Deleting files and folders from Google Drive is straightforward: right-click the item, select "Delete," and it moves to your trash for 30 days before permanent removal

Google Drive keeps deleted files in a trash folder for 30 days, which gives you time to recover something you removed by mistake. After 30 days, the file is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Understanding how this works matters because it affects both your storage space and your ability to undo a deletion.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are deleting a single file, multiple files at once, or an entire folder. It also matters whether you own the file or someone else shared it with you — shared files behave differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any file or folder and select "Delete" to move it to trash; it stays there for 30 days before permanent removal.
  • Deleting a shared folder you own removes it for everyone who has access, but deleting a folder someone else shared with you only removes it from your own view.
  • You can select multiple files at once by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and clicking each one, then delete them all together.
  • Emptying your trash permanently deletes files when ready and frees up storage space, so check the trash folder before you do this.
  • Files deleted from a shared folder still count toward the owner's storage quota until the trash is emptied.

Deleting a single file or folder

Open Google Drive in your web browser and locate the file or folder you want to delete. Right-click on it — or on a Mac, Control-click. A menu appears with several options. Select "Delete" from that menu. The file or folder when ready moves to your trash and disappears from your main Drive view.

If you are using the Google Drive mobile app on Android or iPhone, tap and hold the file or folder until a menu appears, then tap the trash icon. The process is the same: the item moves to trash rather than being permanently deleted right away.

You can also click once on a file to select it, then press the Delete key on your keyboard. This has the same result — the file goes to trash.

Deleting multiple files at once

To delete several files in one action, select them all first. Click on the first file, then hold down Ctrl (on Windows) or Command (on Mac) and click each additional file you want to delete. A checkbox appears next to each selected file. Once all the files you want are selected, right-click any one of them and choose "Delete."

Alternatively, you can select files by clicking the checkbox next to each one. After you have checked all the files you want to remove, a toolbar appears at the top of the screen with a trash icon. Click that icon to delete all selected files at once.

Deleting folders you own versus folders others shared with you

If you created a folder and own it, deleting it removes that folder for everyone who has access to it. The folder and all files inside it move to your trash. Anyone you shared the folder with will no longer see it in their Drive. This is important to know before you delete a shared folder, because other people lose access when ready.

If someone else created a folder and shared it with you, deleting it only removes it from your own Drive view. The folder still exists for the owner and for anyone else who has access. Other people will not know you deleted it from your view — it is only gone from your account.

Recovering files from trash before they are permanently deleted

Files stay in your trash folder for 30 days. During that time, you can recover any file by opening the trash folder, right-clicking the file, and selecting "Restore." The file returns to its original location in your Drive.

To find your trash, click "Trash" in the left sidebar of Google Drive. You see all files and folders you have deleted in the past 30 days. If you are not sure which file you need, you can search by name or look through the list. Once you find it, right-click and choose "Restore."

After 30 days, Google Drive automatically and permanently deletes the file. You cannot recover it after that point, and Google support cannot retrieve it for you either.

Emptying trash to free up storage space

Files in your trash still count toward your Google Drive storage quota. If you have deleted large files and want to free up space, you need to empty your trash. Open the Trash folder, and at the top of the page you see an option that says "Empty trash." Click it, and Google Drive asks you to confirm. Once you confirm, all files in trash are permanently deleted when ready — they do not stay in trash for another 30 days.

Be careful when you empty trash, because this action cannot be undone. Check the trash folder first to make sure there is nothing in there you might need later. If you are not sure about a file, restore it first and then delete it again later if you decide you do not need it.

What happens to files deleted from shared folders

When you delete a file from a folder that someone else owns and shared with you, the file goes to your trash but also to the owner's trash. The owner can still recover it during the 30-day window. Until the owner empties their trash, the file still counts toward their storage quota.

If you delete a file from a shared folder you own, it goes to your trash when ready. Other people with access to that folder no longer see the file, but they cannot recover it themselves — only you can, because it is in your trash. If you restore it, it comes back to the shared folder and everyone can see it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a file after I empty my trash?

No. Emptying trash permanently deletes files when ready. Google does not keep a backup after that point, and support cannot recover the file. Always check your trash folder before you empty it.

Do deleted files still use up my storage space?

Yes, until you empty your trash. Files in trash count toward your storage quota. Emptying trash frees up that space when ready.

What if I delete a file someone else shared with me?

It only disappears from your Drive. The owner and other people with access still see it. You are just removing it from your own view.

How long do I have to recover a deleted file?

You have 30 days. After that, Google Drive automatically and permanently deletes the file. If you think you might need something, restore it from trash rather than waiting.

If I delete a shared folder I own, can other people still access it?

No. When you delete a folder you own, it disappears for everyone who has access. They cannot recover it themselves — only you can restore it from your trash during the 30-day window.