How to Recover Deleted Files from Google Drive

Recovering Deleted Files

Deleted files in Google Drive go to Trash, where they remain for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Finding Deleted Files

Step 1: Open Trash

• Go to drive.google.com
• In the left sidebar, click Trash
• You will see all recently deleted files

Step 2: Locate Your File

• Scroll through the list, or
• Use the search bar at the top (searches Trash too)
• Sort by date to find recent deletions

Restoring Files

Restore a Single File

• Right-click the file in Trash
• Select Restore
• The file returns to its original location

Restore Multiple Files

• Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac)
• Click each file you want to restore
• Right-click and select Restore

Finding the Restored File

Restored files go back to their original folder location. If you cannot find a restored file:

• Go to My Drive
• Search for the filename
• Right-click and select Show file location

If the File is Not in Trash

Check "Shared with me"

Files shared with you may not appear in your Trash:

• Click Shared with me in the sidebar
• Search for the file

Check Shared Drives

If the file was in a Shared Drive:

• Open the Shared Drive
• Click the Trash icon within that Shared Drive
• Only Content Managers and above can see Shared Drive Trash

Contact the File Owner

If someone else owned the file:

• They may have deleted it from their Drive
• Ask them to restore it or share it again

Ask Your IT Administrator

Administrators can sometimes recover files:

• Within 25 days of permanent deletion
• Using Google Workspace admin tools
• Contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au

Preventing Future Data Loss

Enable Google Drive for Desktop

Files sync to your computer, providing a local backup.

Be Careful with Shared Files

Deleting a file you own removes it for everyone.

Check Before Emptying Trash

Avoid clicking "Empty Trash" unless certain.

Use Shared Drives for Team Files

Shared Drive files have additional protections.

Important Time Limits

• Trash retention: 30 days
• Admin recovery: Up to 25 additional days after Trash deletion
• After 55 days: Permanently unrecoverable

Need Help?

Contact our helpdesk at helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.