6 min read
Sharing a family calendar across iPhone and Android
Mixed-device households run into this constantly: iCloud sharing doesn't reach Android, and Google sharing feels second-class on iPhone. The fix is to pick one source of truth.
Step by step
Skip anything that already looks done.
Step 1
Make Google Calendar the source of truth
It's the only mainstream calendar that both platforms can read and write properly. Create a new calendar named 'Family'.
Step 2
Share it with everyone
Settings and sharing → add each person, giving adults 'Make changes to events' and kids 'See all event details'.
Step 3
Add the Google account to iPhone
Settings → Calendar → Accounts → Add Account → Google. Sign in and turn Calendars on.
Step 4
Show the Family calendar on each iPhone
Calendar app → Calendars → tick 'Family' under the Google account.
Step 5
Agree one rule for where things go
Anything that affects more than one person goes on Family. Everything else stays personal. This one rule prevents most double-booking.
Worth knowing
Small things that save a second attempt.
- iPhone users can still see Google calendars in the native Calendar app — no extra app required.
- If Google events stop appearing on iPhone, check Settings → Calendar → Sync and set it to 'All Events'.
Common questions
- Can we keep using iCloud for personal calendars?
- Yes. Personal calendars can stay on iCloud while the shared family one lives on Google.
Keep reading
Other guides in this hub.
How to share a Google Calendar with family
Share a Google Calendar with your partner, kids or whole household in a few minutes — with permission levels explained in plain language.
How to share a calendar on iPhone
Share an iPhone calendar with your partner or kids using iCloud, and choose whether they can view or edit it.
How to share Apple Calendar with your family
Share an Apple Calendar from a Mac or iCloud.com, set view-or-edit permissions, and use Family Sharing's automatic family calendar.