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How to share a Google Calendar with family

Google Calendar can be shared person by person, or with a Google family group. The steps below use a browser, because sharing settings are easier to find there than in the phone app.

Step by step

Skip anything that already looks done.

  1. Step 1

    Open Google Calendar on a computer

    Go to calendar.google.com and sign in with the account that owns the calendar you want to share.

  2. Step 2

    Find the calendar in the left sidebar

    Under 'My calendars', hover the calendar name, click the three dots, then choose 'Settings and sharing'.

  3. Step 3

    Add the people you live with

    Scroll to 'Share with specific people or groups' and click 'Add people and groups'. Enter each family member's Google address one at a time.

  4. Step 4

    Pick a permission level

    'See all event details' is right for kids and extended family. 'Make changes to events' is right for a co-parent who adds appointments. 'Make changes and manage sharing' gives full control — keep that to one or two adults.

  5. Step 5

    Send and confirm

    Click 'Send'. Each person gets an email invitation; the calendar appears in their 'Other calendars' list once they accept.

  6. Step 6

    Optional: make a separate 'Family' calendar

    Rather than sharing your personal calendar, click the '+' next to 'Other calendars' → 'Create new calendar', name it Family, and share only that. Personal appointments stay private.

Worth knowing

Small things that save a second attempt.

  • Children under 13 usually need a Google account created through Family Link before they can be added.
  • A shared calendar shows every event on it. If you want some things hidden, keep two calendars and share only one.
  • Colour-code per person so the week is readable at a glance rather than a wall of one colour.

Common questions

Can I share a Google Calendar with someone who doesn't use Gmail?
Yes. Any email address can be added, but people without a Google account only get a view-only link, not editing access.
How do I stop sharing?
In 'Settings and sharing', find the person under 'Share with specific people' and click the X next to their name. Removal is immediate.
Why can't my family member see the calendar?
They usually haven't accepted the emailed invitation, or the calendar is hidden — ask them to tick it under 'Other calendars'.

Keep reading

Other guides in this hub.

A calmer shared family calendar