Open Settings and find the default apps section

To change which calendar app opens when you tap a calendar link or create a new event, go to Settings on your home screen. Scroll down until you see Calendar — it appears in the same section where Mail, Messages, and other default app settings live.

Tap Calendar to see what app is currently set as your default. On most iPhones, Apple Calendar starts as the default, but you can switch to any calendar app you have installed, including Google Calendar, Outlook, or third-party options like Fantastical or Spike.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default calendar app is set in Settings under the Calendar section, not within the Calendar app itself.
  • Changing the default only affects which app opens when you tap calendar links or use Siri to create events — your existing events stay in their original apps.
  • You must have the calendar app you want to use already installed on your iPhone before you can set it as default.
  • The default calendar setting applies across your entire phone, so all calendar links will open in your chosen app unless you manually select a different one.

Select your preferred calendar app from the list

When you tap the Calendar setting, a list of installed calendar apps appears. Each app you have downloaded will show as an option. Tap the name of the app you want to use as your default — the checkmark moves to that app immediately.

If the calendar app you want is not in the list, you need to install it first. Open the App Store, search for the calendar app by name, and tap Get to download it. Once it finishes installing, return to Settings and the app will appear in your default calendar options.

What changes when you set a new default

Changing your default calendar app affects where calendar links open and which app handles calendar requests from Siri. If you tell Siri "Create an event called Team Meeting at 2 PM," the event will be created in your default calendar app, not in Apple Calendar.

Your existing events do not move or disappear. Events you created in Apple Calendar stay in Apple Calendar. Events in Google Calendar stay in Google Calendar. The default setting only controls which app opens new calendar links and receives new events you create through links or voice commands.

Switching back to Apple Calendar

If you want to return to Apple Calendar as your default, open Settings, tap Calendar, and select Calendar from the list. The checkmark moves back, and Apple Calendar becomes your default again. This does not affect any events stored in other apps.

You can switch your default calendar app as often as you want. There is no limit to how many times you change it, and no events are lost or affected by the change.

Using multiple calendar apps at the same time

Setting a default calendar app does not prevent you from using other calendar apps. You can have Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook all installed and check them separately. The default setting only determines which one opens automatically when you tap a calendar link or use voice commands.

If you use multiple calendar services, many people keep their default set to whichever app they check most often. Others set it to the app that syncs with their work or personal email, depending on what matters most to their workflow.

Troubleshooting when your default does not seem to work

If you set a default calendar app but calendar links still open in a different app, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button until the slider appears, drag it to power off, wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. After restart, the default setting usually takes effect.

If a calendar app is not appearing in your default options even though you installed it, check that the app is fully downloaded and not stuck in a pending state. Open the App Store, go to your account, and look for any apps with an Open button instead of a checkmark — those are still installing. Wait for them to finish, then return to Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default calendar delete events from my old calendar app?

No. Your events stay in whichever app you created them in. Changing the default only affects which app opens new calendar links and receives new events you create through Siri or calendar links. All your existing events remain untouched.

Can I set different default calendars for work and personal events?

No. iPhone allows only one default calendar app across your entire phone. If you need to separate work and personal events, you can create separate calendars within the same app — for example, a Work calendar and a Personal calendar both in Apple Calendar — and manually choose which one to save events to.

What happens if I delete the app I set as my default calendar?

If you delete your default calendar app, iPhone automatically reverts to Apple Calendar as the default. Your events in the deleted app are gone, but events in other calendar apps remain. You can reinstall the app later and your events will not return unless you have a backup.

Does setting a default calendar affect my Mac or iPad?

No. Default app settings are specific to each device. Your iPhone, iPad, and Mac each have their own default calendar settings. You can set different defaults on each device independently.

Why does my calendar link still open in Apple Calendar after I changed the default?

Restart your iPhone. Hold the power button, drag the slider to turn off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. If the problem continues, go back to Settings, tap Calendar, and tap your chosen app again to confirm the checkmark is there.