To delete your Google Drive files, move them to the trash. Files in trash will be automatically deleted after 30 days. You can restore files from your trash before the 30-day time window.You can also permanently delete them to empty your trash. If you delete, restore, or permanently delete multiple files or folders at once, it might take time for you to notice the changes.
Put a file in trash
To remove a file from your Drive, you can put it inyour trash. The file will stay in your trashfor 30 days before being automatically deleted.
If you're the owner of the file, others can access it until you permanently delete the file. If you're not the owner, others can access the file even if you empty your trash.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Drive app.
- At the bottom right, tap Files
. - Next to the file you want to delete, tap MoreRemove.
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Remove.Empty your trash
You can permanently delete an individual file or empty your entire trash. After deleting a file, anyone you've shared the file with will lose access to it. If you want others to be able to still access the file, you can give ownership to someone else.
- In the upper left, tap Menu Trash.
- Next to the file you'd like to delete, tap MoreDelete forever.
Empty your entire trash
To empty your entire trash,go to drive.google.com on a computer.
Recover a file from trash
If you put a file in your trash but decide that you still want it, you can put it back in your Drive.
- In the upper left, tap Menu Trash.
- Next to the file you'd like to save, tap MoreRestore.
Note: If you're not the owner of the file, contact the owner to have them restore it.
If you can't recover your deleted file
If you delete a file and need to get it back, contact a Drive specialist. To find your file,call or chat with us.
You deleted something and want it back
If you deleted something recently using Google Drive or the Google Drive desktop app, you might be able to restore the file yourself.
Restore from your Trash
- Open your Google Drive App.
- Next to the file you want to recover, tap Menu
- TapRestore.
You can't find something & you don't think you deleted it
Try these steps
Check the activity panel
- Open your Google Drive App
- At the bottom right, tap Files.
- At the upper left, tap My Drive.
- Scroll down and look for your file.
Try an advanced search
- Open your Google Drive App.
- Use the advanced search options to find your file, like "type:spreadsheets."
If these didn't help, consider these cases:
If you created the file
If you created a file in Drive and can't find it, it may be orphaned. An orphaned filemight have lost all of its parent folders. The file still exists but is harder to find.
How files lose their folder
- You create a file in someone else's folder and they delete that folder. The file isn't deleted. It's automatically moved to your My Drive.
Important: Only you can delete the files you own. - You share a folder with someone and they remove your file from the folder.The file isn't deleted, it's automatically moved to your My Drive.
Find your orphaned files
- In the Drive search field, enter: is:unorganized owner:me
- When you find the file, move it to a folder in My Drive so it’s easier to find next time.
Search now
If someone else created the file
When someone creates a file, they can delete, rename, and restore it. Contact the person who created the file and ask them to restore it or share it with you again.
If it was in a folder someone else created
If someone deleted that folder, you won't find that folder in your Drive anymore.
Find files you created that are in deleted folders
Find all files that are in deleted folders
To make that file easier to find in the future, drag it into a folder in "My Drive."
More on how to find files
To refine your search in Drive, open Drive on a computer and use a search phrase with one of these options:
| Search for | Example |
|---|---|
| Exact phrase | "Use quotes around an exact phrase" |
| One or another | tacosORnachos |
| Exclude a word | Water but not lakes: water-lakes |
| File owner | Files Dad owns: owner:dad@gmail.com |
| They shared files | Files Mom shared with you: from:mom@gmail.com |
| You shared files | Files you shared with Mom: to:mom@gmail.com |
| Starred items | is:starred |
| Deleted items | is:trashed |
| File type | Spreadsheet file type: type:spreadsheet |
| Time frame | Before or after January 18, 2015. before:2015-01-18 after:2015-01-18 |
| Title | title:"The title goes here" |
| App | Files opened in Google Drive: |
We can help you recover recently deleted files for a limited time if you use Google Drive with a consumer account (and not an account through your work, school, or other group)AND one of these is true:
- You created the file.
- You uploaded the file to Google Drive.
- You accepted ownership of the file from someone.
If youusean account through your work, school, or other group,contact your administrator for help.
If your Google Account was deleted, you might not be able to recover your files.
If you think that someone accessed your Google Drive without your permission, we recommend taking steps to make your account more secure.
To narrow down the list of files in Drive, you can use search chips:
- On your Android device, open the Google Drive app.
- At the top, tap Search Drive.
- Tap to select a search chip, you can select:
- Type
- Folders
- Modified: Today, Yesterday, Last 7 Days
- After you tap on the chip, you can further narrow your results: type in the search bar.
- Tap Search.
These chips appear below the search bar. They will search all files, folders, and subfolders. To remove a search chip, on the right of the chip, tap 
.
If you need to recover mails from Gmail
Learn how to recover emails from Gmail.
Contact us
To contact us, sign in to your Google Account.
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Get More Storage.
More storage across Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos for you and your family. Access to Google experts. Family sharing option. Expanded storage.
As an expert in cloud storage systems and digital file management, I have extensive knowledge of Google Drive and its features. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience with various cloud platforms, including Google Drive, and a deep understanding of the underlying principles of data organization and recovery. Allow me to delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article about managing files in Google Drive.
Trash System in Google Drive: The article explains that when you delete files in Google Drive, they are initially moved to the trash. This mechanism provides users with a safety net, allowing them to recover accidentally deleted files within a 30-day timeframe.
Recovery Process: Users are informed that they can restore files from the trash before the 30-day period expires. The process involves navigating to the trash, selecting the desired file, and choosing the "Restore" option. This straightforward method ensures that users can easily recover files they may have unintentionally discarded.
Permanent Deletion: The article also covers the option to permanently delete files from Google Drive. This action removes the file from the trash, freeing up storage space. It's crucial to note that permanently deleting a file results in a loss of access for anyone who was previously shared on that file.
Bulk Operations: Users are cautioned that performing actions such as deleting, restoring, or permanently deleting multiple files or folders may take some time for the changes to be reflected. This highlights the behind-the-scenes processes involved in managing large-scale file operations.
Mobile Accessibility: The instructions extend to mobile use, specifically on Android devices, emphasizing that users can manage their files conveniently on the go using the Google Drive app.
Orphaned Files: The article addresses the concept of orphaned files, explaining that files can lose their parent folders under certain circ*mstances. It provides a solution for locating these orphaned files using a search query, improving the overall user experience in finding and organizing content.
Advanced Search: To enhance file discovery, users are encouraged to use advanced search options within the Google Drive app. This includes searching based on file type, ownership, and other parameters, empowering users to locate specific files efficiently.
Recovery Criteria: The article outlines the conditions under which recovery assistance is available. Specifically, recently deleted files can be recovered for a limited time if certain criteria are met, such as being the creator or uploader of the file.
Security Measures: In case of unauthorized access, users are advised to contact a Drive specialist. Additionally, it mentions steps to take if one suspects their Google Drive account has been accessed without permission, emphasizing the importance of account security.
Search Chips: The article introduces the concept of search chips, providing users with a tool to narrow down search results on their Android devices. This feature adds a layer of granularity to the search process, aiding users in quickly finding the files they need.
Additional Support: Lastly, the article offers avenues for additional support, including community forums and direct contact with Google for personalized assistance. This ensures that users have access to help when needed, contributing to an overall positive user experience.
In summary, Google Drive's file management system is comprehensive, covering deletion, recovery, bulk operations, mobile access, advanced search, orphaned files, recovery criteria, security measures, and additional support options. These concepts collectively create a robust and user-friendly ecosystem for storing and managing digital content in the cloud.
