How to Setup a Default View in Zoho Calendar

What is a Default View

“Default view” refers to the calendar layout (or mode) that Zoho Calendar opens to when you log in or refresh the page. For example, you might prefer that each time you go to your calendar it shows the Week view, or the Day view, or perhaps the Agenda list view.

Having a default ensures consistency: every time you load your calendar, you don’t have to switch manually to your preferred view. Zoho offers a number of possible views (Day, Week, Work Week, Month, Agenda, Year) and lets you choose which one you prefer as the default.

When you refresh your browser or reopen Zoho Calendar, the interface returns to the view you selected as default.  Thus, setting your default view helps you work more efficiently, by always starting in your preferred mode.

Why You’d Want to Control the Default View

Here are several reasons it’s useful to set your default calendar view:

1. Personal preference / workflow
   Different users think in different time frames. If you mostly plan by day, Day view is more helpful. If you always think in weekly blocks, Week view will feel more natural. Setting your preference as default reduces friction.
2. Visual consistency
   Without a default, you may end up in different views at random times (month view, agenda, etc.), which may disrupt your mental flow. A consistent default helps you land where you expect.
3. Faster navigation
   If your default is already what you want, you spend less time clicking view switches each session.
4. Onboarding / team norms
   If you train or share calendars with others, having everyone use the same default view reduces confusion in screenshots, documentation, or shared workflows.
5. Browser reload behavior
   Because Zoho returns to default view on refresh, it’s beneficial to have that mode be the one you work in most often.

Given these benefits, it’s practical to configure the default view once and let it stay set.

How to Set the Default View in Zoho Calendar (Web / Desktop)

Here is a step‑by‑step method to set your default view in the web version of Zoho Calendar:

1. Log in to your Zoho Calendar account in a web browser (on desktop or laptop).
2. Access the Settings area. Usually there is a gear icon or menu labeled “Settings.”
3. In Settings, navigate to the Calendar Preferences or Calendar View / Calendar Settings section (sometimes under General, System, or Calendar settings).
4. In that settings area, look for an option named Default View, Default Calendar View, or similar.
5. Click the dropdown or selector that lists view options. The options typically include Day, Week, Work Week, Month, Agenda, and Year.
6. Choose the one you want as your default. For example, if you always prefer to see your week at a time, select Week.
7. Save or apply the changes (there may be a “Save” or “Done” button).
8. Return to your calendar and refresh the page (or log out and back in). The calendar should now load to that view by default.

Once configured, every time the calendar loads (or is refreshed), Zoho will default to displaying the view you set (unless you manually change it during that session).

It’s often located under the same area where you change your time zone, date format, time format, default view, work week, etc. In Zoho’s settings, “Default View” is part of the calendar view or calendar preferences settings. (Zoho’s documentation confirms that default view appears in the list of calendar preferences settings.)

By default, if you don’t change anything, Zoho often starts in Day view.

Understanding the Different View Options

Before choosing which default view works best for you, it helps to understand what each view offers and when it’s most useful. These are typical view modes Zoho offers:

• Day View – Shows one day’s events in hour-by-hour layout. Good for detailed focus.
• Week View – Shows seven days (or your defined week span) side by side. Useful to get context across the week.
• Work Week / Work View – Shows only your defined “work week” days (e.g. Monday to Friday), often hiding weekends. Helps when you want to focus on working days.
• Month View – Displays a month at a glance with days and event summaries. Useful for seeing the big picture.
• Agenda View – Returns a list-based view of upcoming events (often chronologically). Useful when you want text and event list rather than blocks.
• Year View – A broad overview of the full year with minimal detail. Best for seeing long-term patterns.

Depending on your style, you might prefer Week or Agenda as default. Some people prefer Month view as default to see more at once, others always want Day view for detailed planning.  When customizing your default view, think about how you use the calendar daily and which view you adjust to most often. Use that as your default to minimize adjustment.

Behavior Across Sessions, Refreshes, and Switching Views

Once you set the default view, Zoho behaves predictably:

• If you open Zoho Calendar fresh, it uses your default view.
• If you refresh the browser, it returns to the default view (not to whatever view you were in just before refresh),  this is by design.
• You can still switch to other views during the session (for example, jumping to Month or Agenda), but the next time you reload, Zoho resets to your default.
• If you change your default view setting, the next load/refresh honors the new choice.

Because of this behavior, users sometimes find that if they forget to set a default, they keep landing in views they don’t like after refreshes.  It is also noted in Zoho’s user tips: “Even after setting a default view for the calendar grid, you can choose the preferred view from the Calendar view dropdown. Each time you log in to your Zoho calendar or refresh your browser, the calendar view will revert to the default view.”  Thus, a daily habit of refreshing will lead you back to the view you have configured unless you override it.

