Skip to main content

Why does BusyCal / BusyContacts launch at startup or launch each other?

If BusyCal or BusyContacts launch automatically when you start your Mac—or if one app launches the other in the background—this is intentional and required for certain core features to function properly.

Below, we explain why this happens and what you can do about it. However, if none of these cases apply to you, it's worth checking whether the apps have been inadvertently added to your Mac’s Login Items.

Why BusyCal Launches at Startup​

BusyCal launches at startup because of the BusyCal Menu Bar App. The menu app needs to launch the main BusyCal application to:

  1. Refresh alarms after a reboot - Ensures you receive all scheduled notifications
  2. Update calendar data - Keeps the menu bar display current
  3. Maintain sync connections - Ensures your calendars stay synchronized

This automatic launch ensures critical features work properly. The app should however launch in the background (but visible in the Dock) with its main window hidden.

Why BusyCal Launches BusyContacts​

BusyCal will automatically launch BusyContacts in the background when:

1. Birthday Calendar is Enabled​

When the Birthday calendar is enabled with BusyCal > Settings > General > Contacts from: BusyContacts, BusyCal must launch BusyContacts to:

  • Access and display birthday/anniversary information
  • Update when contact details change
  • Display death anniversaries (if configured)

2. Working with Event Attendees​

BusyCal launches BusyContacts when you:

  • Add attendees to an event
  • Edit existing attendees
  • View attendee contact information
  • Send meeting invitations

This integration allows BusyCal to auto-complete email addresses from your contacts.

Why BusyContacts Launches BusyCal​

Similarly, BusyContacts may launch BusyCal when:

Options to Reduce Cross-App Launching​

If You Don't Need BusyContacts Integration:​

  1. Switch to Apple Contacts for birthdays:
    • Go to BusyCal > Settings > General
    • Change "Contacts from:" to "Apple Contacts"
    • This prevents BusyCal from launching BusyContacts at launch

If You Don't Add Contacts to BusyCal:​

  • Launch BusyContacts
  • From the Activity Panel, click on the top Activity drop-down menu and uncheck: Events, Meetings, Tasks, Journals
  • BusyCal should no longer launch from BusyContacts

Check macOS Login Items​

If the apps are still launching unexpectedly after understanding the above scenarios, check your macOS Login Items:

Check Login Items & Extensions

Sometimes users accidentally add BusyCal or BusyContacts to their Login Items, causing additional launches at startup:

  1. Open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions
  2. Look for BusyCal or BusyContacts in the list
  3. If found, select the app and click the minus (-) button to remove it
  4. Check both "Open at Login" and "Allow in Background" sections

This is separate from the BusyCal Menu app's necessary launch behavior - removing these won't affect alarm functionality.

Last updated on