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Getting started

Requirements

  • iPhone running iOS 26 or later
  • At least one calendar synced to Apple Calendar (iCloud, Google, Outlook, or Exchange)
  • Apple Watch optional, the watch app syncs from iPhone

Installing Sift

Sift is currently in beta. Install it from the TestFlight beta. No sign-up required. It works with your existing calendars the moment you open it.

On first launch, Sift walks you through Welcome, Calendar Access, optional Smart Setup, and a prompt to add a widget. You can skip Smart Setup and build views manually anytime.

Granting calendar access

On first launch, iOS asks for full calendar access. Sift needs this to read event titles, notes, locations, and attendees so it can match events against your views. Sift does not create or modify calendar events.

Everything stays on your device; nothing is sent to a server.

If you denied access:

  1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Calendars.
  2. Enable Sift.

Or tap the link inside Sift. It deep-links to the same iOS Settings screen.

Creating your first view

A view is a saved set of rules for what you want to see coming: calendars, keywords, date range, and optional advanced rules.

  1. Tap Add View on the Views screen.
  2. Name the view (e.g. “Work meetings”, “Therapy”, “Holiday countdown”).
  3. Pick calendars and keywords that define what belongs in this view.
  4. Save, Sift starts matching automatically.

The free tier includes up to three views. Sift Plus removes that limit.

Smart Setup

Smart Setup scans your calendar on-device and suggests views you might want. Run it during onboarding or later from Settings → Preferences → Smart Setup. Accept the suggestions you like, edit the rest, or skip and build views yourself.

Add a widget (optional)

Long-press the Home Screen → Edit → Add Widget → choose Sift. Pick a widget type, select a view, and configure Time Display and Background. See Widgets for every size and style.

Next steps