Guides

How to add an ICS file to your calendar

The short answer: open the .ics file with a calendar importer, choose the calendar you want, and confirm the events before adding them.

Fast answer

An .ics file is a calendar event file. To add it to your calendar, download the file, use the import option for your calendar app, choose the destination calendar, and confirm the import. On iPhone and iPad, ICSKit gives you a clearer flow because you can select the file from Files and preview the events before adding them.

Get ICSKit on the App Store

Add an ICS file on iPhone or iPad

  1. Save the .ics attachment or download to the Files app.
  2. Open ICSKit.
  3. Tap Add ICS to Calendar and select the file.
  4. Review the imported events, dates, times, and time zones.
  5. Choose the destination calendar and tap Add.

Add an ICS file in Google Calendar

  1. Open Google Calendar in a desktop browser.
  2. Go to Settings and then Import & export.
  3. Select the .ics file from your computer.
  4. Choose the destination calendar and click Import.

Add an ICS file in Outlook

In Outlook on the web, use Add calendar and then Upload from file. In Outlook desktop, use File, Open & Export, and Import/Export, then choose the iCalendar file option.

Add an ICS file in Apple Calendar on Mac

  1. Open the Calendar app on your Mac.
  2. Choose File and then Import.
  3. Select the .ics file.
  4. Choose the destination calendar and confirm.

If the ICS file will not import

  • Check that the file ends in .ics, not a renamed PDF, HTML, or ZIP file.
  • Try saving the file locally first instead of opening it directly from an email preview.
  • Review whether the event is in a different time zone.
  • If the file contains many recurring events, try a dedicated importer before assuming the file is broken.

FAQ

How do I add an ICS file to my calendar?

Save the ICS file, open the import option in your calendar app, choose the file, select the destination calendar, then confirm the import. On iPhone, ICSKit lets you preview the events first.

Can I add an ICS file to iPhone Calendar?

Yes. Save the ICS file to Files, open ICSKit, select the file, review the events, and tap Add. Events are added to the calendar you choose in the app.

Should I import an ICS file or subscribe to an ICS calendar URL?

Import an ICS file for a fixed set of events. Subscribe to an ICS calendar URL when the calendar owner will publish future updates.

Related guides