Why is fetch not working when syncing Google Calendar?

Question

Why is fetch not working when syncing Google Calendar?

I have a very weird issue on iPhone 7 with synchronizing Google Calendar with the built-in calendar app.

I have set the account to sync using the "Fetch" option and it is set to synchronize every 15 minutes. However, my calendar is only synchronized when I open the Calendar app.

During the day I work a lot in my Google Calendar and make a lot of changes. Then say I open the Calendar app on my iPhone in the afternoon, I can see my older calendar before the changes I made. Then after a few seconds it syncs and everything is fine.

The problem is of course that I enter new calendar entries during the day that I want to be reminded of. My only workaround this issue is to regularly open the Calendar app on iPhone so it syncs, but it does not make any sense.

I have also tried to add my Google Calendar account using CalDAV but the issue is the same. It is as if my iPhone does not fetch the data every 15 minutes in the background like it is supposed to do.

Do any of you guys have a workaround? I can use Google Calendar app, and it syncs just fine in the background. But I really prefer using the built-in Calendar app.

Thanks!

iPhone 7, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 23, 2016 6:37 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 20, 2017 3:23 PM in response to Arnchri

Hi Arnchri.

How do you know that "FETCH" option doesn't work with CalDAV or ICS subscription = Google Calendar?

Do you have any source for this info?

I was trying to solve this issue for app. 2 years - no clues found.

I hate opening my iPhone Calendar everytime I want to sync it. :-(

Thanks.

Jerry

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Answer 2

Mar 5, 2017 10:01 AM in response to The-Apple-User

"FETCH" option doesn't work with CalDAV or ICS subscription = Google Calendar. I have this problem since Google turned off Exchange option for free users. It looks like there is no solution as of yet. It is very sad that Google did that.

Reply

Answer 3

chuck_3rd

Community Specialist

Sep 24, 2016 1:01 PM in response to The-Apple-User

Hello The-Apple-User,
Congratulations on your iPhone 7! It's my understanding your Google Calendar hasn't been fetching information as expected. I know keeping up with calendar events can be an extremely part of everyday use. I'm here to help.
First, I recommend making sure this account is the default account for your Calendar app. Tap Settings > Calendar > Default Calendar. If the correct account is chosen and all settings are correct in Settings > Calendars, restart your iPhone. Use the following steps.

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears.

Drag the slider to turn your device completely off.

After the device turns off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until you see the Apple logo.

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities!

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Answer 4

Sep 28, 2016 5:33 AM in response to chuck_3rd

Hi Alex

Thanks for your reply. I have tried that, but it does not help. My calendar is only updated when I open the Calendar app. It is not fetched in the background every 15 minutes as it should be.

Do you have other suggestions on how to solve this? Thanks!

Reply

Answer 5

Arnchri

Level 1

8 points

Nov 16, 2016 11:24 AM in response to The-Apple-User

Hello,

I have the same behavior with a fetch frequency defined to 15 minutes and also 30 minutes. My calendar doesn't sync. I have to open it.

On the other hand, 1 hour works fine as fetch frequency. My calendar syncs in background as intented.

Best regards.

Reply

Answer 6

Arnchri

Level 1

8 points

Nov 23, 2016 11:23 PM in response to The-Apple-User

Hello,

I have more informations.

Fetch frequency works for an exchange account. On the other hand, it doesn't work with CalDAV or ICS subscription...

Best regards.

Reply

Answer 7

Arnchri

Level 1

8 points

Feb 20, 2017 11:10 PM in response to Jaroslav Hruska

Hi Jerry,

My Widget Calendar didn't refresh and my Apple Watch didn't too.

I had to open Calendar app to refresh them...

Since my answer, I have desactived the fetch option.

Regards,

Arnchri

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Answer 8

Mar 5, 2017 10:02 AM in response to Arnchri

Do you have any news about Google Calendat and its FETCH option? It is still not working for me. It is really distrubing that Google does not support thie feature on iOS. Thanks.

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Answer 9

May 30, 2017 1:30 PM in response to chuck_3rd

This doesn't solved the problem 😟

Reply

Answer 10

sifishe

Level 1

10 points

Nov 23, 2017 3:04 PM in response to The-Apple-User

So no resolution to this? Does anyone know for sure whether it's a Google issue or an Apple issue?

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