Google Drive is a powerful cloud storage tool that allows you to store, share, and access files from anywhere. But sometimes, files are accidentally deleted, either by you or by someone you share with. The good news is that Google Drive provides several ways to restore deleted files quickly and safely.
This guide will show you how to restore deleted files in Google Drive on desktop and mobile, including tips for permanently deleted files and shared drives.
Why Restoring Deleted Files Is Important
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Data Recovery: Accidental deletion can happen anytime; restoring files prevents permanent loss.
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Business Continuity: Recovering work-related files ensures projects stay on track.
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Collaboration: Restoring shared files avoids workflow disruptions in teams.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing you can recover files reduces stress and mistakes.
Step 1: Check the Trash Folder
When files are deleted in Google Drive, they are moved to the Trash folder (also called Bin) for 30 days before permanent deletion.
On Desktop:
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Go to Google Drive.
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Click Trash in the left sidebar.
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Locate the deleted file.
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Right-click → Restore.
The file will return to its original location in Google Drive.
On Mobile (Android/iOS):
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Open the Google Drive app.
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Tap Menu → Trash.
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Find the deleted file → tap More (three dots) → Restore.
Tip: Files in Trash are automatically deleted after 30 days, so restore them promptly.
Step 2: Use Search to Find Deleted Files
Sometimes, a file may not appear easily in Trash. You can search by:
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File name or keywords.
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File type: PDF, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Images.
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Owner of the file if it was shared.
Tip: Use the search bar filters in Google Drive to narrow down deleted files.
Step 3: Restore Shared Files
If someone shared a file with you and you deleted it, you can:
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Go to Shared with me in Google Drive.
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Locate the file → right-click → Add to My Drive.
For shared drives, only users with manager permissions can restore deleted files from the Trash.
Step 4: Restore Permanently Deleted Files (Within 30 Days)
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For personal Google accounts, permanently deleted files cannot be recovered unless you have a backup.
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For Google Workspace accounts, admins can restore deleted files within 25–30 days using the Admin console.
Tip: Regular backups with Google Drive Backup & Sync or external storage prevent permanent loss.
Step 5: Restore Older Versions of Files
Even if a file is not deleted, you might want to revert to an older version:
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Right-click the file → Version history → See version history.
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Select the version to restore → click Restore this version.
This is useful if a file was overwritten by mistake.
Step 6: Restore Files Using Google Drive for Desktop
If you use Google Drive for Desktop, deleted files may also appear in your computer’s Recycle Bin/Trash:
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Open Recycle Bin/Trash on your PC or Mac.
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Find the file deleted via Drive sync.
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Right-click → Restore → file returns to Google Drive folder on your PC.
Tip: Syncing can sometimes move deleted files to both Trash on Drive and local Recycle Bin.
Step 7: Use Google Support for Account Recovery
If all else fails:
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Visit Google Drive Help → Contact Support.
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Google may assist in recovering recently deleted files if you act quickly.
Tip: Provide as much detail as possible (file name, type, deletion date).
Step 8: Prevent Future Loss
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Enable Offline Backup: Use Google Drive Backup & Sync to keep local copies.
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Organize Files: Keep folders structured to avoid accidental deletion.
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Regular Backups: Periodically export important files to external drives or cloud storage.
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Limit Access Permissions: Reduce deletion risk in shared folders.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| File not in Trash | May have been deleted over 30 days ago; check backups or ask admin. |
| Cannot restore shared file | Ensure you have edit or manager permissions. |
| Deleted file is very large | Wait for sync to complete before restoring. |
| Multiple versions needed | Use Version History to restore specific versions. |
| Deleted files from Shared Drive | Only team admins can restore; contact admin immediately. |
Advantages of Restoring Files in Google Drive
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Quick recovery from accidental deletions.
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Reduces the risk of permanent data loss.
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Maintains workflow for personal and team projects.
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Provides version history for tracking changes.
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Cloud-based recovery works across devices.
Disadvantages
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Trash only stores files for 30 days (unless Google Workspace admin recovery is available).
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Permanently deleted files cannot always be recovered.
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Version history may not include every minor change.
Conclusion
Restoring deleted files in Google Drive is simple and efficient when you understand the Trash system, shared file rules, and version history. By acting quickly and using built-in recovery features, you can safeguard your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and media files.
Regular backups, organized folders, and careful permission management help prevent accidental deletions and make file recovery easier. With these practices, your Google Drive remains secure, organized, and fully recoverable.