JUNE 20, 2025
How to Cancel a Google Calendar Event (Simple Steps)
Google Calendar
Whether you’re facing unforeseen circumstances, need to reschedule a critical meeting, or simply no longer need a time slot, knowing how to cancel a Google Calendar event is an essential skill for anyone using this powerful tool.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn the simple steps to cancel events from your Google Calendar—whether you’re on a desktop computer, mobile device, or using the Google Calendar app.
Why You Might Need to Cancel a Google Calendar Event
There are several valid reasons for cancelling meetings or events:
A recurring meeting is no longer needed.
You’re not the meeting organizer anymore.
There are changes to meeting rooms, phone numbers, or meeting invitations.
The event was added to the wrong primary calendar or secondary calendars.
You’ve made alternative arrangements or want to avoid clutter in your calendar list.
Regardless of the reason, cancelling a selected event is a straightforward process.
How to Cancel a Google Calendar Event on a Desktop
If you use Google Calendar on a desktop browser, follow these simple steps:
Open Google Calendar using your Google account.
Navigate to the upcoming events and click on the selected event.
In the pop-up window, click the trash icon at the top right corner of your screen.
If the event is a recurring event, choose whether to:
Delete this event only
Delete the entire series
Delete all future occurrences
If the event has event guests, a cancellation notification window will appear.
Add a cancellation message for clear communication (optional).
Click “Send” to notify guests via cancellation emails or “Don’t Send” to cancel silently.
The event will be moved to your calendar’s trash, allowing a safety net in case it was a deleted event by mistake.
Cancelling a Google Calendar Meeting on Mobile (Android or iPhone)
Cancelling a Google Calendar meeting on a mobile device is just as easy:
Open the Google Calendar app on your Android phone or iOS device.
Tap the event you want to cancel.
Tap the three-dot menu (usually in the upper right) or find the trash bin icon.
If it’s a recurring event, choose to cancel:
This event
All events in the series
Future events only
Tap “Send” to notify attendees or “Don’t send” to skip the notification.
This method works for single events, one-time meetings, and regular meetings.
What Happens After You Cancel a Google Calendar Event?
Once the cancellation is confirmed:
The deleted event is moved to the trash folder.
Meeting attendees receive cancellation emails if you choose to notify them.
Any associated Google Meet links or meeting recordings will no longer be accessible.
You can find canceled events in the calendar’s trash and use the restore icon if needed.
💡 Best practice: Always notify attendees, especially in shared calendars, to maintain effective communication and a well-organized schedule.
Bonus Tips for Managing Google Calendar Cancellations
Don’t want to cancel? Use the edit feature to adjust event details, such as the day event, end time, or time zone.
Use Google Workspace? Some premium features allow admins or virtual assistants to manage calendar entries more efficiently.
Canceling from a new calendar? Make sure you’re not on a default calendar or secondary calendar by checking the calendar list at the bottom of the page.
For past events, consider leaving them untouched unless you’re cleaning up for your future self.
For meetings with action items, follow up with a new invite after the cancellation process.
Conclusion
Cancelling a Google Calendar event doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s a recurring meeting or a one-time meeting, these simple steps help you keep your calendar up to date with ease.
Remember:
Use a desktop version or mobile app—whichever is most convenient.
Always review whether you’re canceling a single event or the entire series.
Communicate clearly with your event guests using a thoughtful cancellation message.
Your Google Calendar is a powerful tool—and knowing how to cancel events quickly helps you stay flexible, organized, and proactive in your planning.
Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only. This post should not be taken as therapy advice, financial advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to your own therapist or financial advisor before implementing this information on your own. Thank you!
