.ics file can’t import to Calendar

When downloading and opening an .ics file, it shows the event information. However, there is no option to add or import to my calendar. This is on the iPhone 15 and updated iOS as of 1/1/2025.


The only workaround I have found is adding it to my Gmail or Outlook calendars. Since I have those setup to also appear in the Calendar app, it shows up as events from those calendars.


Seeing the repeated unresolved issues related to this with Apple, I’d say it’s a deficiency in programming with iOS or the Calendar app. Google and Microsoft seem to have this figured out.


I will continue adding the .ics file to those other vendor calendars to show up on my phone, but do suggest Apple update this in a future Calendar app version.


Thank you!

iPhone 15, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 1, 2025 10:09 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 7, 2025 02:24 AM

I finally figured out how to do this. Just takes two steps.


  1. Save the .ics to Files.
  2. In the Files app tap and hold the .ics file to grab it, then while still holding the file with one finger, switch to the Calendar app and drop the .ics file there.


It’s bizarre though that there’s no way to do this directly from the share sheet.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 7, 2025 02:24 AM in response to WVUSquirrelRFL

I finally figured out how to do this. Just takes two steps.


  1. Save the .ics to Files.
  2. In the Files app tap and hold the .ics file to grab it, then while still holding the file with one finger, switch to the Calendar app and drop the .ics file there.


It’s bizarre though that there’s no way to do this directly from the share sheet.

Jan 7, 2025 11:18 PM in response to WVUSquirrelRFL

In iOS 18, Apple made it impossible to open and save the .ics files (iCal files) directly on the iPhones.


These files are often received from dentists, companies, and many other organizations, and contain important appointment information. Despite Google and Microsoft being able to process these files without any issues, Apple has chosen not to support this.

For sure Apple has not correctly tested the support of this .ics basic calendar feature in its latest release.


This lack of Apple IOS support makes calendar management, a core functionality of the iPhone, difficult and frustrating for many users. Many users believe that Apple should revisit and resolve this basic functionality in a future update.

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.ics file can’t import to Calendar

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