If Google Calendar is your go-to tool for managing daily appointments, schedules, reminders, or even to-dos, you might have faced some issues while using it on Mac. As there is no official desktop app, it is quite a task to get Google Calendar on Mac. However, did you know that there are four different ways to get Google Calendar on macOS working even if there is no official solution? Let’s check how all these methods work so that you can find the most suitable way to manage Google Calendar accounts on Mac.
How to Get Google Calendar on Mac
If you use the following methods, you can bypass all the hassles of opening a browser, entering the Google Calendar website URL, logging in to your account, and accessing the interface.
1. Create Desktop Shortcut or Install as App
Creating a desktop shortcut is one of the simplest and fastest ways to get Google Calendar on Mac. However, it is only possible as long as you use either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser on your computer. Both browsers let users install a website as an app, allowing people to access the webapp quickly. Instead of opening the browser and signing in to your respective account to access Google Calendar, you can double-click on the desktop shortcut and use Google Calendar immediately.
Google Chrome:
If you are using Google Chrome, here is how you can create a shortcut.
1: Open the Google Calendar website on Chrome browser on your Mac and log in to your account.
2: Click on the three-dotted icon visible on the top-right corner and select More Tools > Create Shortcut.
3: Enter a name for your desktop shortcut to recognize it in the future and click the Create button.
4: Double-click on the desktop shortcut to open the Google Calendar on Mac and check if it is working as it should.
You might have already guessed that it uses Google Chrome to open the desktop shortcut. In other words, if you uninstall the Chrome browser, you won’t be able to access the Google Calendar shortcut anymore.
Microsoft Edge:
If you are using Microsoft Edge browser, you have to use the PWA or Progressive Web Apps functionality. It is the same as Chrome’s desktop shortcut but with a fancier name.
1: Open the Google Calendar website on the Microsoft Edge browser and sign in to your account.
2: Click on the three-dotted icon and select Apps > Install This Site as an app.
3: Click the Install button to complete the installation process.
4: Once done, double-click on the app to open Google Calendar on your computer.
Like the Google Chrome method, Microsoft Edge is the backbone of this method. That being said, you won’t be able to access the PWAs if you uninstall the Edge browser.
2. Add Google Calendar in Apple Calendar
It is the second and most proficient method as it doesn’t require installing any third-party apps. Your Mac computer comes with an in-built Calendar app which is free, and you can integrate Google Calendar into it.
1: Open System Preferences and go to Internet Accounts.
2: Click on the Google logo to add your Google account. It may ask you to open a browser to start the process. Click on the Open Browser button and enter your username and password to sign in to your account.
3: Once done, it will ask you to select what you want to synchronize. For example, it is possible to sync your Gmail messages, Contacts, Notes (Google Keep), and Calendars. If you want to sync only Calendars, you can choose only that option and click the Done button.
4: Open the Calendar app on your Mac to find Google Calendar.
In case you are getting Google Calendar, click on the Calendar > Preferences. Then, switch to the Accounts tab and select Every minute from the Refresh Calendars drop-down list.
After that, wait for a couple of moments to find Google Calendar entries in the in-built Calendar app.
3. Use Chrome Extension
Checker Plus for Google Calendar is a Google Chrome extension that allows users to access the Google Calendar from any tab. Let’s say you are browsing a product launch event page and want to add an entry in Google Calendar. Instead of switching between tabs, you can click on the Checker Plus for Google Calendar icon and add the reminder directly.
You can manage all your existing calendars, schedules, use themes, access shared calendars, etc. The only drawback is that you cannot create a new calendar.
Get Checker Plus for Google Calendar
Also Read: 7 Best Google Calendar Add-Ons to Manage Time Better
4. Use Fantastical
Fantastical is one of the best calendar apps for Mac that lets you integrate Google Calendar flawlessly. Whether you have one or ten existing calendars, you can move them all to Fantastical and manage from there. It is possible to add multiple accounts and start getting all the notifications related to your daily task, appointments, reminders, etc. The best thing about this app is that you can manage your calendars from the menu bar.
Although it offers a 14-day trial, you must add your payment information to start the trial. For your information, it costs around $3.33/month for an individual.
Get Fantastical (Free trial, $3.33/mo)
Did You Add Google Calendar on Mac
Adding the Google Calendar on Mac is very straightforward, as you have seen here. If you do not want to install third-party software like Fantastical, you can always opt for the in-built Calendar app method. On the other hand, the browser extension works flawlessly as well.
Read: How to Embed Google Calendar in Notion
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