If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead and keep track of your schedule, you may find it helpful to view someone else’s Google calendar. Maybe you’re part of a team at work and need to see your colleague’s schedule to coordinate meetings, or perhaps you’re a parent who wants to keep tabs on your child’s after-school activities. Whatever your reason, accessing someone’s Google calendar can be a useful tool. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Get Permission

Before you can view someone’s Google calendar, you need to have their permission. This is important both for privacy reasons and to ensure that you’re not accidentally scheduling something that conflicts with their existing plans. Ask the person if they’re comfortable with you viewing their calendar and get their email address.

Step 2: Send a Sharing Request

Once you have the person’s email address, go to your own Google calendar and click on the “Create” button in the top left corner. From the drop-down menu, select “New Calendar.” Give the calendar a name (such as “John’s Calendar”) and set the time zone to match the person’s location.

Next, click on the three dots next to the calendar you just created and select “Settings and sharing.” Under “Share with specific people,” enter the person’s email address and select “Make changes and manage sharing” from the drop-down menu. Click “Send” to send the sharing request.

Question: What if the person doesn’t respond to the sharing request?

If the person doesn’t respond to your sharing request, you won’t be able to view their calendar. You’ll need to follow up with them and ask if they received the request or if they’re still comfortable with you viewing their calendar.

Step 3: Accept the Sharing Invitation

Once the person receives your sharing request, they’ll need to accept it before you can view their calendar. They should receive an email with the subject line “Invitation to share calendar” and a button to “Accept” or “Decline.” Once they accept, you’ll receive an email notification.

Question: Can I view someone’s calendar without them accepting my sharing request?

No, you cannot view someone’s Google calendar without their permission. If the person declines your sharing request, you won’t be able to see their calendar.

Step 4: View the Calendar

Once the person has accepted your sharing request, you can view their calendar by going to your own Google calendar and clicking on the three dots next to the calendar you just created. Select “Display only this calendar” to view only that person’s events, or leave it unchecked to view their events alongside your own. You can also change the color of the calendar to make it easier to distinguish from your own.

Question: Can I edit someone else’s calendar?

As long as the person has given you permission to “Make changes and manage sharing,” you can add, edit, and delete events on their calendar. However, it’s important to communicate with the person before making any changes to avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.

Step 5: Keep Communication Open

Lastly, it’s important to keep communication open with the person whose calendar you’re viewing. If you notice a conflict or need to reschedule something, be sure to let them know as soon as possible. Remember that viewing someone’s calendar is a privilege, not a right, and it’s important to respect their privacy and boundaries.

By following these steps, you can easily view someone’s Google calendar and stay on top of their schedule. Just remember to always get permission and communicate openly to avoid any misunderstandings.