To set Google Calendar as default on iPhone, you actually configure a Google account as the default calendar for new events created in Apple's Calendar app. This is because iOS does not allow you to replace the system-wide calendar app itself; instead, you choose which account's calendar new events are saved to by default.
What 'Set Google Calendar as Default on iPhone' Really Means
Many users search for how to set Google Calendar as default on iPhone expecting to make the Google Calendar app the system-wide default for all calendar actions, like tapping a date link. However, Apple's operating system restricts this. What you can do, and what actually solves the core problem, is set a Google account as the default calendar inside the built-in Apple Calendar app. Once configured, any new event you create in the Apple Calendar app will automatically be added to your chosen Google calendar, ensuring your schedule stays synced without extra steps. If you want your whole household on the same page, you can also set up Google calendar for family to share events in one place, and you can link Google sheets to Google calendar to automatically populate your schedule from a spreadsheet.
Add Your Google Account to the iPhone Calendar
Before you can select a Google calendar as the default, you need to add your Google account to the iPhone's Calendar settings. This process syncs your existing Google calendars with the Apple Calendar app.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Apps, then tap Calendar.
- Tap Calendar Accounts, then tap Add Account.
- Select Google from the list of account types.
- Sign in with your Google account credentials when prompted.
Once your Google account is added, its calendars will appear in the Apple Calendar app alongside any iCloud calendars you already have.
Select Your Google Calendar as the Default
With your Google account now linked, you can designate which specific calendar new events should be saved to.
- Return to the main Calendar settings (Settings > Apps > Calendar).
- Tap Default Calendar.
- From the list, select the Google calendar you want to use as the default (for example, your primary Google account's calendar).
This setting means that any event you create directly in the Apple Calendar app will now be placed on that Google calendar. If you ever make a mistake and need to remove an event, you can use the undo in Google Calendar feature within the Google Calendar app to quickly revert changes.
Verify the Default Is Working
To confirm your new default is active, open the Apple Calendar app and create a test event. Tap the plus icon to add a new event, fill in a title and time, then save it. Open the event details and check which calendar it appears under. If it shows your Google calendar name, the setup is successful. You can also open the Google Calendar app to see the event appear there automatically.
For the wider topic, see undo in Google calendar.
