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What is Airbnb setup mode, and how do I use it?

Learn how to use Airbnb setup mode to transition from another PMS to Host Tools without downtime. Messaging works normally in setup mode — only Sync Availability and Sync Pricing are blocked.

Written by Tom Krones

Summary

Setup mode is a special connection option available only for Airbnb accounts that allows you to connect your Airbnb account to Host Tools while still connected to another property management system (PMS). This feature eliminates downtime when switching from another PMS to Host Tools, making the transition seamless.

With setup mode, you can import and configure your listings in Host Tools — including enabling Messaging to communicate with guests — while your current PMS continues managing bookings. When you're ready to go live, the switch takes just a few minutes.

Before You Start

Setup mode is specifically designed for hosts who are switching from another PMS to Host Tools. Before using setup mode, ensure:

  • You have an active Airbnb account with listings

  • You're currently connected to another property management system (PMS)

  • You want to avoid service interruption during the transition

If you're not connected to another PMS, there is no benefit to using setup mode. You should connect your Airbnb account normally without setup mode enabled.

When to Use Setup Mode

Setup mode is specifically designed for hosts who are:

  • Switching from another PMS (like Guesty, Hostfully, Lodgify, etc.) to Host Tools

  • Want to avoid service interruption during the transition

  • Need time to configure listings, pricing rules, and message rules before going live

Limitations

While in setup mode, calendar sync is blocked:

  • ❌ Sync availability - Host Tools can't push your calendar to Airbnb in setup mode

  • ❌ Sync pricing - Pricing sync to Airbnb is not available in setup mode

Messaging stays fully active — you can enable the Messaging toggle, send automated messages, and use the inbox normally while in setup mode. These sync limitations are by design to prevent calendar conflicts with your current PMS.

Identifying Setup Mode

You can tell if your Airbnb account is in setup mode by:

  • Setup mode badge - A blue badge next to your Airbnb account in Settings > Channels

  • Warning banner - A banner at the top of Listing Settings explains that calendar sync is unavailable and provides a Remove Setup Mode link to reconnect in full mode

  • Disabled sync toggles - The Sync Availability and Sync Pricing & Restrictions toggles in Listing Settings are disabled while off, with a tooltip that links to the Remove Setup Mode action

Steps

Setting Up

Connecting with Setup Mode Enabled

  1. Navigate to Settings > Channels (or use the Add Listing button)

  2. Click Connect Channel and select Airbnb

  3. In the connection dialog, you'll see a Setup mode toggle

  4. Enable the Setup mode toggle

  5. Click Connect and complete the Airbnb authentication

Your Airbnb account will now be connected to Host Tools in setup mode. You'll see a Setup mode badge next to your Airbnb account in the Channels settings.

Importing and Configuring Your Listings

While in setup mode, you can:

  • ✅ Import all your listings from Airbnb

  • ✅ Configure listing settings, pricing rules, and message rules

  • ✅ Enable Messaging and send automated messages to guests

  • ✅ Review and configure Pricing & Restrictions and Availability settings (sync activates when you exit setup mode)

  • ✅ Connect additional channels (VRBO, Booking.com, etc.)

⚠️ Important: While in setup mode, Sync Availability and Sync Pricing & Restrictions are blocked. A warning banner in Listing Settings will remind you with a Remove Setup Mode link for when you're ready to go live.

Preparing for Going Live

Take your time to:

  • Review and configure all your listings

  • Set up your pricing rules and calendar sync settings

  • Create and test your message rules

  • Ensure everything is configured correctly

Your current PMS will continue managing bookings during this time, so there's no rush.

Going Live

Disconnecting from Your Current PMS on Airbnb

When you're ready to switch, you need to disconnect your current PMS from your Airbnb account. This must be done on Airbnb.com, not in your current PMS:

  1. Go to Airbnb.com and log in

  2. Click the profile picture in the top right corner of the page

  3. Go to Account > Privacy and Sharing > Services

  4. Disconnect any other connected property management service

  5. Make sure the disconnection is complete before proceeding

For more details on this process, see What does the Airbnb error "You may only authorize one property management app to manage your account" mean?.

