Change default calendar app in iOS 17

I'm new to using iPhone/iOS. I want to change the default calendar app to be Proton Calendar.


I see there used to be a way to change the default calendar app prior to iOS 17, but since 17 came out that option is missing. It used to be in Settings, Calendar, default calendar.


Is there a way to change the default calendar app? When I open an ICS file it defaults to Apple's own Calendar app.

iPhone SE, iOS 17

Posted on Dec 19, 2023 01:55 PM

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Posted on Dec 19, 2023 02:04 PM

The setting you're talking about, Settings>Calendar>Default Calendar still exists under iOS 17. It just doesn't do what you think it does. It does not change the default calendar app. It changes the particular calendar (e.g. Work, Home, Holiday), that new appointments get added to. To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a way to change the default app.


You could try seeing what happens if you delete Apple's Calender app.

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Dec 19, 2023 02:04 PM in response to IsJustaUsername

The setting you're talking about, Settings>Calendar>Default Calendar still exists under iOS 17. It just doesn't do what you think it does. It does not change the default calendar app. It changes the particular calendar (e.g. Work, Home, Holiday), that new appointments get added to. To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a way to change the default app.


You could try seeing what happens if you delete Apple's Calender app.

Dec 22, 2023 01:37 PM in response to IsJustaUsername

It's probably not an option because you only have one calendar file or one calendar account. I don't know for sure. In the Calendar app, tap on the word "Calendars" in the bottom center of the screen. What do you see? How many calendars are listed? How many accounts?


But, even if it was there, as I explained above, it doesn't do what you want it to do. It will still not set a default calendar app.

Apr 12, 2024 10:46 AM in response to IsJustaUsername

I think, like with mail, this IS an option under calendar settings in the French version of iOS 17. The EU is somewhat anti-bundling. I’ll check my girlfriend’s phone but one option might be to set it up in another region where this flexibility is allowed by Apple. Note that if you set your default calendar to an EXCHANGE calendar it will enter events there and iCal will mirror them. That’s what I do and it works well!

Apr 12, 2024 11:49 AM in response to devin91

devin91 wrote:

I think, like with mail, this IS an option under calendar settings in the French version of iOS 17. The EU is somewhat anti-bundling. I’ll check my girlfriend’s phone but one option might be to set it up in another region where this flexibility is allowed by Apple. Note that if you set your default calendar to an EXCHANGE calendar it will enter events there and iCal will mirror them. That’s what I do and it works well!

If you are setting the default calendar to "Exchange" you are choosing the default account you want appointments entered to. But it still has nothing to do with choosing a default calendar app (e.g. Proton, Fantastical, Week Cal).

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Change default calendar app in iOS 17

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