How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files From Google Drive
In this article, we will show you exactly how to recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive. Simply follow the steps below.
Recover Permanently Deleted Google Drive Files
There are four methods you can use to recover deleted files from Google Drive: you can restore files from the Trash, use the Google Drive Recovery Tool, check your Drive activity for changes, or contact Google Support for assistance.
Method 1: Restore Files from Trash
Follow these steps to restore deleted files from the Trash in Google Drive and easily recover your important documents:
1. Click on the “Trash” Folder in the Left Sidebar
In the left sidebar of Google Drive, locate and click on “Trash” to view all deleted files that are still recoverable.
2. Locate the Deleted File You Want to Restore
Scroll through the files in the Trash to find the specific file you wish to recover.
3. Right-Click the File and Select “Restore”
Right-click on the desired file. From the menu that appears, select “Restore” to return it to its original location in Google Drive.
Method 2: Use Google Drive Recovery Tool
Access the Google Drive Recovery Tool with these steps to retrieve permanently deleted files and restore them to your Drive:
1. Go to the Google Drive Help Section
While in Google Drive, navigate to the Help page for assistance with recovery by clicking the question mark icon located in the top right corner of the page, then select “Help”.
2. Search for “Recover Deleted Files”
In the search bar on the Help page, type “Recover deleted files” and hit Enter to find relevant recovery information.
3. Follow the Instructions for File Recovery
Locate the article that provides recovery instructions. Follow the steps outlined to submit a recovery request for your deleted file.
4. Fill Out the Recovery Request Form with Details
Provide all necessary details about the deleted file, including its name and last known location, before submitting your request.
Method 3: Check Google Drive Activity
Check your Google Drive activity with these steps to track any changes made to your files, helping you locate lost files:
1. Click on “My Drive” to Access Your Files
Ensure you are in Google Drive. Click on “My Drive” if not already selected.
2. View Activity Details by Clicking the “View Details” Icon
In the top right corner, click on the “View details” icon (an “i” inside a circle) to open the Activity panel.
3. Review the Activity Log for Deleted Files
In the Activity panel, scroll through the log to find actions related to the deleted file, including when it was last modified or deleted.
4. Restore the File from Trash
In the Activity panel, click on the file itself to open it. The file will open in a new tab, and a pop-up window will appear informing you that the file is in the Trash. Click “Take out of trash” to restore the file.
Method 4: Contact Google Support
If you need assistance recovering files, contact Google Support by following these steps:
1. Access the Google Drive Help Page for Support Options
While in Google Drive, access the Help page for recovery assistance by clicking the question mark icon in the top right corner of the screen and selecting “Help.”
2. Click on “Contact Us” to Access Support Methods
Scroll down on the Help page and click on the “Contact us” link to begin the process of reaching out to support for assistance.
3. Contact Support via Email
Follow the prompts to connect with a representative by providing details about the issue and a clear description. You can also check the resources available in the Help panel for similar issues. Lastly, click on “Email,” then select “Request file recovery” to submit your recovery request.
4. Provide Specific Information About the Deleted File
When you contact support, share specific details about the deleted file, including its name and when you deleted it, to help them assist you effectively.
Note: To prevent losing important documents, back them up regularly using another cloud service or an external hard drive, especially since files in Trash are only kept for 30 days. Set monthly reminders to ensure your data stays safe and secure.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to recover permanently deleted files in Google Drive. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our articles on how to find backed-up messages on Google Drive and how to recover permanently deleted photos from Google Drive.
