Delete files in Google Drive

If you are deleting files in Google Drive to free up space, learn how to clear space effectively with these helpful tips.

Learn what happens when you delete a file

Learn how to recover a deleted file

Learn about files you can delete and how to delete them

Important: Once you delete the file by moving it to your Trash, remember that:

• Anyone you shared your file with can continue to access it until the file is permanently deleted.
• Files in your Trash still count towards your storage until they are permanently deleted.

If you're the owner of the file, you can delete the file by moving it to your Trash.

To put a file in the Trash:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Drive app.
2. Next to the file you want to delete, tap More .
3. At the bottom, tap Remove.

Learn about files you cannot delete

If you're not the owner of a file, you won't be able to see the option to remove it.

Other people will have access the file since you're not the owner.

Learn how to permanently delete a file

Learn about permanently deleted files in Drive

Important: If you're the owner of the file, anyone you shared the file with loses access when you permanently delete it. Learn how to make someone else the owner of your file.

• When you click Empty trash, the files in your trash are deleted forever.
• Files you move to the Trash are deleted forever after 30 days.
• Learn how to recover a deleted file in Google Drive.

Permanently delete an individual file

You can permanently delete an individual file or empty your trash. After you delete a file, anyone you've shared the file with loses access to it. If you want others to still access the file, you can give ownership to someone else.

1. In the upper left, tap Menu .
2. Tap Trash.
3. Next to the file you'd like to delete, tap More .
4. Tap Delete forever.

Permanently delete a file in your trash

1. At the top left, tap Menu Trash.
2. Next to the file you want to permanently delete, tap More Delete forever.

Permanently delete all files in your trash

1. In the upper left, tap Menu .
2. Tap Trash.
3. Make sure that there are no files that you'll want later.
4. In the top right, tap More .
5. Tap Empty trash.