Are you tired of missing family events or scheduling conflicts? Whether you have a big family or a small one, creating a shared Google Calendar is an easy and efficient way to stay organized and connected. In this article, we will guide you on how to create a shared family Google Calendar for the year 2024.

Step 1: Sign in to Google Calendar

Before you begin, make sure you have a Google account. Sign in to your account and access Google Calendar by clicking on the nine dots icon on the top right corner of your screen and selecting “Calendar” from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Create a New Calendar

To create a new calendar, click on the “+” sign next to “Add a friend’s calendar” on the left side of the screen. Enter a name for your calendar, such as “Smith Family Calendar,” and select a color for it. This color will help you differentiate it from other calendars.

Step 3: Share the Calendar

After creating the calendar, you can share it with your family members. Click on the three dots next to the calendar and select “Settings and sharing.” Under “Share with specific people,” enter the email addresses of the family members you want to share the calendar with. Choose their level of access, such as “Make changes and manage sharing.”

Step 4: Add Events

Now that your family members have access to the calendar, you can start adding events. To add an event, click on the date and time on the calendar. Enter the event details, such as the title, location, and description. You can also set reminders and repeat options.

Step 5: Set Reminders

To make sure no one forgets an event, set reminders. Click on the event and select “Edit event.” Under “Notifications,” choose how you want to be reminded, such as email or pop-up notification. You can also set the timing of the reminder, such as 30 minutes before the event.

Step 6: Use Google Assistant

If you have a Google Assistant device, you can use it to add events to your family calendar. Simply say, “Hey Google, add an event to the Smith Family Calendar.” Google Assistant will prompt you to provide the event details, and it will be added to the calendar.

Step 7: Sync with Other Calendars

If you or your family members use other calendar apps, such as Apple Calendar or Outlook, you can sync them with your Google Calendar. Click on the three dots next to the calendar and select “Settings and sharing.” Under “Integrate calendar,” select the app you want to sync with and follow the instructions.

Step 8: Customize Your Calendar

You can customize your family calendar to fit your needs. Click on the three dots next to the calendar and select “Settings and sharing.” Under “Calendar settings,” you can change the time zone, add a description, and set working hours.

Step 9: Get Notified of Changes

If someone makes changes to an event, you can choose to get notified. Click on the three dots next to the calendar and select “Settings and sharing.” Under “Event notifications,” select “Email” and choose the frequency of the emails.

Step 10: Q&A

Q: Can I share the calendar with people who don’t have a Google account?

A: No, you can only share the calendar with people who have a Google account.

Q: Can I edit an event that someone else created?

A: If you have been given “Make changes and manage sharing” access, you can edit an event that someone else created.

Creating a shared family Google Calendar can help you stay organized and keep everyone in the loop. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a stress-free year of family events.