Delete the event or just yourself from it
When you cancel an event on Google Calendar, you have two choices: delete the event entirely so no one sees it, or remove yourself from it while leaving it on other people's calendars. Which one you do depends on whether you organised the event or were just invited to it.
If you created the event, deleting it removes it from everyone's calendar and sends them a cancellation notice. If you were invited and just want out, you can decline the invitation or remove yourself — the event stays on other people's calendars, but you're no longer listed as attending.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're on a computer or phone, and whether the event repeats.
Key Takeaways
- On a computer, right-click the event and select "Delete" to remove it entirely, or click the event and choose "No" to decline without deleting it.
- On a phone, tap the event, then tap the trash icon to delete it or tap "Going" to change your response.
- If the event repeats, Google Calendar asks whether you want to delete only this occurrence or all future ones.
- When you delete an event you created, all guests receive a cancellation email automatically.
- Declining an invitation does not delete the event — it only removes you from the guest list and changes your status to "No".
Cancelling an event you created on a computer
Open Google Calendar in your web browser. Find the event you want to cancel by looking at the calendar view or searching for it by name.
Right-click on the event. A menu appears with several options. Click "Delete" (or "Delete event" depending on your version). If the event repeats — for example, a weekly meeting — Google Calendar asks whether you want to delete "This event" or "All events" in the series. Choose which one applies to you.
Once you confirm the deletion, the event disappears from your calendar and from the calendars of everyone you invited. Google Calendar automatically sends each guest an email saying the event has been cancelled. You do not need to send a separate message.
Cancelling an event you created on a phone or tablet
Open the Google Calendar app. Tap the event you want to cancel. The event details open in a panel or full screen.
Tap the trash icon (usually at the bottom or top right of the screen). Confirm that you want to delete it. If the event repeats, you'll see options to delete "This event" or "All events" — choose the one you need.
The event is removed from all calendars, and cancellation emails go out to your guests automatically.
Declining an invitation without deleting the event
If you were invited to an event but did not create it, you can decline without deleting it. The event stays on other people's calendars, but your status changes to "No" and you're removed from the attendee list.
On a computer: Click the event to open it. Look for the response buttons — usually "Yes", "Maybe", and "No". Click "No". The event disappears from your calendar, and the organiser is notified that you declined.
On a phone: Tap the event. Tap the button that currently shows your response (usually "Going" or "Interested"). A menu appears with response options. Tap "No" or "Decline". The event is removed from your calendar.
What happens when you cancel a repeating event
If an event repeats — daily, weekly, monthly, or on a custom schedule — Google Calendar gives you a choice when you delete it. You can delete only the single occurrence (for example, just next Tuesday's meeting) or delete the entire series (all future occurrences).
Choose "This event" if you want to cancel only one instance — for example, if a weekly team meeting is cancelled next week but will happen again the week after. Choose "All events" if the entire series is being cancelled and should not appear on anyone's calendar going forward.
If you delete only one occurrence of a repeating event, guests still receive a cancellation notice for that specific date.
Editing an event instead of deleting it
Sometimes you do not want to cancel an event entirely — you want to change the time, date, or other details. You can edit without deleting.
On a computer: Right-click the event and select "Edit event". Make your changes and click "Save". If the event repeats, you'll choose whether the change applies to this event only or all events in the series. Guests are notified of the change.
On a phone: Tap the event, then tap the pencil icon to edit. Make your changes and tap "Save". Again, you can apply changes to one event or the whole series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a deleted event?
Google Calendar does not have an undo button for deleted events. If you delete an event by mistake, you'll need to recreate it manually. For repeating events, if you deleted only one occurrence, the rest of the series remains intact.
Do guests get notified when I decline an invitation?
Yes. When you click "No" to decline, the organiser receives a notification that you are not attending. The event itself is not deleted — only your response changes.
What if I delete an event but the organiser adds it back?
If you delete an event from your calendar but the organiser recreates it or sends a new invitation, it will appear on your calendar again. You can decline or delete it again at that time.
Can I cancel just my attendance without the organiser knowing?
No. When you decline an invitation or remove yourself from an event, the organiser is notified. There is no way to silently remove yourself from someone else's event.
What if I'm the organiser but want to remove only myself from the event?
If you created the event but no longer want to attend, you can remove yourself as a guest, but the event remains on other people's calendars. Click the event, find your name in the guest list, and remove it. The event is not deleted — only your attendance status changes.