How to Find the URL for a Google Calendar: The Definitive Guide

So, you need to share your Google Calendar, perhaps embed it on a website, or maybe just give someone a direct link for easy access. Finding that elusive calendar URL can sometimes feel like navigating a digital maze. Fear not! This guide will provide you with a straightforward and comprehensive answer, plus delve into frequently asked questions to ensure you become a Google Calendar URL pro.

The quickest way to find the URL for your Google Calendar is to go to your Google Calendar settings. Click on the three dots next to the calendar you wish to share, select “Settings and sharing,” and scroll down to the “Access permissions” section or the “Integrate calendar” section, depending on the type of URL you need. Here you’ll find a sharable link for public access, a link for embedding the calendar, or a private address in iCal format.

Understanding Different Types of Google Calendar URLs

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify that there isn’t just one Google Calendar URL. There are several, each serving a different purpose. Understanding these distinctions is key to grabbing the right URL for your needs.

• Public Shareable Link: This allows anyone with the link to view your calendar details, depending on your chosen visibility settings (free/busy only or all details). This is useful for broad sharing.

• Embed Code: This snippet of HTML code is designed to embed your calendar directly onto a website. It provides an interactive calendar view within the webpage.

• iCal (ICS) Address: This URL format is used for subscribing to your calendar in other calendar applications like Outlook, Apple Calendar, or other Google Calendars. Changes made to your Google Calendar will automatically reflect in the subscribing calendar.

• Secret Address in iCal Format: Similar to the iCal address, but uniquely generated and private. This is the preferred choice for sharing access to others while keeping your account safe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Each Type of URL

Let’s break down how to find each type of Google Calendar URL.

Finding the Public Shareable Link

1. Open Google Calendar: Go to calendar.google.com and ensure you are logged in to the correct Google account.
2. Navigate to Calendar Settings: On the left side of the screen, you’ll see a list of your calendars. Hover over the calendar you want the URL for and click the three vertical dots (Options). Select “Settings and sharing.”
3. Access Permissions Section: In the settings, scroll down to the “Access permissions” section.
4. Make Available to Public: Check the box that says “Make available to public.” Note: you can choose to show only “Free/Busy” or “See all event details.” Select the option that best suits your needs.
5. Get Sharable Link: Once made public, a sharable link will appear. Copy this link. This is the URL you can share.
6. Share and Done: Share the link as needed! Anyone with this link will now have view access to your calendar based on the visibility settings you’ve selected.

Finding the Embed Code

1. Follow Steps 1-3 from above: Open Google Calendar, navigate to the calendar settings of the desired calendar.
2. Integrate Calendar Section: Scroll down to the “Integrate calendar” section.
3. Embed Code: You’ll find an “Embed code” section. This contains the HTML code you need to embed the calendar. You can customize the look of your calendar with the customization options offered by Google.
4. Copy the Code: Copy the entire HTML code provided.
5. Paste into Your Website: Paste this code into the HTML of your website where you want the calendar to appear.

Finding the iCal (ICS) Address

1. Follow Steps 1-2 from above: Open Google Calendar, navigate to the calendar settings of the desired calendar.
2. Integrate Calendar Section: Scroll down to the “Integrate calendar” section.
3. Secret Address in iCal Format: This section contains both the public and private iCal format URLs. The public address is useful for importing to other Google Calendars, while the “Secret address in iCal format” is uniquely generated and private, and is the preferred choice for sharing access with others.
4. Copy the URL: Copy the URL corresponding to your desired level of sharing (Public or Secret).
5. Use in Other Applications: Use this URL to subscribe to your calendar in applications like Outlook or Apple Calendar.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

• No Shareable Link Appearing: Ensure your calendar is set to “Make available to public.” If it’s not public, the sharable link won’t be displayed.
• Embedded Calendar Not Displaying: Double-check that you’ve correctly pasted the entire HTML code into your website’s HTML. Also, verify that your website platform supports embedding iframes (which Google Calendar’s embed code uses).
• Calendar Not Syncing via iCal: Make sure the iCal address is correctly entered into the subscribing calendar application. Also, be aware that syncing isn’t always instantaneous; it can take some time for changes to reflect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions that will help you better understand Google Calendar URLs and their functionalities:

1. What’s the difference between “Make available to public” and “Share with specific people”? “Make available to public” allows anyone with the shareable link to view your calendar. “Share with specific people” requires you to enter the email addresses of individuals who you want to grant access to your calendar.
2. Can I customize the appearance of my embedded calendar? Yes! In the “Integrate calendar” section, look for customization options like calendar size, default view, and theme color.
3. How do I revoke access to my calendar if I’ve shared the public link? You can revoke access by changing the visibility settings back to private. This will invalidate the old link.
4. Is it safe to share my “Secret address in iCal format”? Yes, this URL is uniquely generated for you and isn’t easily guessable. It’s a safer option than the public shareable link.
5. Can I share a specific event from my Google Calendar? Yes, when viewing the event details, click the three vertical dots and select “Publish event.” This will generate a public URL specifically for that event.
6. Why isn’t my Google Calendar syncing in Outlook? Ensure you’ve correctly entered the iCal address in Outlook. Also, check your Outlook account settings to ensure calendar syncing is enabled.
7. How often does Google Calendar sync with subscribed calendars via iCal? The sync frequency depends on the subscribing application. Some apps sync immediately, while others might sync every few hours.
8. Can I password-protect my Google Calendar if I make it public? No, Google Calendar doesn’t offer built-in password protection for publicly shared calendars. You can protect the entire Google Account but not individual Google Calendar.
9. What does “Free/Busy only” visibility mean when sharing a calendar? It allows others to see when you are busy or available without revealing specific event details (e.g., event title, location).
10. If I delete an event from my Google Calendar, will it be removed from calendars subscribed via iCal? Yes, deleting an event will remove it from all calendars that are subscribed using the iCal address, but keep in mind, it may take time to sync.
11. Can I track who has accessed my Google Calendar using the public link? No, Google Calendar doesn’t provide tracking information on who has accessed your calendar via the public link.
12. What is the difference between Google Calendar and Google Workspace Calendar? They’re essentially the same, but Google Workspace Calendars have additional features like resource booking, integration with other Google Workspace apps, and administrative controls designed for business or organizational use.

By understanding these details and following the steps outlined, you’ll confidently find and use the right Google Calendar URL for your needs. Sharing your schedule has never been easier!