Recover a deleted file in Google Drive

Important: Permanently deleted files from Gmail, Google Photos, or Whatsapp backups can’t be recovered. Learn how to recover emails from Gmail.

Restore a file from Google Drive Trash

1. Go to drive.google.com.
2. On the left, click Trash.
   • All your deleted files are listed in “Trash.”
   • To find out how long ago files were added to the “Trash,” you can sort files by their “Trashed date” date.
3. To restore a file:
   1. Right-click the file.
   2. Click Restore.

Tip: Deleted files are stored in the Trash for 30 days before they’re deleted forever.

Recover a permanently deleted file

It may be possible to recover your files even if they were deleted forever, if you are:

1. Certain that your files were deleted forever within the last 25 days.
2. The owner of the files.

You're the owner if:

• You created the file or folder in your Google Drive account.
• You uploaded the file or folder to Google Drive.
• You accepted ownership of the file from the original owner.

You’re not signed into a Google Account. To request file recovery, log into your Google Account and reload this article.

Sign into your Google Account

For more help, learn how to delete and restore files in Google Drive.