How to Add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar on iPhone

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Apple Calendar is a popular app for iPhone users to manage their schedules and appointments. However, some users may prefer to use Google Calendar for its additional features and ease of use. Luckily, it is possible to add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar on your iPhone, allowing you to stay organized and synchronized across different platforms. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to accomplish this and provide some insights on the pros and cons of each method.

The Challenge of Adding Google Calendar to Apple Calendar

  • Apple Calendar and Google Calendar are two separate platforms with different account setups and interfaces, which can make integration challenging.
  • Apple Calendar is primarily designed to work with iCloud, while Google Calendar is designed to work with Google accounts. This can lead to compatibility issues.
  • Sometimes, the synchronization between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar may not happen in real-time, resulting in delays or missing events.

Video Tutorial:

Method 1. How to Add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using Built-in Accounts

To add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using the built-in accounts feature, follow these steps:

  1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on "Passwords & Accounts".
  3. Tap on "Add Account".
  4. Select "Google" from the list of available account types.
  5. Enter your Google account credentials and follow the prompts to grant access to your Google Calendar.

Pros:

  1. Simple and straightforward setup process.
  2. Automatically synchronizes events between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.
  3. Updates to events made on Google Calendar will be reflected in Apple Calendar.

Cons:

  1. May not offer all the advanced features of Google Calendar.
  2. Integration may not be as seamless as using the Google Calendar app.
  3. Any changes made to events in Apple Calendar may not sync back to Google Calendar.

Method 2. How to Add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using the Google Calendar App

To add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using the Google Calendar app, follow these steps:

  1. Install the Google Calendar app from the App Store.
  2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
  3. Tap on the three horizontal lines icon in the top-left corner to open the menu.
  4. Select "Settings" and then tap on the account you want to sync with Apple Calendar.
  5. Toggle on the "Sync" option, and choose the calendar you want to sync.

Pros:

  1. Offers a dedicated app with all the advanced features of Google Calendar.
  2. Allows for seamless synchronization between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.
  3. Any changes made to events in either calendar will be reflected in both.

Cons:

  1. Requires installing and using a separate app.
  2. May take up additional storage space on your iPhone.
  3. Events created in Apple Calendar may not sync to the Google Calendar app.

Method 3. How to Add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using Third-Party Apps

To add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using third-party apps, follow these steps:

  1. Install a third-party calendar app that supports integration with both Google Calendar and Apple Calendar, such as Fantastical or Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
  3. Grant the app permission to access your Google Calendar.
  4. Follow the app’s instructions to set up synchronization with Apple Calendar.

Pros:

  1. Offers additional features and customization options compared to the built-in Apple Calendar.
  2. Provides seamless synchronization between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.
  3. All changes made in either calendar will be reflected in both.

Cons:

  1. Requires installing and using a third-party app.
  2. Not all third-party apps may offer the same level of integration and features.
  3. May involve additional costs if the selected app has a premium subscription.

Method 4. How to Add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using CalDAV

To add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar using CalDAV, follow these steps:

  1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on "Passwords & Accounts".
  3. Tap on "Add Account".
  4. Select "Other" from the list of available account types.
  5. Tap on "Add CalDAV Account" and enter the Google Calendar server settings.

Pros:

  1. Provides direct integration between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.
  2. Offers real-time synchronization of events and updates.
  3. Changes made to events in either calendar will be reflected in both.

Cons:

  1. Requires manual configuration of server settings.
  2. May be more complicated and time-consuming compared to other methods.
  3. Any changes made to events in Apple Calendar may not sync back to Google Calendar.

Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Add Google Calendar to Apple Calendar

If you encounter difficulties in adding Google Calendar to Apple Calendar, here are some alternative solutions you can consider:

1. Use a different calendar app that supports both Google Calendar and Apple Calendar, such as Microsoft Outlook or Fantastical.
2. Export your Google Calendar events to a file and then import them into Apple Calendar.
3. Manually copy your events from Google Calendar to Apple Calendar by creating new events in Apple Calendar.

Bonus Tips

Here are some bonus tips to enhance your experience when using Google Calendar on Apple Calendar:

1. Customize event colors – Assign specific colors to different event types or calendars to visually distinguish them.
2. Set up event notifications – Enable notifications for upcoming events to ensure you never miss an important appointment.
3. Use advanced features – Explore Google Calendar’s advanced features, such as reminders, meeting invitations, and recurring events.

5 FAQs about Adding Google Calendar to Apple Calendar

Q1: How often does Google Calendar sync with Apple Calendar?

A: The synchronization between Google Calendar and Apple Calendar can vary. In most cases, it happens in real-time or with only a slight delay. However, there may be instances where updates take longer to reflect on the other calendar.

Q2: Can I add multiple Google Calendars to Apple Calendar?

A: Yes, you can add multiple Google Calendars to Apple Calendar using any of the methods mentioned above. Simply follow the steps for each calendar you want to sync.

Q3: Will events created in Apple Calendar sync to Google Calendar?

A: It depends on the method you use. The built-in accounts method and CalDAV method may not sync events created in Apple Calendar back to Google Calendar. However, using the Google Calendar app or third-party apps should enable two-way synchronization.

Q4: Can I use Siri to create events on Google Calendar?

A: Yes, if you have successfully added Google Calendar to Apple Calendar, you can use Siri to create events, and they will sync to both calendars.

Q5: Can I delete Google Calendar events from Apple Calendar?

A: Yes, if you have successfully added Google Calendar to Apple Calendar, you can delete events from either calendar, and the changes will be reflected in both.

In Conclusion

Adding Google Calendar to Apple Calendar on your iPhone can bring the best of both worlds by combining the features and convenience of both platforms. Whether you choose to use the built-in accounts feature, the Google Calendar app, third-party apps, or the CalDAV method, you can enjoy synchronized scheduling and stay organized across different calendars. Explore the different methods, consider the pros and cons, and select the one that best suits your needs. Happy scheduling!