What Google Calendar is and how to find it

Google Calendar is a free scheduling tool that lives online. You access it through your web browser or through an app on your phone. It stores your events, reminders, and to-do lists in one place, and you can see them from any device where you sign in. Unlike a paper calendar, it can send you notifications before appointments and let other people see your schedule if you choose to share it.

You do not need to read anything to use Google Calendar on a computer. If you have a Google account — the same login you use for Gmail, YouTube, or Google Drive — you already have access to Google Calendar. You just need to open it in your browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Calendar is free and works in any web browser if you have a Google account, or through a phone app you can read from the App Store or Google Play.
  • To open it on a computer, go to calendar.google.com and sign in with your Google email and password.
  • You create events by clicking on a date or time, typing the event name, and setting when it starts and ends.
  • You can share your calendar with other people, set reminders that notify you before an event, and color-code different types of events.

Opening Google Calendar on a computer

On any computer with a web browser, open a new tab and go to calendar.google.com. You will see a sign-in page. Type your full Google email address (the one that ends in @gmail.com or another Google domain) and press Enter. On the next screen, type your password and press Enter again.

If you are already signed into Gmail or another Google service on that browser, you may skip straight to your calendar without entering your password. Once you are in, you will see a month view on the left side and a larger calendar in the middle showing the current week or month. This is your calendar, and it is empty until you add events.

Opening Google Calendar on a phone

On an iPhone, open the App Store. On an Android phone, open Google Play. Search for "Google Calendar" and tap the official app (it has a blue icon with a date on it). Tap the button that says "Get" or "Install" and wait for the read to finish. Then tap "Open" to start the app.

The first time you open it, the app will ask you to sign in. Use the same Google email and password you use on your computer. After you sign in, your calendar will appear. Any events you created on your computer will show up here automatically, and anything you add on your phone will appear on your computer.

Creating your first event

On a computer, click on the date and time where you want to add an event. A small box will pop up. Type the name of your event — for example, "Doctor appointment" or "Team meeting" — and press Enter. The event now appears on your calendar.

To add more details, click on the event name. A larger window opens where you can set the start and end time, add a location, write a description, and set a reminder. When you are done, click "Save" at the bottom. On a phone, tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the screen, type the event name, and tap the event to add details the same way.

Setting reminders so you do not forget

A reminder is a notification that pops up or sends you a message before an event starts. When you create or edit an event, look for the section labeled "Notifications" or "Reminders." Click "Add a notification" and choose how long before the event you want to be reminded — for example, 15 minutes before, 1 hour before, or 1 day before.

You can add more than one reminder for the same event. For example, you might set one reminder for 1 day before and another for 30 minutes before. On a computer, you will see the reminder appear as a popup or email depending on what you chose. On a phone, you will see a notification on your lock screen or in your notification center.

Sharing your calendar with other people

If you want someone else to see your calendar, click the three-dot menu next to your calendar name on the left side of the screen (on a computer) or tap "Settings" (on a phone). Look for "Share with specific people" or "Sharing settings." Click "Add people" and type the email address of the person you want to share with. Choose whether they can only see your events, edit them, or manage the calendar entirely. Click "Share" or "Send."

The person you shared with will receive an email invitation. They click the link in the email to view your calendar. If they have a Google account, they can add your calendar to their own Google Calendar so they see your events alongside theirs. You can stop sharing at any time by removing their name from the sharing settings.

Color-coding events by type

If you have many events on your calendar, color-coding helps you see at a glance what type each one is. When you create or edit an event, look for a colored circle or dot near the event name. Click it to choose a color. For example, you might use blue for work events, green for personal time, and red for appointments.

You can also color-code entire calendars if you have more than one. On a computer, right-click the calendar name on the left side and choose "Change color." On a phone, tap the three-dot menu next to the calendar name and select "Change color." This is useful if you have a work calendar and a personal calendar and want to see them side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Gmail account to use Google Calendar?

You need a Google account, which can be a Gmail address or another email address you have registered with Google. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com. You do not need to use Gmail as your main email to have a Google account.

Can I see my Google Calendar on my work computer if I am not signed in?

No. Google Calendar is private to your account. You must sign in with your Google email and password to see it. If you use a shared computer, always sign out when you are done so the next person cannot see your calendar.

What happens if I delete an event by mistake?

Google Calendar keeps a trash folder for 30 days. On a computer, click the three-line menu in the top left, scroll down, and click "Trash." Find the event and click it to restore it. On a phone, tap "Settings," then "Trash," and tap the event to restore it. After 30 days, deleted events are gone permanently.

Can I use Google Calendar offline if I do not have internet?

On a computer, you can turn on offline mode in Google Calendar settings, but you can only view events you have already loaded — you cannot create new ones. On a phone, the Google Calendar app does not work offline. You will need an internet connection to add or edit events.

How do I move an event to a different date or time?

On a computer, click and drag the event to the new date or time on your calendar. On a phone, tap the event, tap "Edit," change the date and time, and tap "Save." If you drag an event and it goes to the wrong place, you can undo it by pressing Ctrl+Z on a computer or by tapping "Undo" if it appears on your phone.