How to Sync Your Google and Apple Calendars

Add your Google Calendar events to Apple Calendar and use it on iOS

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on December 21, 2020
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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What to Know

  • Set up Google Calendar using Apple's Add Account wizard, and it will sync seamlessly with the default calendar app for iOS.
  • Next, go to Settings > Password & Accounts > Add Account > Google and follow the steps from there to start syncing.
  • This process copies your Google calendar(s) to iOS but doesn't blend or merge with your iCloud account or another calendar account.

This article explains how to add your Google Calendar events to your Apple calendar and add individual calendars to iOS. Instructions in this article apply to iOS 11 and above.

How to Set up Your Google Calendars in Apple Calendar

To add your Google Calendar events to Apple Calendar and have them synchronize automatically:

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Password & Accounts.

  2. Tap Add Account.

    Add Account button in iPad Settings app

  3. Choose Google.

    Google logo in Add Account screen in iOS Settings

  4. Sign in to your Google account. Tap the Create account link to create a new Google account.

    The Google Accounts login screen requests your username and password on separate pages. If you set up two-factor authentication for your Google account, enter the response code.

  5. Turn on the Calendars toggle switch to sync Google Calendar with your iPhone or iPad. Then, tap Save to continue.

    Calendars option in Gmail settings on iPad toggle to ON

  6. A large calendar may take a few minutes to sync.

  7. Open the Apple Calendar app to view your events and appointments.

Add Individual Google Calendars to iOS

You don't need to sync all the associated calendars in your Google account to iOS.

  1. Go to the Google Calendar sync settings page.

  2. Select the check box next to the calendars to sync with the Apple Calendar app. Clear the check box to prevent a calendar from syncing.

    Think twice about syncing shared calendars with public or religious holidays. Different calendars show these events. Syncing these calendars may create duplicate entries.

  3. Select Save.

    Save button in Google Calendar Sync settings

  4. Refresh Apple Calendar to check that your preferences are reflected.

How to Use Google Calendar with Your iPhone or iPad

Several Google Calendar features don't work on Apple Calendar. These include the Room Scheduler and emailed event notifications. Also, you can't create new Google calendars using Apple Calendar.

Go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts to turn on or off sync settings, including your calendar. Tap your Gmail account to reveal the switches for mail, contacts, calendars, and notes.

By adding your Google account to iOS, you've configured it for the Apple Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Notes apps. However, apps from the App Store, such as Microsoft Outlook, cannot read from the iOS Settings configuration; set up your Google account individually in non-Apple apps.

FAQ
  • How do I sync Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar?

    To sync your Outlook and Google calendars, you'll need to download and sign in to Google Workplace Sync for Microsoft Outlook. Once signed in, go to Set Up Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook and select Import data from an existing profile. In Outlook, select your Google Workspace > Set Up Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook > Start Microsoft Outlook.

  • How do I sync Facebook calendar with Google Calendar?

    In Facebook, go to the left pane and select Events to access your Facebook Events > select See All > right-click Add to Calendar > select Copy Link Address. Next, open Google Calendar > Settings > Settings. In the left pane, choose Add Calendar > From URL > paste the URL > Add Calendar.

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