How do I automatically sync Facebook events to Google Calendar?

Adding Facebook events to your Google Calendar can be a great way to keep all of your plans organized in one place. However, manually adding each event can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are a few different methods you can use to automatically sync your Facebook events to Google Calendar.

Why Sync Facebook Events to Google Calendar?

Here are some of the key reasons you may want to connect your Facebook events to your Google Calendar:

• View all your events in one place – Rather than jumping between different apps and calendars, syncing allows you to see all your plans on your Google Calendar.
• Avoid double-booking – When all your events are on one calendar, it’s easier to see if you’ve already got plans before accepting a new invitation.
• Add Facebook event details – Syncing brings over key details like the event name, time, location, and description.
• Get reminders – Google Calendar can send you notifications before each synced event, so you don’t forget about any upcoming plans.

Method 1: Use the Google Calendar Mobile App

One of the simplest ways to sync your Facebook events to Google Calendar is by using the Google Calendar mobile app for iOS or Android. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Calendar app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the menu icon in the top left corner.
3. Select “Settings.”
4. Tap on “Add account.”
5. Choose “Facebook.”
6. Enter your Facebook login details and allow Google Calendar to access your Facebook events.

Once connected, your Facebook events should start syncing automatically with your Google Calendar. It may take a little while for all your existing events to transfer over.

Any new Facebook events you get invited to or create will be added to Google Calendar as well. Keep in mind that any changes you make on Google Calendar won’t sync back to Facebook though.

Pros

• Simple set-up process from your phone.
• All new Facebook events sync automatically.
• Works for both iOS and Android devices.

Cons

• Changes on Google Calendar won’t sync back to Facebook.
• Need the mobile app, doesn’t work on desktop.

Method 2: Use Zapier

Zapier is an online automation tool that can connect and transfer data between over 3000 apps. You can use it to set up an automated workflow or “Zap” that will copy new Facebook events over to your Google Calendar.

Here’s how to set up a Facebook-Google Calendar integration with Zapier:

1. Sign up for a free Zapier account at Zapier.com.
2. Click “Make a Zap” and select Facebook as your trigger app.
3. Choose the trigger “New Event Created.”
4. Select Google Calendar as the action app and choose the action “Create Event.”
5. Connect Zapier to your Facebook and Google accounts.
6. Customize your Zap with any specific settings or filters.
7. Turn your Zap on to enable automated syncing.

Now whenever you add or get invited to a new Facebook event, Zapier will automatically copy it over as a new event on Google Calendar. Your Zap can run forever, allowing seamless 2-way syncing between your Facebook and Google calendars.

Pros

• Automatic 2-way syncing of new events.
• Completely customizable sync settings.
• Works with Google Calendar desktop and mobile app.

Cons

• Need to set up the initial Zapier workflow.
• Existing events don’t transfer over.
• Free Zapier plan limits to 5 Zaps.

Method 3: Import Facebook Events via Google Calendar Website

If you prefer not to use a third-party tool, you can also sync events directly from the Google Calendar website. This import method is a one-time process for your existing Facebook events though.

Here are the steps to import Facebook events into Google Calendar via the web:

1. Open the Google Calendar website and log into your account.
2. On the left sidebar, find “Other calendars” and click the down arrow.
3. Select “Import calendar.”
4. Click the Facebook logo and choose your Facebook calendar.
5. Click “Import” to confirm adding the events.

This will import all your existing Facebook events into your main Google Calendar. Unfortunately, any new Facebook events will not sync over automatically. You’ll have to occasionally re-import to capture new events.

Pros

• Simple one-time import of existing events.
• Works directly within Google Calendar website.
• No third-party apps required.

Cons

• Not automated, requires manual re-importing.
• No 2-way syncing between calendars.
• Only available on desktop, not mobile.

Method 4: Connect Facebook to Google with IFTTT

IFTTT (which stands for “If This Then That”) is another free automation service similar to Zapier. You can use IFTTT to create an Applet that connects your Facebook and Google Calendars together.

