Help Center
Getting started
Install Sift on iPhone, connect iCloud and Google calendars, and create your first filtered calendar view.
Requirements
- iPhone running iOS 26 or later
- At least one calendar synced to Apple Calendar (iCloud, Google, Outlook, or Exchange)
1. Install and open Sift
Download Sift from the App Store. No sign-up — it works with your existing calendars the moment you open it.
2. Allow calendar access
On first launch, iOS asks for full calendar access. Sift needs this to match events against your views. Everything stays on your device; nothing is sent to a server.
You can revoke access anytime in Settings → Privacy & Security → Calendars.
3. Create a view
A view is a saved set of rules for what you want to see coming — keywords, calendars, time of day, and more.
- Tap Add View on the Views screen.
- Name the view (e.g. “Work meetings”, “Therapy”, “Holiday countdown”).
- Pick calendars and keywords that define what belongs in this view.
- Save — Sift starts matching automatically.
The free tier includes up to three views. Sift Plus removes that limit.
4. Add a widget (optional)
Long-press the Home Screen → Edit → Add Widget → choose Sift. Pick a view and a style (Card or Countdown). The widget shows the next matching event and counts down in real time.
5. Smart Setup
Smart Setup scans your calendar and suggests views you might want. You can run it during onboarding or later from Settings. Accept the suggestions you like, edit the rest, or skip and build views yourself.