How to integrate Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar

Managing calendars can be daunting, especially when you're juggling different platforms like Outlook and Google Calendar. Each has its unique features and benefits, but wouldn't it be great if you could integrate them?

Imagine having all your appointments, meetings, and reminders in one place. No more switching between apps or missing out on important events. That's the power of calendar integration.

This guide will walk you through the process of integrating your Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar. We'll give a step-by-step guide designed to simplify the process, whether you're a beginner or an experienced user. We'll also address common challenges and provide solutions to ensure a smooth integration with IFTTT.

What's IFTTT you may ask? IFTTT is our free automation service that connects to over 1000 of your favorite apps and devices and also provides the easiest method for syncing calendars no matter which tool you use. Read on to see why IFTTT is the number one trusted automation platform for millions across the world.

Why sync calendars?

Manually updating your calendars every week might seem manageable, but why waste time when automation can handle it seamlessly? In today’s digital era, syncing your Google and Outlook calendars is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. With tools like IFTTT and other methods, you can ensure all your calendars are perfectly aligned without lifting a finger.

Here’s why calendar integration is a game-changer:

Streamlined scheduling: Eliminate double bookings and confusion by having all your events in one unified view.

Convenience: Access your calendar from any device or platform without the hassle of manual updates.

Time management: A synced calendar gives you a clearer picture of your schedule, helping you plan more effectively.

Collaboration: Easily share a single calendar with colleagues, friends, or family, whether they use Google, Outlook, or something else entirely.

Automatic updates: Any changes made in one calendar instantly appear in the other, ensuring your information is always current.

With automation tools like IFTTT, syncing your calendars is effortless. Say goodbye to missed appointments and hello to stress-free scheduling!

What's the best way to keep my calendars in sync?

For those looking for the best calendar management tools possible, IFTTT is the way to go. Other services allow you to integrate Google Calendar with Outlook, however this will only allow you to transfer calendar data once. So, when you edit a date on one calendar, you'll have to do this process all over again.

With IFTTT, your calendars stay synced even when you make changes. This flexibility allows you to create a flow that suits your needs, with options like sending event reminders, adding calendar events based on other triggers, syncing with apps like Apple Calendar, or even syncing specific events to different platforms.

Why choose IFTTT?

IFTTT, available as both a free web-based service and mobile app, works by creating connections between over 1000 popular apps and services, allowing them to work together seamlessly. This includes Google Calendar and Outlook, meaning it only takes a few clicks to revolutionize the way you schedule and plan your future.

Beyond just calendars, integrating with IFTTT unlocks a world of possibility with other productivity tools too. Whether it be tracking your screen time in a spreadsheet, automatically forwarding emails, or adding new clients to your mailing list, IFTTT helps millions each day accomplish as much as possible.

The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "Applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example.

Founded in 2011, IFTTT has since been used by over 30 million individuals around the globe to automate both business and home tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.

Convinced? Let's look at how easy it is to sync two calendars with IFTTT's pre-packaged automations, called Applets.

Method 1: Syncing Google Calendar to Outlook Calendar with IFTTT

Integrating Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar can simplify scheduling across platforms. With IFTTT, you can automate syncing between the two calendars for a seamless experience. As a prerequisite, ensure you have both an active Google account and an Outlook account.

Step 1: Create an IFTTT account

• - Go to IFTTT.com or download the IFTTT app from your device's app store.
• - Sign up for a free account or log in if you already have one.

Step 2: Connect your accounts

• - Once logged in, search for Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook services in IFTTT.
• - Authorize both accounts by clicking "Connect" following the prompts.
• - For Google Calendar: Log in with your Google credentials and grant access.
• - For Outlook Calendar: Sign in with your Microsoft account (personal, business, or school).

Step 3: Search for or create an Applet

Use the IFTTT search bar to find pre-built applets for syncing Google Calendar with Outlook Calendar. Our dedicated user base has created over 1 million Applets, so we are sure you'll find something to fit your needs. If no pre-built applet provides your solution, you can create your own in a few easy steps.

Alternate method: Using Google Calendar import to sync calendars

If you don't want to use IFTTT's easy set up, there is a way to import data from one calendar to another using native features. Let's take a look.

Export from Outlook

1. Open Outlook and go to the calendar view.

2. Click on the gear icon and navigate to Calendar.

3. Navigate to Shared Calendars and find "Publish a calendar"

4. Select your calendar and save it as an .ics file. Copy the code that is shown.

Import to Google Calendar:

1. Open Google Calendar in a browser.

2. Click the gear icon (⚙️) > Settings > Import & Export.

3. Upload the .ics file under "Import."

A very important note: This method is a one-time import. It won't keep your calendars in sync. Updates made in Google Calendar won’t reflect in Outlook.

How to create your own Applet

Open our website, sign up or log in, and click "Create." Choose a trigger service (e.g., Google Calendar)

Trigger example: "When a new event is added to Google Calendar..."

Set the action service (e.g., Outlook Calendar)

Action example: "...create a new event in Outlook Calendar."

Fine-tune options, such as syncing all events or just specific ones based on keywords or filters.

And boom, your connection is set. This integration allows for the two calendars to be always in sync, with automatic updates to one when you change the other.

Staying on track with IFTTT

While importing calendars manually can work for a quick transfer of events, it falls short if you need continued and reliable syncing. Constantly exporting and importing files means no real-time updates, no automation, and more chances for things to slip through the cracks.

IFTTT is here to help. By creating your own Applet or using one of our pre-built ones, you can keep Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar fully in sync without thinking about it. Events stay up to date, changes are reflected automatically, and your schedule stays organized across platforms. It's a no brainer.

To get started, click the button below to try IFTTT for free.