Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ever deleted a file in Google Drive and wondering how you can get it back? I walk you through how to find if it's still in Google Drive and walk you through Google's automated recovery system.
** IMPORTANT DETAILS **
1. When you delete a file, it remains in your Google Drive Trash folder for 30 days.
2. Once a file is removed from the trash folder (whether automatically after 30 days or if you manually permanently delete it or empty the trash), Google keeps a backup copy for 25 DAYS that is accessible through their recovery process.
3. If the file is successfully restored, it will show up in the folder it was originally deleted from.
** PRO TIP **
Sometimes the file wasn't actually deleted, just renamed. Try searching terms that it could have been renamed as, and check with your other team members to see if any of them renamed the file.
Ever deleted a file in Google Drive and wondering how you can get it back? I walk you through how to find if it's still in Google Drive and walk you through Google's automated recovery system.
** IMPORTANT DETAILS **
1. When you delete a file, it remains in your Google Drive Trash folder for 30 days.
2. Once a file is removed from the trash folder (whether automatically after 30 days or if you manually permanently delete it or empty the trash), Google keeps a backup copy for 25 DAYS that is accessible through their recovery process.
3. If the file is successfully restored, it will show up in the folder it was originally deleted from.
** PRO TIP **
Sometimes the file wasn't actually deleted, just renamed. Try searching terms that it could have been renamed as, and check with your other team members to see if any of them renamed the file.
