Deleted a Google Calendar event by mistake? Google Calendar keeps deleted events in a Trash for 30 days, so you can see them and restore them with a couple of clicks. The catch is that Trash is only available on the web, not in the mobile app. This guide shows how to find deleted events, restore or permanently delete them, and what to do if an event is not in the Trash.
Quick Answer
On a computer, open Google Calendar, click the Settings gear in the top-right corner, and choose Trash. Select the events you want back and click Restore (the circular arrow). Deleted events stay in Trash for about 30 days.
Step-by-Step: View Deleted Events
- Go to Google Calendar in a web browser on a computer and sign in.
- Click the Settings gear icon at the top right.
- Click Trash.
- You will see events deleted from your primary calendar in the last 30 days, with the date each was deleted.
To see deleted events from another calendar you own, hover over that calendar in the left pane, click the three-dot menu, choose Settings and sharing, and look for its Trash option, or switch calendars from the dropdown at the top of the Trash page if shown.
Restore Deleted Events
- In Trash, check the box next to each event you want to recover.
- Click Restore selected events (circular arrow icon) at the top, or hover over one event and click its restore icon.
The events return to your calendar at their original time. Guests may not automatically be re-invited, so check the event and resend invitations if needed.
Permanently Delete Events
- Select events and click Delete forever (trash can icon).
- Click Empty trash to remove everything at once.
Once permanently deleted, events cannot be restored.
Can I See Deleted Events on My Phone?
The Google Calendar app for Android and iPhone does not include a Trash view. On your phone, open a browser, go to Google Calendar, and switch to the desktop site (in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu and check Desktop site). Then follow the steps above.
What If the Event Is Not in the Trash?
| Situation | Why | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Deleted more than 30 days ago | Trash items are removed automatically | Check email invitations or other devices for event details |
| You were a guest, not the organizer | The organizer deleted or canceled it | Check your email for the cancellation and ask the organizer |
| Event was on a shared calendar | Only people with permission can see that calendar's Trash | Ask the calendar owner to check |
| Event was synced from another app | Outlook, Apple Calendar, or other apps may have removed it | Check the source app's deleted items |
| Work or school account | Admin policies may apply | Your Google Workspace admin may be able to help |
Tips to Avoid Losing Events
- Export your calendar regularly: go to Settings > Import & export > Export to download a backup.
- Use Undo: right after deleting, click Undo in the notice at the bottom of the screen.
- Be careful with repeating events: when deleting, choose This event rather than All events unless you mean it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do deleted Google Calendar events stay in Trash?
About 30 days, after which they are permanently removed.
Can I restore a canceled meeting I was invited to?
Only the organizer can restore it from their Trash. You can ask them to restore and resend the invitation.
Does restoring an event notify guests?
Not always. Open the event and send an update if guests need to know.
Can I see a history of changes to an event?
Google Calendar does not show a full edit history for personal accounts. Workspace admins may have audit logs.
Summary
- Open Google Calendar on the web.
- Click Settings (gear) > Trash.
- Select events and click Restore.
- Remember that Trash keeps events for about 30 days and is not available in the mobile app.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.