Show Declined Events in Calendar App on iPhone & iPad

If you have ever declined an event invitation in the Calendar app on your iPhone or iPad, you may have noticed it disappears from your main calendar view. This guide shows you how to display declined events again, so you can review them, change your response, or add them back to your schedule. You only need your device and the Calendar app—no extra setup is required.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later (the steps are the same for older versions, but the menu wording may differ slightly).
• The Calendar app with at least one event you have previously declined.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Calendar app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the Calendars button at the bottom of the screen (on iPad, it is in the top-left corner).
3. In the pop-up or sidebar, look for the Show Declined Events toggle. It is usually located near the top, above the list of your calendars.
4. Toggle the switch to On (green). Declined events will now appear in your calendar view, but they will be grayed out and marked as declined.
5. If you want to hide them again, simply toggle the switch back to Off.
6. To see the details of a declined event, tap it. You will see the event’s information and a Change Availability or Edit option.
7. If you change your mind and want to accept the event, tap the event, then tap Edit (or the calendar icon), and change your response from Declined to Accepted or Maybe.

Common Mistakes

• Looking for the toggle in the wrong place: Some people search in the Settings app or the event details. The toggle only appears in the Calendars list, not in the main settings.
• Expecting declined events to appear in the same style: Declined events are intentionally grayed out and may have a strikethrough. They are not shown as regular events, so you might miss them if you are not looking carefully.
• Thinking the event is deleted: Declining an event does not delete it from your calendar. It just hides it by default. The toggle brings it back.
• Forgetting to refresh: If you toggle the switch and do not see the event immediately, try closing and reopening the Calendar app or switching to a different view (day, week, month).

Tips

• Use the search feature: If you have many declined events, use the search bar in the Calendar app to find a specific one by name or location.
• Combine with calendar filters: You can also uncheck or check individual calendars in the Calendars list to control what appears. This works alongside the declined events toggle.
• Review before the event date: If you declined an event but later want to attend, check the declined events list a few days before the original date to see if you have changed your mind.
• Use the event’s original invitation: If you declined an event from an email invitation, you can also reopen the original email and tap the calendar link to see your response options.

Troubleshooting

If you have followed the steps but declined events are still not showing, try these fixes:

• Check that you are looking at the right calendar: Make sure the calendar that contains the declined event is checked (visible) in the Calendars list. If the calendar is hidden, the event will not appear even with the toggle on.
• Restart the Calendar app: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher, then swipe the Calendar app away. Reopen it and try again.
• Restart your device: A simple restart often fixes temporary glitches in the Calendar app.
• Check for iOS updates: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it—this can fix bugs related to calendar display.
• If the toggle is missing: On some older iOS versions, the option is under Settings > Calendar > Show Declined Events. Check there if you do not see it in the Calendars list.
• If the event is still not visible: The event might have been deleted by the organizer, or you might have removed it manually. In that case, you cannot bring it back. Ask the organizer to resend the invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I see the Show Declined Events toggle?

The toggle is only available when you have at least one declined event in your calendar. If you have never declined an event, the toggle may not appear. Also, on older iOS versions, it might be in Settings > Calendar instead.

Will declined events still appear on my Mac or Apple Watch?

Yes, the setting syncs across your Apple devices using iCloud. If you enable it on your iPhone, it will also show declined events on your Mac (in the Calendar app’s preferences) and on your Apple Watch (if the calendar is set to show them).

Can I set declined events to show only for a specific calendar?

No, the toggle applies to all calendars at once. However, you can hide individual calendars by unchecking them in the Calendars list, which effectively hides declined events from those calendars.

What happens if I accept a declined event later?

When you change your response to Accepted, the event becomes a normal event on your calendar. It will no longer be grayed out, and you will receive updates from the organizer as usual.

Does showing declined events affect my availability for other events?

No, declined events are still marked as declined, so they do not count as busy time when others check your availability. They are only for your reference.

How do I permanently delete a declined event?

To delete a declined event, first enable Show Declined Events, then tap the event and choose Delete Event (or Remove). This removes it from your calendar entirely, and you will not be able to bring it back unless the organizer resends the invitation.

Related

• iOS 10 Annoying Features: 5 Fixes
• Laptop Battery Calibration: Accurate Power Guide
• Troubleshoot Slow Linux Server: Step-by-Step Fixes