How can I move calendar events from one calendar service to another?
Quick answer
Export the calendar from the old service in a format the new one accepts, then import it there. Google Calendar export is done on a computer; calendars can be exported individually or together in a ZIP, whose calendar files must be extracted before importing. Google Calendar accepts .ics and .csv imports on a computer. After importing, compare important events, especially times, time zones, recurrence, guests, and conference details. An import may be a copy, not an ongoing sync. [S1] [S2]
The question, the details, the next step.
I’m changing calendar services. What should I do before exporting anything?
Decide what to move: one calendar or several, and whether you need past events as well as upcoming ones. Check that you can manage or export the source calendar and that the destination accepts its format. Google Calendar export is done on a computer and requires permission to manage the calendar; work or school accounts may have export restrictions. [S1]
Make a short list of sample events to compare after import: a single event, a recurring event, and one with a location or other important details. Use placeholders in your notes rather than copying sensitive descriptions.
How do I choose the file and move it across?
Use the source service’s export option and the destination service’s import instructions; menus and supported formats vary. Google Calendar can export one calendar at a time or all calendars in a ZIP. If you export a ZIP, extract the individual .ics files before importing the calendar you need. [S1]
Google Calendar accepts .ics and .csv imports on a computer. [S2] Keep the exported file unchanged until you have checked the destination. If a work or school account blocks export, ask its administrator or support team about the permitted migration route rather than trying to bypass the restriction.
I imported the file. Does that mean the old and new calendars will stay in sync?
Not necessarily. Events imported into Google Calendar from another account do not stay synchronized with the original calendar. [S2] Treat an import as a transfer or copy unless you have confirmed that the services provide a separate ongoing-sync feature.
Keep the old calendar available while you check the import. If you continue making changes in the old service, those edits may not appear in the destination. Decide which calendar you intend to maintain.
What details should I check? I especially don’t want recurring meetings to change.
Compare titles, dates, start and end times, time zones, locations, and recurrence. Google’s guidance notes that import behavior and supported details can vary; guests and conference data are not imported into Google Calendar. Recurring events imported from CSV may become separate one-time events. [S2]
Open a few occurrences to check whether a recurring meeting is still represented as a series. For meetings with guests or conference information, verify what is present and arrange any needed follow-up. These details may behave differently in other services, so check the destination rather than assuming.
Can you give me a simple migration plan I can reuse?
Use this sequence:
- List the calendars and event history you intend to move.
- Check export permission and the destination’s accepted formats.
- Export from the source; if it is a ZIP, extract the calendar file you need.
- Import the file using the destination’s instructions.
- Compare sample events, including a recurring event and details important to you.
- Keep the old calendar available until you have reviewed the result and decided which one to maintain.
For a Google Calendar destination, .ics and .csv are accepted on a computer, imported events do not stay synchronized with the original, and some details may not transfer. [S2] If something important is missing or altered, consult the destination’s import guidance before trying again, to avoid extra copies.
A practical checklist
List the calendars and date range you intend to move.
Confirm export permission and destination support for the file format.
Extract individual calendar files from a ZIP export before importing, if applicable.
Compare sample event titles, dates, times, time zones, locations, and recurrence.
Check guest and conference details separately; do not assume they transferred.
Keep the source calendar available until you have reviewed the destination.
A few more useful answers
Should I import an .ics file or a .csv file?
Use a format accepted by both services, following their instructions. Google Calendar accepts both .ics and .csv imports, but recurring events imported from CSV may become separate one-time events. [S2]
Why are guests or conference details missing?
For imports into Google Calendar, guests and conference data are not imported. [S2] Check the destination’s guidance for its behavior and arrange any needed meeting details separately.
Can I delete the old calendar after importing?
Wait until you have checked the destination and decided how to handle later changes. An import into Google Calendar does not keep events synchronized with the original calendar. [S2]
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Export events from your Google Calendar support.google.com · Checked
- [S2] Import events to Google Calendar support.google.com · Checked