What you need to do first
To add a Google Calendar, you need a Google account and the Google Calendar app or website already installed on your device. If you do not have a Google account yet, you will need to create one — this takes about five minutes and is free. Once you have an account, the steps differ slightly depending on whether you are using a phone, tablet, or computer.
The process itself is straightforward: you sign into Google Calendar with your account, and the calendar appears. If you already use Gmail or YouTube on your device, you are already signed into Google and can skip directly to opening the Calendar app.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Google account to use Google Calendar — if you have Gmail, YouTube, or Google Drive on your device, you already have one.
- On Android phones, Google Calendar usually comes pre-installed; on iPhones and iPads, you download it from the App Store.
- On a computer, you can use Google Calendar in any web browser by going to calendar.google.com and signing in.
- Once you sign in, your calendar syncs automatically across all your devices, so events you add on your phone appear on your computer.
Adding Google Calendar on an Android phone
Android phones typically have Google Calendar built in. Open your app drawer (the grid icon at the bottom of your home screen), look for an app called "Calendar," and tap it. If you see a calendar icon, that is Google Calendar. Tap it to open.
The first time you open it, you may see a screen asking you to sign in or choose an account. If you are already signed into Google on your phone (through Gmail or another Google app), your account will appear in the list. Tap your email address to connect that account to Calendar. If no account appears, tap "Add account," then "Google," and follow the prompts to sign in with your email and password.
Once you sign in, your calendar loads and you are done. Any events you create will save to your Google account automatically.
Adding Google Calendar on an iPhone or iPad
iPhones and iPads do not come with Google Calendar pre-installed, so you need to download it. Open the App Store (the blue icon with a white square), tap the search icon at the bottom, and type "Google Calendar." The official app has a blue calendar icon and says "Google Calendar" underneath. Tap "Get," then "Install," and use Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password to confirm.
Once the app finishes installing, tap "Open" or find the Calendar icon on your home screen and tap it. You will see a sign-in screen. Tap "Sign in with Google," then enter your email address and password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Google account (a security feature that sends a code to your phone), you will need to enter that code as well.
After you sign in, your calendar appears and syncs with any other devices where you use Google Calendar.
Adding Google Calendar on a computer
On a computer, you do not need to install anything. Open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge), go to calendar.google.com, and you will see a sign-in page. Enter your email address, then your password. If your account has two-factor authentication, enter the code sent to your phone or generated by your authenticator app.
Once you sign in, your calendar loads in the browser. You can bookmark this page (press Ctrl+D on Windows or Command+D on Mac) so you can return to it quickly. Your calendar syncs with your phone and tablet in real time, so an event you add on your computer appears on your phone within seconds.
Turning on notifications so you do not miss events
By default, Google Calendar sends you a notification 15 minutes before each event. On a phone, you will see a pop-up on your screen. On a computer, a small notification appears in the corner of your browser window. If you want to change when you get notified — for example, to get a reminder one hour before instead of 15 minutes — you can adjust this for each event.
To change a notification for one event, tap or click the event to open it, then look for a "Notifications" or "Reminders" section. Tap or click the time shown (usually "15 minutes before"), and a list of options appears. Pick the time that works for you. To change the default for all future events, open your Calendar settings: on a phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings"; on a computer, click the gear icon in the top right and select "Settings." Look for "Notification settings" and adjust the default time.
Syncing Google Calendar with other calendar apps
If you use a different calendar app — like Outlook, Apple Calendar, or Samsung Calendar — you can connect Google Calendar to it so your events appear in both places. The exact steps depend on which app you use, but the general process is the same: open the other app's settings, look for an option to add or connect a calendar, and choose Google Calendar. You will be asked to sign into your Google account to give the app permission.
Once connected, events you create in Google Calendar appear in the other app, and vice versa. This is useful if you prefer the look or features of another calendar app but want to keep everything in sync. Be aware that some calendar apps sync in only one direction, so check the app's documentation if you are not sure.
Troubleshooting if your calendar does not appear
If you sign in but your calendar is blank or does not show events you created before, the most common cause is that you signed into the wrong Google account. Check which email address appears in your account settings. On a phone, tap the menu icon (three lines) and look for your email at the top. On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right. If it is the wrong account, sign out and sign back in with the correct email address.
If you are signed into the correct account but still see a blank calendar, try closing the app completely and opening it again. On a phone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone) or tap the back button repeatedly (Android) to close the app, then tap the Calendar icon again. On a computer, refresh the page by pressing Ctrl+R (Windows) or Command+R (Mac). If the calendar still does not load after a few minutes, check that you have an internet connection — Google Calendar requires one to sync.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for Google Calendar?
No, Google Calendar is free. You only need a Google account, which is also free to create. Some features like video conferencing within calendar events require a Google Meet subscription, but basic calendar use costs nothing.
Can I use Google Calendar without the app, just on my computer?
Yes. You can use Google Calendar entirely through your web browser at calendar.google.com. You do not need to download or install anything. The app versions for phones and tablets offer the same features and are optional.
What happens if I delete Google Calendar from my phone?
Your events stay in your Google account and appear on any other device where you use Google Calendar. Deleting the app only removes it from that phone. If you reinstall the app and sign in with the same account, all your events reappear.
Can I share my Google Calendar with other people?
Yes. Open your calendar settings (tap the menu icon on a phone or click the gear on a computer), find the calendar you want to share, and look for a "Share" option. You can send a link to other people or give them permission to view or edit your calendar. They do not need a Google account to view a calendar you share with them, but they do need one to edit it.
Will my Google Calendar work if I do not have internet?
On a phone, Google Calendar can show events you have already loaded, but you cannot create new events or see updates without internet. On a computer, you need internet to use Google Calendar at all. If you need offline access, some third-party calendar apps offer this feature.