
- Real-time updates: Changes appear in 1-2 minutes
- Multiple calendars: Connect unlimited Google calendars
- Event creation: Create and edit events directly in FamilyCast
- Rich details: Locations, attendees, attachments, reminders
Best For:
- Families already using Google Calendar
- Want fastest sync and most features
- Need to edit events in FamilyCast
- Managing complex family schedules
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Google Photos
Automatic photo album sync from Google Photos for beautiful digital slideshow displays.
Key Features:
- Album sync: Select which albums to display
- Smart albums: People, Places, Things albums supported
- Shared albums: Collaborative family photo collections
- Automatic updates: New photos appear within 6 hours
- Facial recognition: Filter by person
- Safe filtering: Kid-safe album curation
Best For:
- Families using Google Photos
- Want automatic photo updates
- Large photo collections
- Multiple displays with different albums
Setup Time: 10 minutes
Cozi Integration
Sync your Cozi family calendar to FamilyCast displays using iCal links.
Key Features:
- Calendar sync: All Cozi family events
- Individual calendars: Sync per-family-member calendars
- Color coding: Maintains Cozi color scheme
- Recurring events: Full support
- Shopping lists: View in Cozi app (not synced to FamilyCast)
Best For:
- Families already using Cozi
- Don't want to switch apps
- Prefer Cozi's shopping list + calendar combo
- Simple integration needs
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Limitations:
- Read-only (can't edit in FamilyCast)
- 15-20 minute sync delay
- Must edit events in Cozi app
Integration Comparison
| Feature | Google Calendar | Google Photos | Cozi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sync Speed | 1-2 minutes | 2-6 hours | 15-20 minutes |
| Two-Way Sync | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Edit in FamilyCast | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Very Easy |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
| Account Required | Google account | Google account | Cozi account |
| Data Synced | Calendar events | Photo albums | Calendar events |
Setup Guides
Quick Setup Flow
For New Users:
- Start with Google Calendar (if using Google)
- Add Google Photos for photos
- Optional: Add Cozi if already using
For Cozi Users:
- Option A: Keep using Cozi (simple, read-only)
- Option B: Migrate to Google Calendar (more features)
- Add Google Photos for photos
For Multiple Calendar Sources:
- Connect Google Calendar as primary
- Add Cozi if needed for legacy data
- Both calendars merge on displays
Integration Recommendations
Best Overall Setup:
- Calendar: Google Calendar (fastest, two-way sync, most features)
- Photos: Google Photos (automatic updates, smart albums)
Simplest Setup (For Cozi Users):
- Calendar: Cozi iCal sync (keep existing workflow)
- Photos: Google Photos (everyone has Google account)
Advanced Setup:
- Calendar: Google Calendar + Cozi (multiple sources merged)
- Photos: Google Photos with multiple accounts
- Result: Complete family information hub
Common Integration Tasks
Connecting Your First Integration
- Go to Integrations in FamilyCast dashboard
- Choose integration type (Calendar or Photos)
- Click Connect
- Sign in to your account (Google, etc.)
- Grant permissions
- Select calendars/albums to sync
- Wait for initial sync to complete
Managing Multiple Integrations
Multiple Google Accounts:
- Connect primary account first
- Add additional accounts: Integrations → Add Account
- Each account's calendars/photos available separately
Multiple Calendar Sources:
- Connect Google Calendar for personal
- Connect Cozi for family events
- Both appear merged on displays
- Color-code to distinguish sources
Disconnecting Integrations
- Integrations → Select integration
- Click Disconnect
- Confirm disconnection
- Data removed from FamilyCast
- No data deleted from source (Google, Cozi)
When to Disconnect:
- Switching to different calendar service
- No longer using integration
- Account security (password changed)
- Troubleshooting connection issues
Troubleshooting
Integration Won't Connect
Common Issues:
- Popup blockers preventing authorization
- Third-party cookies disabled
- Old browser version
- Network/firewall blocking
Solutions:
- Integration Problems Guide
- Detailed setup instructions in each integration guide
- Contact [email protected]
Data Not Syncing
Check:
- Connection status (green "Connected")
- Last sync timestamp (recent?)
- Content exists in source (Google, Cozi)
- Internet connection active
Solutions:
- Force sync: Integrations → Sync Now
- Reconnect integration
- See Integration Problems
Sync Too Slow
Expected Sync Times:
- Google Calendar: 1-2 minutes
- Google Photos: 2-6 hours
- Cozi: 15-20 minutes
If Slower:
- Check internet speed
- Reduce sync size (fewer albums, shorter date range)
- Force sync manually
- Contact support if persistent
Privacy and Security
What Data is Accessed?
Google Calendar:
- Only selected calendars (not email or other Google services)
- Two-way access (read and write)
- Encrypted in transit
Google Photos:
- Only selected albums (not entire photo library)
- Photo links only (not copies stored)
- Read-only access
Cozi:
- Calendar data via iCal link
- No direct account access
- Read-only
Data Storage:
- Links and metadata only
- Encrypted in transit (HTTPS)
- Secure server storage
- Deleted when account deleted
Your Control:
- Disconnect anytime
- Revoke permissions in Google account
- Delete FamilyCast account removes all data
Need Help?
Integration Support:
Troubleshooting:
Contact: Email [email protected] with integration questions.
Ready to Connect? → Choose an integration above to get started!