On September 20, 2024, Google introduced a new feature in its Calendar app, allowing Android users to manually add birthdays. Previously, the birthdays displayed in Google Calendar were limited to information from Google Contacts. This update gives users more flexibility in managing birthdays, offering a solution for recording birthdays not stored in Google Contacts.

The feature will roll out to all Android users within the next few weeks and will eventually be available on iOS and the web versions of Google Calendar.

Overview of the New Feature: Manually Add Birthdays

The newly introduced manual birthday entry feature in Google Calendar’s Android version allows users to individually set birthdays. Previously, the Calendar app displayed birthdays based solely on Google Contacts data. Now, users can manage birthdays just like other events by selecting the newly available “Birthday” chip during the event creation process.

This feature is not limited to personal Google accounts; it will also be available for Google Workspace users. By enabling manual birthday entry, users can record important birthdays even if the information is not available in their contacts. Android users can expect to access this feature within the next few weeks.

Customizable Notifications and Visuals

When adding a birthday to Google Calendar, users will have several customization options. They can set reminders to notify them about upcoming birthdays, either on the day of the event or a day prior. Additionally, birthday events will be assigned a special cover graphic and categorized under the “Birthday” section automatically.

Users can also customize the color of birthday events, allowing them to visually distinguish these from other events and tasks. This feature is especially useful for users who value visual customization and those who want to avoid missing important events. For businesses, setting reminders for client or partner birthdays can help foster stronger relationships.

API Updates for Developers

Alongside this update, Google Calendar’s API will introduce changes to accommodate birthday-related events. Developers can now create or retrieve birthday-specific events using the new “birthday” event type. Through the Calendar API’s “Events.list” or “Events.watch” functions, developers will be able to filter and retrieve only birthday events. However, certain properties may not be supported for birthday events, so developers should review and adjust their code accordingly.

This change benefits both personal users and businesses by streamlining the management of birthday events within the Google Workspace ecosystem.

Future Rollout and Platform Compatibility

The manual birthday entry feature will initially roll out on Android but will soon be available on iOS and the web versions of Google Calendar. Android users will receive access to the feature within weeks, with iOS and web users following shortly after.

Google Workspace users, including businesses and entrepreneurs, will also benefit from the feature’s functionality. As a result, all users, regardless of the platform they use, will have a unified method for managing birthdays. Google Calendar will continue to expand its functionality, differentiating itself from other event management tools in the market.