Introduction
Do you find yourself constantly juggling between work, personal, and social commitments? Having a well-organized calendar is key, and as part of that organization you may prefer that the first day of your week in Google Calendar is set to a specific day. By default, Google Calendar sets the first day of the week to Sunday, but you have the option to change it to also be Saturday or Monday. In this article I’ll show you how to change the first day of the week in both the Google Calendar mobile and desktop apps.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Change the First Day of the Week in Google Calendar Mobile App
- Open the Google Calendar app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. You’ll land on your Google Calendar home screen.
- Tap the “Menu” icon at the top of the screen. A menu opens.

- Tap “Settings” in the list of options. The Settings screen is displayed.

- Tap “General” in this menu. The General screen is shown.

- Tap “Start of the Week” in this list. A menu opens where you’ll see options for setting the start of the week to be either Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

- Tap the day you want to be your first day of the week in Google Calendar. In this example, I’ll choose Monday.

You’ll be routed back to the General screen, where you can see your new first day of the week is set. Your change will be effective immediately.

Steps to Change the First Day of the Week in Google Calendar Web App
- Open a web browser, navigate to Workspace.Google.com/Products/Calendar, and then log into your Google account if prompted. You’ll land on your Google Calendar home screen.
- Click the “Settings” icon at the top of this screen to open a menu, and then click “Settings.” The Settings screen is displayed.

- Click “View Options” in the menu on the left side of the screen. The corresponding menu will be shown on the right side of the screen.

- Find the View Options section on the right side of the screen, and then click “Start Week On” in that section to open a drop-down menu. A menu opens where you’ll see options for setting the start of the week to be either Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

- Click the day you want to be your first day of the week in Google Calendar. In this example, I’ll choose Monday. Your change will be effective immediately, and now when you navigate back to your Google Calendar, you’ll see your newly selected date as the first day of the week.

Reasons to Change the First Day of the Week in Google Calendar
1. Cultural or Religious Practices
Different cultures and religions perceive weeks differently. In many Middle Eastern countries, the week starts with Friday due to Islamic traditions. In Christian practices, Sunday signifies a day of rest. Changing the first day of the week in Google Calendar helps users align their schedules with their religious or cultural beliefs, fostering a sense of connection and continuity. Adjusting to local customs also fosters a sense of belonging, especially for those living in foreign lands.
2. Work Schedule
A traditional Monday to Friday work schedule doesn’t fit everyone. Some professions operate on weekends, making Tuesday or Wednesday their effective start of the week. By customizing their Google Calendar’s start day, professionals can visualize their unique work schedules better. This adjustment helps them plan efficiently, manage tasks, and maintain a work-life balance tailored to their rhythm.
3. Academic Calendar
Educational institutions, especially in diverse regions, may not follow the standard Monday start. A university might begin its academic week on Sunday, or a school might operate six days a week. By altering the Google Calendar’s first day, students and educators can better align with academic rhythms. This synchronization aids in tracking assignments, lectures, and other academic events.
4. Personal Preference
Sometimes, personal choice determines how one views the week. Some individuals might feel more productive or motivated by starting their week on a Wednesday or Thursday. Adjusting the calendar day isn’t just about schedules; it’s about personal comfort. It’s about defining one’s week based on personal rhythms, moods, and motivations.
5. Project Management
Projects often have timelines that don’t adhere to standard weeks. A project might kick off midweek or require regular check-ins every ten days. Changing the first day of the week in Google Calendar can help project managers align with these unique milestones. This alignment ensures clarity, aids in tracking progress, and keeps team members on the same page.
6. Aligning with International Partners
Global collaboration means working across time zones and weekly schedules. A business in the US might partner with a firm in the Middle East, where weeks start on Friday. Adjusting the calendar ensures seamless coordination. It minimizes confusion, ensures timely communication, and respects international work culture differences.
7. Travel
Frequent travelers, especially business travelers, might move between countries with varied weekly starts. By adjusting their calendar’s start day, they can remain synchronized with local practices. This simple change aids in scheduling meetings, planning outings, or just acclimating to a new locale’s rhythm.
8. Tracking Habits or Activities
Habit formation often revolves around consistency. Someone might begin a fitness regimen every Wednesday or start a reading challenge on Fridays. Tailoring the Google Calendar’s start day to these activities offers a clear visual cue. It motivates consistency, tracks progress, and offers a satisfying visual of commitment.
9. Mental Shift or Fresh Perspective
Routine can sometimes lead to stagnation. A minor change, like altering the calendar’s start day, can offer a fresh perspective. It disrupts the mundane, challenges old patterns, and encourages individuals to view their weeks differently. This mental shift can invigorate creativity, productivity, and overall enthusiasm.
10. Custom Planning Periods
Not all planning operates on a seven-day cycle. Some might plan in ten-day sprints or bi-weekly chunks. Adapting the calendar’s first day to these custom cycles ensures efficient planning. It allows users to view their time blocks clearly, allocate tasks effectively, and ensure no overlap or oversight occurs.