How to create secret event types on Calendly

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Create secret event types on Calendly by setting up a new event with private visibility settings and sharing only the direct link. This allows you to control who can book appointments without making the event publicly discoverable on your scheduling page.

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Prerequisites

Active Calendly account
Admin or Owner permissions
Understanding of event type settings
Knowledge of sharing preferences

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access Event Types Dashboard

Log into your Calendly account and navigate to the Event Types section from the main dashboard. Click on Create New Event Type or select + New to begin creating your secret event.

Make sure you're logged in as an admin or owner to access all privacy settings.

Configure Basic Event Details

Fill in your event name, duration, and description. For secret events, consider using a discreet name that won't be obvious if someone accidentally sees it. Set your Event Duration and Location preferences as needed.

Use coded or internal names for truly confidential events.

Set Event Availability and Scheduling

Configure your When can people book this event? settings including date range, hours, and buffer times. Under How do invitees schedule this event?, set your preferred scheduling window and any advance notice requirements.

Configure Privacy and Visibility Settings

In the What event is this? section, scroll down to find Event Link Settings. Turn off Show on your scheduling page to prevent the event from appearing on your public Calendly page. This is the key step for making your event secret.

Double-check that the visibility toggle is definitely switched off before saving.

Set Up Invitee Questions and Notifications

Configure any required Invitee Questions for additional screening if needed. Under Notifications & Follow-up, set up email confirmations and reminders. You can customize these to be more discreet for secret events.

Consider adding a custom question to verify invitees should have access to this secret event.

Review Advanced Settings

Check Additional Options for settings like allowing invitees to cancel or reschedule. For secret events, you might want to restrict these options. Review Cookie Settings and any integration preferences.

Save and Obtain Secret Link

Click Save & Close to create your secret event type. Once saved, copy the direct event link from the event type dashboard. This unique URL is what you'll share privately with authorized invitees.

Store the secret link securely and only share it through trusted channels.

Test and Distribute Carefully

Test your secret event by opening the direct link in an incognito browser window to ensure it works properly and doesn't appear on your public scheduling page. Share the link only with intended recipients through secure communication channels.

Create a system to track who has access to your secret event links for security purposes.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Secret event still appears on public scheduling page

Go back to your event settings and ensure Show on your scheduling page is turned off. Save the changes and wait a few minutes for updates to take effect.

Direct link not working for invitees

Check that the event is Active in your event types dashboard. Verify the link wasn't truncated when copying and ensure invitees are using the complete URL.

Can't find privacy settings option

Privacy settings are located in the Event Link Settings section under event configuration. If unavailable, check that you have proper account permissions or upgrade your Calendly plan if needed.

Secret event bookings not syncing to calendar

Verify your Calendar Connection is active in account settings. Secret events use the same calendar sync as regular events, so check your integration settings and reconnect if necessary.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Calendly website before purchasing.

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