Here are the steps to integrate Facebook and Google Calendar with IFTTT:

1. Sign up for a free IFTTT account at IFTTT.com.
2. Click “Create” to make a new Applet.
3. Click on the blue “+this” box and search for “Facebook.”
4. Select the Facebook trigger “Any new event is added.”
5. Click on the purple “that” box and search for “Google Calendar.”
6. Choose the action “Add new event to calendar.”
7. Connect IFTTT to your Facebook and Google accounts.
8. Customize any specific settings for your Applet.
9. Enable your Applet to turn on automated syncing.

Once your Applet is on, any new Facebook events will automatically get added to your synced Google Calendar. Just like with Zapier, this provides seamless integration without the need for any manual importing or exporting.

Pros

• Easy automated syncing of new Facebook events.
• Works on both desktop and mobile apps.
• Completely free to use IFTTT.

Cons

• Existing events don’t transfer over initially.
• Changes may take up to 15 minutes to sync between calendars.
• IFTTT Applets limited to 3 for free accounts.

Should I Use the Mobile App, Zapier, or IFTTT?

When deciding how to sync your Facebook and Google Calendars, one of the biggest considerations is whether you want to automate transferring new events only or enable 2-way syncing between the calendars. Here’s a comparison:

Method	Automates New Events	2-Way Syncing
Mobile App	Yes	No
Zapier	Yes	Yes
IFTTT	Yes	No

The mobile app and IFTTT are good options if you only need to transfer new Facebook events into Google Calendar. Neither will sync changes made on Google Calendar back to Facebook.

For full 2-way syncing, Zapier is the best choice. It automatically copies both new events and updates between the two platforms. Just keep in mind you may need to pay for a premium Zapier plan to remove limits on the number of Zaps you can create.

Top Facebook to Google Calendar Sync Tips

Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of syncing your Facebook and Google Calendars:

• Only sync relevant Facebook events – Most methods allow you to pick specific Facebook calendars or event types to transfer over.
• Add the syncing details – Make sure the transferred events have the source “Facebook” added so you know where they came from.
• Turn on Google Calendar notifications – Get reminders for upcoming synced events so you don’t miss them.
• Re-sync periodically – If not automated, remember to re-import Facebook events occasionally to capture new ones.
• Check for duplicates – Review your Google Calendar to make sure important events haven’t been duplicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is syncing my Facebook events to Google Calendar safe?

Syncing services like Zapier and IFTTT are generally safe to use. They connect to Facebook and Google through official APIs and you have to explicitly grant permission for them to access your account data. However, always make sure to use a unique password for any third-party apps to limit exposure as much as possible.

Will all my Facebook events properly sync over to Google?

Most Facebook event details like name, date/time, location, and description should carry over. However, things like attached files, images, and attendee responses will often not transfer. The syncing isn’t always 100% complete but aims to get the key details.

Can I choose which Facebook event calendars to sync?

Yes, when setting up the integration you can usually select exactly which Facebook calendars or event types to copy into your Google Calendar. For example, you may decide to only sync your own events and not group events.

What happens if I delete a synced event?

If you delete a synced Facebook event on Google Calendar, most methods will not delete the original event on Facebook. However, with a 2-way sync like Zapier, deleting the event on either calendar will remove it from both places.

Can I sync multiple Facebook accounts to one Google calendar?

Unfortunately, no – you can only sync one Facebook account per integration. You’ll need to set up multiple integrations if you want to combine events from different Facebook accounts into one Google Calendar.

Conclusion

Syncing your Facebook events to Google Calendar is a great way to simplify your scheduling and get organized. Whether you want to use the mobile app, Zapier, IFTTT or manual importing, you have several good options to choose from.

Setting up event syncing takes just a few minutes and saves you time in the long run. Avoid double-booking yourself and make sure you never miss another event by connecting your Facebook and Google Calendars!