Exiting Setup Mode and Reconnecting

  1. Navigate to Settings > Channels

  2. Find your Airbnb account (it will show a Setup mode badge)

  3. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the Actions column

  4. Select Manage setup mode

  5. In the connection dialog, make sure Setup mode is disabled (toggle should be off)

  6. Click Connect and complete the Airbnb authentication again

Enabling Your Listings

  1. Go to Settings > Listings and open each listing's settings

  2. Enable the Messaging, Sync Pricing & Restrictions, and Sync Availability toggles as needed

  3. Click Save

Your listings will now be fully active, and Host Tools will begin:

  • Syncing availability between channels

  • Managing prices

  • Sending automated messages

  • Handling all booking operations

Total downtime: Just a few minutes during the reconnection process!

Troubleshooting

My Sync Availability or Sync Pricing toggle is disabled

When your Airbnb account is in setup mode, the Sync Availability and Sync Pricing & Restrictions toggles in Listing Settings are disabled. A warning banner at the top of Listing Settings explains that calendar sync is unavailable in setup mode.

To enable sync, exit setup mode by clicking Remove Setup Mode in the banner or tooltip, then follow the "Exiting Setup Mode and Reconnecting" steps above.

I can't enable my listing

In setup mode, Sync Availability and Sync Pricing & Restrictions are blocked until you exit setup mode. However, Messaging works normally — you can enable it and send automated messages to guests. To unlock full sync, follow the "Exiting Setup Mode and Reconnecting" steps in the "Going Live" section above.

I don't see the Setup mode option

Setup mode is only available for Airbnb accounts. If you're connecting a different channel (VRBO, Booking.com, etc.), setup mode is not available.

I'm not switching from another PMS

If you're not currently using another PMS, you don't need setup mode. Simply connect your Airbnb account with Setup mode disabled (toggle off).

FAQ

What is setup mode?

Setup mode is a special connection option available only for Airbnb accounts that allows you to connect your Airbnb account to Host Tools while still connected to another property management system (PMS). This feature eliminates downtime when switching from another PMS to Host Tools.

When should I use setup mode?

Use setup mode if you're switching from another PMS (like Guesty, Hostfully, Lodgify, etc.) to Host Tools and want to avoid service interruption during the transition. If you're not connected to another PMS, there is no benefit to using setup mode.

What are the limitations of setup mode?

While in setup mode, calendar sync is blocked:

  • Sync availability — Host Tools can't push your calendar to Airbnb

  • Sync pricing — Pricing sync to Airbnb is not available

Messaging continues to work normally — you can send automated messages and use the inbox as usual. These limitations are by design to prevent conflicts with your current PMS.

How do I know if my account is in setup mode?

You can identify setup mode by:

  • A Setup mode badge next to your Airbnb account in Settings > Channels

  • A warning banner at the top of Listing Settings with a Remove Setup Mode link

  • Disabled Sync Availability and Sync Pricing & Restrictions toggles in Listing Settings

What are the benefits of using setup mode?

  • ✅ Zero downtime - Your current PMS continues working while you set up Host Tools

  • ✅ No rush - Take your time to configure everything correctly

  • ✅ Smooth transition - Switch over in just a few minutes when ready

  • ✅ No conflicts - Setup mode prevents any calendar interference with your current PMS

  • ✅ Messaging stays on - Communicate with guests via automated messages even before going live

How do I exit setup mode?

  1. Go to Settings > Channels

  2. Find your Airbnb account with the Setup mode badge

  3. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) next to the account

  4. Disable the Setup mode toggle (make sure it's off)

  5. Click Connect and authenticate with Airbnb again

After reconnecting without setup mode, the warning banner will disappear and you'll be able to enable Sync Availability and Sync Pricing & Restrictions in Listing Settings.

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