Use this guide to connect your Airbnb account to Hostaway, review prerequisites, import listings, and understand key setup changes that affect rates, availability, and messaging.
Step-by-step instructions for integrating your existing Airbnb listings with Hostaway
This guide will walk you through the complete process of connecting your existing Airbnb account to Hostaway's property management system.
Before starting, please review the Airbnb limitations and recommendations and check this video.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the connection process, ensure your Airbnb account meets the following requirements:
Airbnb Account Requirements
- Active Login: Be logged into the Airbnb account you want to connect
- Two-Factor Authentication: Must be enabled on your Airbnb account
- Profile Picture: A profile picture must be uploaded to your Airbnb account
- Verified Phone Number: Your phone number must be verified with Airbnb
- Verified Email Address: Your email address must be verified with Airbnb
Connection Process
Once your Airbnb account meets all prerequisites, follow these steps in Hostaway:
Step 1: Access Channel Configuration
Navigate to your Hostaway Dashboard → Channel Manager → Channels → Configure Airbnb Pro
Step 2: Initiate Connection
Click on Connect existing Airbnb account
Step 3: Review and Accept Terms
- Read and check all statements presented
- Click Next to proceed
- An Airbnb authorization page will be displayed
Step 4: Authorize Connection
- Review and accept Airbnb's Additional Terms of Service
- Click the Allow button to authorize the connection
Step 5: Handle Confirmation Messages
- Airbnb may display "Your Airbnb account has been created."
- Important: Disregard this message - no new account has been created; you're still using your existing account
Step 6: Complete Setup
- Click Return to Hostaway to finalize the connection
- Wait for the Hostaway listing page to load (this may take some time)
Import your listings
Important Information After Connection
Guest Requirements Reset
After connecting your Airbnb account to Hostaway, your guest requirement settings in Airbnb will be automatically reset. Only the following will be preserved:
- Airbnb standard requirements
- Profile photo requirement (if previously enabled)
To restore ID verification and recommendation requirements:
- Go to Hostaway Dashboard → Listings → Edit
- Navigate to Channel Specific → Airbnb Instant Bookable allowed categories
- Select your desired guest requirements
- Click Save
Service Fee Structure Changes
If you currently use Airbnb's Split-fee commission structure, be aware that certain property types will automatically change to Host-only service fees upon connection.
Affected Property Types
- Aparthotel, B&B, Boutique Hotel, Farm Stay, Hostel, Hotel, Lodge, Timeshare
- Minsu, Casa Particular, Pension, Pousada, Resort, Ryokan, Heritage Hotel, Serviced Apartment
Important Notes:
- This change is an Airbnb rule for professional property managers using professional software
- Verify your service fee structure after connection
- Most listing settings can be updated from Hostaway after the connection
- Service fee modifications are only possible on Airbnb if you meet specific exceptions outlined by Airbnb
Pricing Adjustment Options
To compensate for the 15% Host Service Fee, you can modify the markup percentage of your listings in Hostaway.
Automated Messages
After the connection, automated messages in Airbnb will no longer function. You must recreate all automated messaging within the Hostaway Dashboard to maintain guest communication workflows.