---
title: Recovering Deleted Files in Google Drive
description: "Accidentally deleted files from Google Drive can often be recovered. This guide explains the process for users and administrators. ### For Users: Recovering from Trash 1. **Check the Trash:** - In Google Drive (`drive.google.com`), click on **Trash** in the left-hand…"
url: "https://digital.attachex.com/docs/recovering-deleted-files-in-google-drive/"
updated: "2025-05-17"
category: Using Google Workspace / Using Google Drive
---

# Recovering Deleted Files in Google Drive

Accidentally deleted files from Google Drive can often be recovered. This guide explains the process for users and administrators.

### For Users: Recovering from Trash

1. **Check the Trash:**
   - In Google Drive (`drive.google.com`), click on **Trash** in the left-hand navigation menu.
   - Files and folders you delete are moved here.
   - Items in the Trash are **permanently deleted after 30 days**.
2. **Restore from Trash:**
   - Find the file/folder in the Trash.
   - **Right-click** on it.
   - Select **Restore**. The item will be moved back to its original location in your Drive.
3. **Permanently Delete from Trash (Use with Caution):**
   - If you're sure you want to permanently delete an item before the 30-day auto-deletion, you can right-click it in the Trash and select **Delete forever**. **This action cannot be undone by you.**

### For Administrators: Additional Recovery Options

- If a user permanently deletes a file from their Trash (or if it's auto-deleted after 30 days), a Google Workspace administrator has an **additional 25-day window** to potentially restore that data from the Google Admin console.
- **Admin Console Path:** `Admin console > Users > [Select User] > Restore data`.
- This is a last resort and only available to Workspace administrators.

### Shared Drives Note:

- Files in **Shared Drives** work slightly differently. When a member deletes a file, it goes into the Shared Drive's Trash.
- Members with **Contributor, Content manager, or Manager** access can restore items from the Shared Drive's Trash.
- Items in a Shared Drive's Trash are also permanently deleted after 30 days. Administrators can also restore data from Shared Drives within a similar timeframe as user data.