You want events you create in Notion to appear in Apple Calendar and vice versa, without manual copying. Notion does not natively support two-way sync with Apple Calendar. This article explains the only reliable method to achieve this using a third-party automation service.
The core challenge is that Notion can only export its database entries as a read-only web feed. Apple Calendar cannot write back to Notion. To bridge this gap, you need a service that reads events from Apple Calendar and writes them into Notion, and a separate process to send Notion events to Apple Calendar.
We will walk through setting up a two-way sync using Zapier or Make, two automation platforms that connect both apps. You will learn how to configure triggers and actions so changes in one app update the other automatically.
Key Takeaways: Connecting Notion and Apple Calendar for Two-Way Sync
- Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat): The only practical way to sync events both ways between Notion and Apple Calendar.
- Notion Database with Date property: You must store events in a Notion database, not a simple page, so the automation can read and write date values.
- Apple Calendar URL feed: Provides a read-only view of your calendar events that the automation service can import into Notion.
Why Two-Way Sync Between Notion and Apple Calendar Is Difficult
Notion does not have a native calendar sync feature. Its calendar view is a database view that shows entries with a date property. Apple Calendar uses the CalDAV protocol for syncing, which Notion does not support. The only way to exchange data is through a third-party automation platform that can read and write to both services.
Apple Calendar offers a public URL feed in iCalendar format (.ics). This feed is read-only. You can import it into any service that accepts an iCalendar URL. The automation service will poll this feed periodically and create or update Notion database entries when it detects changes.
For the reverse direction, the automation service must be able to create events in Apple Calendar. Apple Calendar does not expose a direct API for third-party apps. However, you can use the Apple Calendar subscription URL trick or, more reliably, connect to Apple iCloud Calendar via the service’s built-in iCloud integration. Zapier and Make both offer iCloud Calendar modules that allow creating and updating events.
Steps to Set Up Two-Way Sync Using Zapier
This method uses two separate Zaps. One Zap sends new or updated Notion events to Apple Calendar. The other Zap imports new Apple Calendar events into Notion. You need a Zapier account with a paid plan to use the iCloud Calendar integration.
- Create a Notion database for events
Create a new database in Notion with at least these properties: Title (text), Date (date), Status (select), and any other fields you want. The Date property is required for the automation to work. - Connect Zapier to Notion
Go to Zapier and create a new Zap. Choose Notion as the trigger app. Select the trigger event “New Database Item” or “Updated Database Item.” Connect your Notion account and select the database you created. - Set up the Notion trigger
Configure the trigger to watch for new or updated items. Test the trigger to ensure Zapier can read your database. - Add the Apple Calendar action
Add a new action step. Choose “iCloud Calendar” as the app. Select the action event “Create Event” or “Update Event.” Connect your iCloud account using your Apple ID credentials. - Map the Notion fields to Apple Calendar fields
Map the Notion Title property to the event title. Map the Notion Date property to the start and end dates of the Apple Calendar event. You can also map other properties like location or description. Test the action to confirm it creates an event in your calendar. - Create the reverse Zap for Apple Calendar to Notion
Create a second new Zap. Choose “iCloud Calendar” as the trigger app. Select the trigger event “New Event” or “Updated Event.” Connect your iCloud account. - Set up the Notion action
Add an action step for Notion. Choose the action event “Create Database Item” or “Update Database Item.” Map the Apple Calendar event title to the Notion Title property and the calendar dates to the Notion Date property. Test and turn on the Zap.
Common Issues With Two-Way Sync and How to Avoid Them
Events Duplicate When Syncing Both Directions
If you create an event in Notion and it syncs to Apple Calendar, the reverse Zap may detect that new Apple Calendar event and create a duplicate in Notion. To prevent this, add a filter step in the reverse Zap. Use a filter that only proceeds if the event does not already exist in Notion. You can check by looking up the event by a unique ID stored in a Notion property.
Apple iCloud Calendar Connection Fails
Zapier’s iCloud Calendar integration may disconnect if you change your Apple ID password or enable two-factor authentication. Reconnect the integration in Zapier’s app settings. For two-factor authentication, generate an app-specific password from your Apple ID account page and use that in Zapier.
Notion Date Property Shows Wrong Time Zone
Notion stores dates in UTC. Apple Calendar uses your local time zone. When mapping date fields in Zapier, ensure you include the time zone offset. In the Zapier mapping interface, use the “Format Date” function to convert the date to the correct time zone before sending it to the other app.
Automation Runs Slowly or Misses Events
Free Zapier plans have a 15-minute polling interval. Paid plans can poll every 1 to 5 minutes. If you need near-real-time sync, upgrade your plan. Alternatively, use Make (Integromat) which offers faster execution on lower-tier plans.
Notion Calendar vs Apple Calendar: Key Differences
| Feature | Notion Calendar View | Apple Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Native sync with other calendars | No | Yes, via CalDAV and iCloud |
| Event reminders | Not supported natively | Customizable alerts |
| Recurring events | Limited (manual duplication needed) | Full support |
| Public sharing | Share database view | Publish iCalendar URL |
| Integration with task managers | Via Notion API | Via third-party apps |
| Offline access | Yes, on mobile apps | Yes, full offline support |
You can now set up a working two-way sync between Notion and Apple Calendar using Zapier or Make. Start by creating a dedicated Notion database for your events. Then configure the two Zaps as described. To avoid duplicates, always add a filter step in the reverse direction. For faster sync, consider using a paid automation plan or switching to Make for more frequent polling.