When you delete a file or folder from your Google Drive, it is moved to the Trash folder. A deleted file stays in the Trash for 30 days and is then permanently deleted. You can right-click on a deleted file in the Trash bin and select Restore to undelete the file.
Restore Permanently Deleted Files
If you fail to restore a deleted file within the 30-day window, or if you manually emptied the Trash, the files will be permanently deleted from your Google Drive.
However you can contact Google Support and they can restore the deleted files for you.
1. Go to support.google.com/drive?p=file_recovery and sign-in with the Google Account you used to delete the file.
2. Provide your first name, last name, and check the consent box to confirm that you are trying to recover files you deleted from Google Drive.
You will receive an email from drive-noreply@google.com confirming that your request has been received and it may take up to 48 hours to restore the files. (This usually takes less than 12 hours.)
Google recommends that you avoid emptying your Trash while the file recovery process continues. Also, please note that files you uploaded to Google Drive may be recovered in the process. If you are not the owner of a file, it cannot be restored through this process.
Once the restoration process is complete, Google Support will send you another email confirming that the files have been restored. Now you can open your Google Drive and permanently deleted files and folders will appear in their original location.
The above steps are only valid for individual Google accounts. If you have a Google Workspace account, you will need to contact your domain administrator to restore the files. Also, the restore process will restore all deleted files, it is currently possible to restore individual files or folders.
Following the above steps can help you to recover permanently deleted files and folders in Google Drive. If you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
