How Do I Import Google Calendar To Outlook?

There are two main methods to import your Google Calendar to Outlook:

Subscribing for ongoing, read-only sync or a one-time Export and Import. Subscribing is the best option for most users, as it automatically updates Outlook with any new events from Google.

Method 1: Subscribe to your Google Calendar (recommended for read-only sync)

This method allows Outlook to periodically check your Google Calendar for new events, ensuring your schedule is always up-to-date. The drawback is that you cannot edit Google Calendar events from within Outlook.

Part 1: Get the iCal link from Google Calendar

1. Navigate to your Google Calendar in a web browser: calendar.google.com.
2. On the left-hand side, find the calendar you wish to add under "My calendars" and click the three vertical dots (⋮) next to its name.
3. From the pop-up menu, select Settings and sharing.
4. Scroll down to the "Integrate calendar" section.
5. Locate the section titled Secret address in iCal format and click the Copy to clipboard icon. Do not use the Public Address unless you want your calendar to be searchable and visible to anyone.

Part 2: Add the iCal link to Outlook

The steps for subscribing vary slightly depending on your version of Outlook.

For Outlook for Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com (Web)

1. Open your Outlook Calendar in a web browser: outlook.com/calendar.
2. In the left-hand navigation pane, click Add calendar.
3. Select Subscribe from web.
4. Paste the URL you copied from Google Calendar into the address bar.
5. Enter a name for the calendar, choose a color and charm if desired, and select which calendar folder to add it to (e.g., "My calendars").
6. Click Import. Your Google Calendar will now appear alongside your other calendars in Outlook.

For Classic Outlook for Windows (Desktop app)

1. Open the Outlook desktop application and go to the Calendar view.
2. Click the File tab.
3. Select Account Settings, then click Account Settings again.
4. In the "Account Settings" window, go to the Internet Calendars tab.
5. Click the New... button.
6. Paste the iCal URL you copied earlier and click Add.
7. In the "Subscription Options" window, enter a name for the calendar and click OK.
8. Outlook will now begin synchronizing with your Google Calendar.

Method 2: Export and import your calendar (one-time static import)

This method takes a snapshot of your Google Calendar at a specific point in time and merges it into your Outlook calendar. The data will not be updated automatically, so you must repeat the process to reflect any new events. This is a good option if you are permanently migrating from Google Calendar to Outlook.

Part 1: Export your calendar from Google

1. Go to your Google Calendar in a web browser: calendar.google.com.
2. Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner, then select Settings.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Import & export.
4. Click the Export button. A .zip file containing an .ics file for each of your calendars will be downloaded to your computer.
5. Locate the downloaded .zip file, right-click it, and select Extract All to unzip the calendar files.

Part 2: Import the .ics file into Outlook

1. Open the Outlook desktop application and navigate to the Calendar view.
2. Click File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. In the Import and Export Wizard, select Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar file (.vcs) and click Next.
4. Browse to the folder where you extracted the calendar .ics file, select it, and click OK.
5. A dialog box will appear with two options:
   • Open as New: This will add the Google Calendar as a separate calendar in Outlook, listed under "Other Calendars".
   • Import: This will merge the Google Calendar events directly into your main Outlook calendar.
6. Select your preferred option. Your Google Calendar events will now be visible in Outlook.

Which method should you choose?

• For continuous viewing of your Google schedule: Choose the Subscribe method. This is ideal for those who use both platforms and want a single, up-to-date view of their commitments.
• For a permanent migration to Outlook: Use the Export and Import method. This allows you to consolidate all your events into one Outlook calendar, though it will not stay synced with Google in the future.
• For corporate users: If you have a paid Google Workspace account, you can use Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook for a two-way sync of email, contacts, and calendars. This tool is not available for free Google accounts.