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Connecting Your Google Calendar

Connecting Your Google Calendar

Sync your Apprentice bookings with Google Calendar to prevent double-bookings and manage your schedule in one place.


Overview

Google Calendar integration keeps your Apprentice appointments synchronized with your personal or business Google Calendar. You can choose one-way or two-way synchronization, ensuring your bookings appear in your calendar app and existing calendar events block out time in Apprentice to prevent double-bookings.


Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Google Calendar Settings

  1. Log in to your Apprentice artist dashboard
  2. Navigate to Settings → Integrations
  3. Find the Google Calendar section
  4. Click Connect Google Calendar


Step 2: Authorize Apprentice

  1. A Google sign-in popup window opens
  2. Select the Google account you use for your calendar
  3. Review the permissions Apprentice requests:
    • View and manage your calendars
    • Create and update events
    • Receive notifications for calendar changes
  1. Click Allow to grant permissions


Note: Apprentice never accesses your email or other Google data—only calendar events.


Step 3: Select Which Calendar to Sync

  1. After authorization, you'll see a list of your Google Calendars
  2. Select the calendar you want to sync with Apprentice:
    • Primary calendar (most common)
    • Work calendar
    • Business calendar
    • Create a new "Tattoo Bookings" calendar (recommended)
  1. Click Select Calendar


Tip: Creating a dedicated "Tattoo Bookings" calendar helps separate work from personal events.


Step 4: Choose Sync Direction

Select how you want calendars to synchronize:

One-Way Sync: Apprentice → Google Calendar

  • Apprentice bookings appear in Google Calendar
  • Google Calendar events do NOT block Apprentice availability
  • Best for: Artists who only manage tattoo bookings in Apprentice


  • Apprentice bookings appear in Google Calendar
  • Google Calendar events block availability in Apprentice
  • Best for: Artists with other commitments (conventions, personal appointments)


Select your preferred option and click Next.


Step 5: Configure Sync Settings

Customize how bookings appear in your calendar:


  1. Event Title Format: Choose how bookings are labeled:
  • "Tattoo Session with [Client Name]"
  • "[Client Name] - [Tattoo Style]"
  • "Appointment: [Project Name]"
  • Custom format (enter your own template)


  1. Event Color: Choose a color for tattoo bookings in Google Calendar


  1. Include Details: Toggle options to include in event descriptions:
  • Client contact information
  • Tattoo style and placement
  • Deposit status
  • Design images
  • Appointment notes


  1. Buffer Time: Add extra time before/after bookings in Google Calendar:
  • 15 minutes before (for setup)
  • 15 minutes after (for cleanup)


  1. Click Save Settings


Step 6: Test the Integration

  1. Go to your Booking Calendar in Apprentice
  2. Create a test appointment or select an existing one
  3. Open your Google Calendar in a new tab
  4. Verify the appointment appears with correct details
  5. If using two-way sync, create a test event in Google Calendar
  6. Return to Apprentice and verify that time is now blocked


Step 7: Enable Notifications (Optional)

  1. In Google Calendar settings, click Notification Preferences
  2. Choose notification timing for tattoo bookings:
    • 1 day before
    • 1 hour before
    • Custom timing
  1. Select notification method:
    • Email
    • Mobile push notification
    • Both
  1. Click Save Notifications


Tips

  • Two-way sync is powerful: It prevents double-bookings by blocking out time for personal appointments, conventions, and travel
  • Use a dedicated calendar: Create a "Tattoo Bookings" calendar for cleaner organization
  • Set up mobile notifications: Get reminders on your phone for upcoming appointments
  • Include buffer time: Adding 15-30 minutes before/after bookings helps with prep and cleanup
  • Test thoroughly: Create a test booking and verify it appears correctly before relying on the integration
  • Sync delays: Allow 1-2 minutes for bookings to appear in Google Calendar


Common Issues

  • Issue: Authorization popup is blocked → Solution: Allow popups from Apprentice in your browser settings. Look for a popup blocker icon in the address bar and click "Always allow popups from apprentice.com."


  • Issue: Bookings aren't appearing in Google Calendar → Solution: Verify you selected the correct calendar. Check that sync direction is set properly. Wait 2-3 minutes for sync to complete. Disconnect and reconnect the integration if issues persist.


  • Issue: Google Calendar events aren't blocking Apprentice availability → Solution: Make sure you selected "Two-Way Sync" not "One-Way Sync." Verify the calendar you're adding events to is the same one connected to Apprentice.


  • Issue: I need to disconnect Google Calendar → Solution: Go to Settings → Integrations → Google Calendar and click "Disconnect." Your existing appointments remain in both calendars but won't sync new changes.


  • Issue: Sync stopped working suddenly → Solution: Check if you revoked permissions in your Google Account settings. Reconnect the integration by clicking "Connect Google Calendar" again.


  • Issue: Events are duplicating in Google Calendar → Solution: You may have connected multiple Apprentice accounts to the same calendar, or sync may be configured incorrectly. Disconnect the integration, manually delete duplicate events, and reconnect with correct settings.


Updated on: 16/01/2026

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