Help Using Google Calendar on Android

Q: Which calendar is visible in the calendar widget?

A: The Google calendar that appears on the Android calendar widget is that which is associated with the Google account tied to the phone. Also, any events from other calendars that are shared to the account are visible. Calendars cannot be added via the Calendar widget. It is merely a front-end for the Google account or accounts registered to the phone.

Q: Can I see other calendars from within the calendar widget such as those a friend might share with me?

A: Any "friends" or other calendars shared to that account will have events visible on the calendar widget. Google uses the term "friends" even though these could be any other calendar, including a calendar from another Google account that you own. All shared calendars tied to your google account are visible by default. You can select which calendars to "hide" or "show" from within the calendar widget settings.

Q: How can I force a calendar to sync?

A: From your Android device goto Settings -> Accounts -> Google -> and click on your primary google account. From this screen you can control what parts of your google account are being synced. The list typically includes: App Data, Calendar, Chrome, Contacts, Drive, Gmail and more. Make sure "calendar" is checked. To force it to sync right now, uncheck calendar and then check it again. This will force an immediate sync. You must have either WiFi or Data enabled.

Q: How do I add another calendar's shared events to my calendar widget?

A: Shared calendars cannot be managed by the calendar widget. Although you could register additional google account's to the android device, it is not necessary if all you wish to see are those other calendar events. From a PC, log into the google account and access the web calendar. Then choose "Other calendars" and "add a friends calendar" to add events from other calendars. These will appear under the calendar widget on the Android phone too once synced.

Q: I've added a "friend's" shared calendar to my google account calendar, why won't it show up in the Calendar widget "Calendars to display" list?

A: From any Calendar screen, touch Menu > Calendars to display. A list of calendars that are synced with your phone appears. If a new shared calendar has recently been added to your google account, it may not be showing immediately on your android.