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Approximately 70% of smartphone users experience unsolicited calendar events. These unwanted entries often appear seemingly out of nowhere, causing confusion and frustration. The reason you keep getting events on your calendar often boils down to a few common culprits.

One major factor is the subscription to malicious or compromised calendars. Websites, particularly those offering "free" content or adult material, might prompt you to subscribe to a calendar that then floods your schedule with spam. Another source could be a compromised email account. If your password has been stolen, attackers may have added events to your calendar to spread scams or phish for information.

Finally, some apps or services may have unintentionally or intentionally added events. Always review the permissions granted to apps on your device, and scrutinize any calendar invitations from unknown senders, declining them immediately. Regular password changes and careful browsing habits are crucial for maintaining a clean, event-free calendar.

Expert opinions

Dr. Evelyn Reed – Calendar Conundrums: Why Your Calendar is Overbooked

Hello, I'm Dr. Evelyn Reed, a digital organization specialist and a seasoned observer of the quirks and complexities of our digital lives. I understand that recurring influx of unwanted calendar events can be incredibly frustrating. Let's break down the common reasons why your calendar seems to be on perpetual "event overload" and how you can regain control:

1. Subscriptions & Syncing Shenanigans:

• Subscription Services: This is probably the most common culprit. You might have inadvertently subscribed to a public calendar. Examples include:
  • Sports Schedules: Subscribing to your favorite team's schedule will automatically add game dates and times to your calendar.
  • Public Holiday Calendars: These automatically update with upcoming holidays.
  • Software Updates or Newsletters: Some services might add event reminders for updates or promotional events.
• Syncing Conflicts: If you use multiple devices and accounts (like a work account and a personal account), events might be syncing across them. Ensure you know where each event is originating and whether you want it on all your calendars.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Review Calendar Settings: Go to your calendar app's settings (e.g., Google Calendar settings, Outlook settings, Apple Calendar settings). Look for "subscribed calendars" or "calendars" and examine the list. Unsubscribe from anything you don't recognize or want.
  • Check "Reminders" within apps: Many apps have the feature to create reminders. Take the time to review each app you use for calendar and time management features.
  • Cross-Check Account Permissions: Review the permissions granted to various apps and websites. Sometimes, apps sneakily add events.

2. Shared Calendars & Collaborative Chaos:

• Shared Calendar Access: You might be a member of a shared calendar that others are updating. This is common in families, teams, or groups.
  • Family Calendars: Family members add events like appointments, school events, or social gatherings.
  • Work/Team Calendars: Colleagues may share calendars for meetings, deadlines, or project updates.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Ask the "owner": If you suspect a shared calendar, contact the person who created it to inquire about the events being added.
    • Hide or unsubscribe: Depending on the level of access the calendar creator allowed, you may have the option to hide or unsubscribe from unwanted calendars, while still being part of the shared group.

3. Spam & Phishing Attempts (Be Vigilant!):

• Malicious Calendar Invites: Unfortunately, spammers are now using calendar invites to distribute malicious content. They might send you fake event notifications with links. This is a serious threat.
  • Phishing Tactics: These events often have urgent or intriguing titles to lure you to click.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Never click suspicious links: If you receive an event from an unknown sender with an unfamiliar link, don't click it.
    • Report as Spam: Most calendar apps allow you to report suspicious events as spam. This helps protect you and others.
    • Review email account security: Set strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly check your email account security settings.

4. App Integrations and Notifications:

• Apps with Calendar Integration: Many apps automatically create calendar events.
  • Booking Services: When you book a flight, a doctor's appointment, or a restaurant reservation, a calendar event will automatically be created.
  • Social Media: Some social media platforms might add event reminders for birthdays or promoted events.
• Notifications Settings: Double-check your notification settings within the calendar app and in the app itself. You can configure how many notifications you receive and their level of urgency.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Review your app library: Take stock of the various apps you use, and identify which ones are most likely to interact with the calendar.
    • Disable unneeded app permissions: You can typically control which apps can access your calendar within your phone or device settings.

5. Human Error (It Happens!):

• Accidental Adds: Sometimes, we simply make mistakes! You might have accidentally agreed to a calendar invite, or tapped the wrong button.
• Forgotten Subscriptions: The most likely scenario is that you subscribed to a calendar in the past, and simply forgot about it.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Review and Edit: Go through your calendar entries regularly to clear out any unintentional entries.
    • Be mindful: Always review the sender and the content of calendar invites before accepting them.

In conclusion:

By systematically investigating these possibilities, you can identify the source of those persistent calendar entries and take the appropriate steps to stop them. Remember to regularly review your calendar settings, app permissions, and subscribed calendars. Stay vigilant against spam and always double-check the origins of event notifications. Taking these steps will help you reclaim control of your calendar and prevent unwanted clutter from disrupting your valuable time. Good luck, and happy organizing!

FAQ: Why Do I Keep Getting Events on My Calendar?

Q1: Am I subscribed to a shared calendar?
A1: Yes, you likely are! Check your calendar settings to see if you've subscribed to a public or shared calendar that's adding events.

Q2: Did I accidentally accept an event invitation?
A2: Possibly. Review your email inbox for event invitations. Sometimes, a single click can automatically add an event.

Q3: Are these events coming from a specific app or service?
A3: Yes, some apps integrate with your calendar to schedule reminders or upcoming events. Check app settings for calendar permissions.

Q4: Is my account compromised or synced to an unknown device?
A4: This is less likely, but change your password and review the devices logged into your account just in case. Make sure no suspicious devices have access.

Q5: Am I receiving spam calendar invites?
A5: It’s possible you have spam calendar invites. Report them to the calendar provider and consider adjusting your settings to filter these.

Q6: Is this related to travel bookings or subscriptions?
A6: Travel booking confirmations or subscription renewals often automatically populate your calendar. Check your confirmation emails or subscription accounts.

Q7: Is there a recurring event set up that you forgot about?
A7: Yes. Review your calendar for any recurring events you might have set up and forgotten about, that keep generating new entries.