Default View Considerations on Mobile / App Versions

While the web version gives the clearest control over default view, mobile apps (iOS / Android) may have limitations:

• The mobile version of Zoho Calendar might not honor or expose the same default view setting,  it often shows a condensed or simplified interface (for example month + daily summary).
• When you open the app, it may default to a “Today” or “Agenda” style view rather than exactly matching your web default.
• Changes to default view on web generally do not force the mobile app to adopt that view; you should check your mobile app settings to see if there is a default view or startup view option.
• Because mobile screens are smaller, the app may prioritize list or agenda views over block layouts.

Given these constraints, your ideal default view might differ by device. Even if mobile doesn’t fully follow your web default, setting your preferred default view on web is still useful for desktop use.

Switching and Changing Default View Over Time

You might decide to switch your default view later,  for example, as your workflow changes or your calendar use evolves. Here’s how to do that and what to expect:

• Return to the same settings location (Calendar preferences / view preferences).
• Change the default view to a new choice (say from Week to Agenda).
• Save/apply the change.
• Refresh / reload the calendar to see it in action.
• Verify that on login and refresh, the new view is used.
• During sessions, you can still use the view dropdown to temporarily switch to other views, but it always reverts back on reload.

Changing default view is safe,  it does not alter your events, only how they are initially displayed. It’s purely a view preference.  Because Zoho’s default view choice is stored in your user preferences, it should persist across sessions unless you or an administrator changes it.

Best Practices When Setting Default View

Here are some recommendations to get optimal use from your default view setting:

1. Pick the view you actually use most
   Don’t pick Month view just because it looks good; pick the one you frequently toggle to.
2. Avoid overly narrow defaults
   If your default is Day view and your events often span multiple days, you may repeatedly switch,  consider Week or Agenda instead.
3. Test for refresh behavior
   After setting, reload your browser and make sure it lands in the view you want.
4. Document for your team
   If sharing workflows or taking screenshots, note the default view so others see the same layout.
5. Be aware of view limitations
   Some views (like Year) show minimal detail; don’t set something too coarse if you plan to use it daily.
6. Mobile / tablet differences
   Don’t assume mobile apps replicate the exact default view; check the app behavior separately.
7. Use keyboard shortcuts
   Once default is set, learn shortcuts (e.g. D for Day, W for Week) so you can quickly switch when needed.
8. Adjust when needed
   As your practice evolves, revisit the default view setting and adapt it to your current preference.

Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting

Here are a few common issues or confusions around default view settings, and how to handle them:

• Not finding the setting
  Sometimes “Default View” is buried under Calendar Preferences or Calendar View settings, not immediately obvious. Look under the same settings where you manage time format, date format, work week, etc.
• No save or apply button
  Some Zoho interfaces auto-apply changes. If there’s no explicit “Save,” try exiting the settings and refreshing to see if your choice took effect.
• Default view not sticking on refresh
  If refreshing still takes you to a different view, your change may not have been saved, or browser caching may block it. Clear cache or try a reload.
• Conflicting account / workspace policies
  In a managed Zoho / Zoho Mail setup, administrators may have restrictions over user settings, potentially including default view options.
• Mobile app doesn’t match
  If your mobile app doesn’t mirror web behavior, it’s likely because the app has its own default or simplified interface. That’s expected; the web default setting is primarily for browser interface.
• Switching view mid-session resets on refresh
  Remember that Zoho reverts to default view upon page reload. If you switch to another view temporarily (e.g. Month), that will not persist after refresh.
• Using shared calendars
  If your calendar is a shared one, default view settings still apply for your view; you control how the view displays on your side, not what others see.

If something seems off, a good test is: set a default view, refresh, and ensure you come back to it. If you land elsewhere, revisit settings or check for caching / permission issues.

Setting a default view in Zoho Calendar gives you a consistent, predictable starting point for each session. It saves you from repeatedly toggling views, supports your workflow, and helps you operate with fewer clicks.

Key takeaways:

• The default view is the layout Zoho uses when you open or refresh your calendar.
• You control it from your Settings in the Calendar Preferences / View settings area.
• Options usually include Day, Week, Work Week, Month, Agenda, and Year.
• Choose the one that matches how you use the calendar most.
• Even though you can switch views during a session, Zoho reverts to default on reload.
• Mobile apps may not mimic the web default view exactly—check their behavior separately.
• Be ready to revisit the default view choice as your usage evolves.