Life moves fast, and it's easy to let important events slip through the cracks. With alerts in Calendars, you can make sure that never happens. Set a default alert that automatically applies to every new event, choose a custom sound that actually gets your attention, and stay on top of your schedule without ever having to think twice. With the free version of Calendars, you can set one default alert per event — and if you'd like even more control, upgrading to Calendars Pro unlocks up to five alerts per event. Here's how to set everything up on iOS and Mac.
Adding a default alert
A default alert is applied automatically to all newly created events, so you don't have to set one each time.
On iOS, you can follow these steps:
- Tap the three-line icon in the top left corner (skip this step on iPad).
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Alert Options.
- Tap Add Default Reminder.
On Mac, follow these steps:
- Click Calendars in the top left corner.
- Select Preferences.
- Click Alert Options.
- Click + to add a default reminder for events.
Turning on alarm sounds
By default, alerts may be silent. To get an audible alarm, you need to pick an alert sound and make sure system notifications are turned on for Calendars.
These are the steps on iOS devices.
First, choose an alert sound in the app:
- Open Calendars.
- Tap the three-line icon in the top left corner (skip this step on iPad).
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Alert Options.
- Select an alert sound instead of No Sound.
Then make sure notifications are enabled at the system level:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Notifications.
- Find and tap Calendars in the list.
- Enable Allow Notifications.
- Turn on any other notification options you want.
On Mac, use the following instructions:
First, choose an alert sound in the app:
- Open Calendars.
- Click Calendars in the top left corner.
- Select Alert Options.
- Choose an alert sound instead of No Sound.
Then enable system notifications:
- Open System Preferences.
- Click Notifications & Focus.
- Select Calendars from the list on the left.
- Turn on Allow Notifications and adjust the alert style as needed.
With a default alert and a sound in place, every new event will come with a built-in reminder — no more missed meetings or forgotten appointments.