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

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 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, you cannot:

❌ Enable your listings - Listings remain disabled until you exit setup mode
❌ Sync availability - Host Tools won't sync calendars while in setup mode
❌ Manage prices - Pricing automation is disabled
❌ Send automated messages - Message rules won't execute (unless messaging only)

These limitations are by design to prevent 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
Disabled listings - Your listings will show as disabled and cannot be enabled
Tooltip message - When trying to enable a listing, you'll see: "This listing cannot be enabled until the associated Airbnb account is no longer in setup mode."

Steps

Setting Up

Connecting with Setup Mode Enabled

Navigate to Settings > Channels (or use the Add Listing button)
Click Connect Channel and select Airbnb
In the connection dialog, you'll see a Setup mode toggle
Enable the Setup mode toggle
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
✅ Set up pricing rules
✅ Create message rules
✅ Adjust availability sync settings
✅ Connect additional channels (VRBO, Booking.com, etc.)

⚠️ Important: Your listings will be automatically disabled when you connect in setup mode (unless they're set to messaging only). This prevents any conflicts with your current PMS.

Preparing for Going Live

Take your time to:

Review and configure all your listings
Set up your pricing rules and calendar sync
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:

Go to Airbnb.com and log in
Click the profile picture in the top right corner of the page
Go to Account > Privacy and Sharing > Services
Disconnect any other connected property management service
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

Navigate to Settings > Channels
Find your Airbnb account (it will show a Setup mode badge)
Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the Actions column
Select Manage setup mode
In the connection dialog, make sure Setup mode is disabled (toggle should be off)
Click Connect and complete the Airbnb authentication again

Enabling Your Listings

Go to Settings > Listings
For each listing, click the three-dot menu (⋮)
Select Enable Listing

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

I can't enable my listing

If you see a message that says "This listing cannot be enabled until the associated Airbnb account is no longer in setup mode," you need to exit setup mode first. 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).

My listings are disabled

This is expected behavior in setup mode. Listings are automatically disabled when you connect in setup mode to prevent conflicts. They will remain disabled until you exit setup mode and re-enable them.

FAQ

What is setup mode?

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, you cannot:

Enable your listings
Sync availability
Manage prices
Send automated messages (unless messaging only)