How to Add an Email to Google Calendar

When an email contains a meeting, reservation or deadline, adding it to Google Calendar keeps it from slipping through the cracks. Gmail can create a calendar event straight from an email, copying the subject and message into the event. Google Calendar can also add flight, hotel and restaurant reservations from Gmail automatically. This guide covers both, plus how to handle email from Outlook and other accounts.

Quick Answer

Open the email in Gmail on a computer, click the More (⋮) button at the top, and choose Create event. Google Calendar opens a new event with the email’s subject and text. Set the date and time, add guests if needed, and click Save.

Method 1: Create an Event From an Email in Gmail

1. Open the email in Gmail on a computer.
2. Click More (the three dots) in the toolbar above the message.
3. Click Create event.
4. A Google Calendar event opens with the email subject as the title and the message in the description; people on the email may be added as guests.
5. Set the date and time, add a location or video link, and choose notifications.
6. Click Save. If guests are included, choose whether to send them invitations.

Method 2: Automatic Events From Gmail

Google Calendar can add events like flights, hotel stays, concert tickets and restaurant reservations from Gmail confirmations.

1. Open Google Calendar on a computer and click the gear > Settings.
2. Under General > Events from Gmail, check Show events automatically created by Gmail in my calendar.

Your Gmail Smart features must be turned on (Gmail settings > General) for this to work.

Method 3: On iPhone or Android

The Gmail app doesn’t have a Create event option. Instead:

• Tap an underlined date or time in the email (on some phones) to create an event.
• Or copy the details, open the Google Calendar app, tap + > Event, and paste them into the description.
• On iPhone, Apple’s Mail app detects dates and offers Add to Calendar, which can use your Google Calendar if it’s added in Settings.

Method 4: Emails From Outlook or Other Accounts

• Forward the email to your Gmail address and use Create event.
• Open meeting invitations (.ics files) in Google Calendar: in Calendar, go to Settings > Import & export and import the .ics file.
• Outlook users can also add their Google Calendar to Outlook and create events there.

Tips

• Add the email’s link to the event description so you can find the original message later.
• Use Add to Tasks (in the same Gmail menu) for deadlines without a specific time.
• Set two reminders (for example, a day before and an hour before) for important events.

Events you add get your calendar’s default reminder. Here’s how to change the default notification time.

For coursework, see how to add your Canvas calendar to Google Calendar.

Related: How to Create a Google Calendar Invite.

Troubleshooting

• No Create event option: you’re in the mobile app or using an older Gmail layout. Use Gmail on a computer.
• Automatic events not appearing: turn on Smart features in Gmail and Events from Gmail in Calendar; not every email format is recognized.
• Wrong time zone: check the time zone in Calendar settings and in the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the email attachment get added to the event?

Not automatically. Attach files from Google Drive in the event using the paperclip icon.

Can I add emails to calendar in bulk?

Not with built-in tools; create events one at a time or use automation tools.

Does this work with Google Workspace accounts?

Yes, unless your administrator has turned off Calendar or Smart features.

Summary

1. Open the email in Gmail on a computer.
2. Click More > Create event.
3. Set the date, time and guests, then Save.
4. Turn on Events from Gmail for automatic reservations.