Deleting files from Google Drive removes them from your account and frees up storage space
When you delete a file in Google Drive, it moves to your Trash folder first — it does not disappear when ready. You have 30 days to recover it before Google permanently removes it. If you want to free up storage right away, you can empty the Trash folder, which makes the deletion permanent and recovers the space for your account.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are deleting a single file, multiple files, or an entire folder. You can delete from the main Drive view, from within a document, or from a shared folder — though deleting from a shared folder only removes it from your view, not from the folder itself.
Key Takeaways
- Deleted files sit in Trash for 30 days before Google removes them permanently, so you can recover them during that window.
- Emptying your Trash folder makes deletions permanent and when ready frees up the storage space in your account.
- Deleting a file from a shared folder removes it only from your own view unless you are the folder owner.
- Files larger than your storage limit cannot be uploaded, but deleting smaller files one at a time will not speed up the process of freeing space.
How to delete 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 and select Delete from the menu. On a mobile device, tap the three-dot menu next to the file name and select Delete.
The file moves to Trash when ready. You will see a confirmation message at the bottom of the screen. If you change your mind within a few seconds, you can click Undo to restore it to its original location.
How to delete multiple files at once
Click the checkbox next to the first file you want to delete. Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) and click the checkboxes next to the other files. Once you have selected all the files you want to remove, click the trash icon in the toolbar at the top of the page.
All selected files move to Trash at the same time. This method works for a mix of files and folders — you do not have to select only one type. If you want to select every file in a folder, click the checkbox in the header row to select all visible files on the current page.
How to empty your Trash folder permanently
Click Trash in the left sidebar of Google Drive. You will see all files and folders you have deleted in the last 30 days. To delete a single item permanently, right-click it and select Delete forever. To delete everything in Trash at once, click the trash icon in the toolbar and select Empty trash.
Once you empty Trash, the files are gone and cannot be recovered. The storage space they used becomes available in your account when ready. If you are unsure whether you need something in Trash, you can leave it there — Google will automatically delete it after 30 days anyway.
What happens when you delete from a shared folder
If you delete a file from a folder that someone else owns or manages, the file is removed only from your own view of that folder. The file remains in the folder for other people who have access to it. The folder owner can still see it and recover it if needed.
If you are the owner of a shared folder and you delete a file, it goes to your Trash and other people can no longer see it. They will notice the file is missing from the folder. If you want to remove a file that other people should not see, make sure you are the folder owner before deleting.
How to recover a deleted file before it is gone forever
Click Trash in the left sidebar. Find the file you want to recover and right-click it. Select Restore. The file returns to its original location — or to the root of your Drive if the original folder no longer exists.
You have 30 days from the deletion date to restore a file. After 30 days, Google permanently deletes it and you cannot recover it. If you deleted a file by mistake, restore it as soon as you notice.
Storage space and deletion
Files in your Trash folder still count toward your storage limit until you empty Trash. If you are running out of space, emptying Trash is often the fastest way to free up room. A single large video or backup file can take up several gigabytes.
Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. If you reach your limit, you cannot upload new files until you delete something and empty Trash. Deleting files from Trash is the only way to recover that space — moving files to a different folder or sharing them does not reduce what you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a file after I empty Trash?
No. Once you empty Trash or 30 days pass, the file is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Google does not keep backups of deleted files. If you think you might need something, restore it from Trash before emptying.
Does deleting a file from my computer also delete it from Google Drive?
No. Deleting a file from your computer does not affect Google Drive. If you use Google Drive for Desktop (the sync tool), deleting a file from the synced folder on your computer will delete it from Drive as well. Check your sync settings to understand how your folders are connected.
What if I delete a file I created but someone else has a copy?
Deleting your copy does not affect their copy. If you shared a file with someone and then deleted it, they still have access to the version they received. If you want to remove their access, you must change the sharing settings before you delete.
How long do files stay in Trash?
Files remain in Trash for 30 days. After 30 days, Google automatically and permanently deletes them. You do not have to do anything — the deletion happens on its own if you do not restore or empty Trash first.
Can I delete files from Google Drive on my phone?
Yes. Open the Google Drive app on your phone, tap the three-dot menu next to the file, and select Delete. The file moves to Trash. To empty Trash, open the menu, select Settings, then Trash, and choose to empty it.