Switching from Google Calendar to Calendar.live — Step-by-Step Migration

Why migrate: You may want richer scheduling rules, better team features, or a focused calendar experience. This guide helps you move calendars while preserving event history, attendees, and recurring rules.

Migration is less about moving data and more about preserving context and habits.

Pre migration checklist

• Export a full ICS backup of your Google calendars
• Identify recurring events and confirm owners
• Notify team members of the migration window
• List integrations that depend on Google Calendar and prepare to reauthorize them

Step 1: Export from Google Calendar

Use Google Calendar settings to export calendars as an ICS file. For multiple accounts, repeat the process. Keep a local backup in case anything needs manual reconciliation.

Step 2: Import to Calendar.live

In Calendar.live, use the import function to upload the ICS file. Map event fields if prompted. Pay attention to time zones and recurring rule fidelity; verify a sample of events after import.

Step 3: Recreate shared availability

Shared calendars and team availability may need manual setup. Recreate team groups and assign permissions. Confirm that shared permissions match the original intent to avoid accidental exposure.

Step 4: Reauthorize integrations

Most third party apps require reauthorization after migration. Reconnect Zoom, Slack, and project tools. Test each integration to verify links and webhook triggers operate as expected.

Step 5: Verify recurring rules and exceptions

Recurring events sometimes translate imperfectly between systems. Spot check common events and ensure exceptions are preserved. For complex recurrence patterns, adjust directly in Calendar.live if necessary.

Step 6: Notify stakeholders and enable redirect

Notify colleagues and external partners of the migration. For public scheduling pages, update links. Consider keeping Google Calendar as read only for a transition period and forwarding new invites to the Calendar.live workspace to capture late changes.

Troubleshooting

• Missing attendees: Check ICS import details and cross reference email addresses.
• Time shifts: Verify time zone settings on both source and destination calendars.
• Duplicate events: If duplicates appear, use bulk delete tools and deduplication options in Calendar.live.

Post migration validation

Create a short checklist to validate: sample event accuracy, integration health, recurring rule consistency, and shared calendar permissions. Run the checklist with a small pilot group before full cutover.

Conclusion

Migration can be smooth if planned. Backup first, test with a small group, and keep communication open. Calendar.live provides import tools and support for larger migrations, and enterprise customers can request assisted migration for complex setups.