Three ways to delete files and folders from Google Drive

You can delete a file or folder from Google Drive in three ways: move it to trash from the file list, right-click and select delete, or open the file and use the menu. All three methods send the item to your trash folder first — nothing is permanently gone until you empty the trash. Trash items stay there for 30 days before Google deletes them automatically, but you can empty trash yourself at any time to free up space when ready.

The method you choose depends on where you are when you decide to delete. If you're looking at your Drive homepage or a folder, the quickest route is to select the item and click the trash icon. If you're inside a file or document, you'll use the three-dot menu at the top right. All three lead to the same result: the item moves to trash, and you can recover it later if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleted files go to trash first and stay there for 30 days before Google removes them permanently.
  • You can recover any file from trash by opening trash, right-clicking the item, and selecting "Restore."
  • Emptying trash permanently deletes all items in it and frees up the storage space they were using.
  • Files shared with others are deleted from your Drive but remain in theirs unless they delete them too.
  • Permanently deleting a file cannot be undone once trash is emptied, so double-check before you empty.

Delete a file or folder from your Drive homepage

Open Google Drive and locate the file or folder you want to remove. Click once on it to select it — a checkmark will appear next to the name. At the top of the page, you'll see a toolbar with several icons. Click the trash icon (it looks like a garbage can) to send the item to trash.

If you want to delete multiple items at once, click the checkbox next to each one while holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac). Once all items are selected, click the trash icon to delete them all together. This is faster than deleting one at a time if you're clearing out several files.

Delete a file using the right-click menu

Right-click directly on the file or folder name in your Drive. A menu will pop up with several options. Click "Remove" or "Delete" (the wording varies slightly depending on your browser and device). The item moves to trash when ready.

This method works the same way whether you're on the Drive homepage, inside a folder, or viewing search results. It's often faster than selecting and using the toolbar, especially if you're deleting just one or two items.

Delete a file from inside the document or spreadsheet

If you have a Google Doc, Sheet, Slide, or other file open, click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu appears. Click "Move to trash" or "Delete" from the options. The file moves to trash, and you'll be returned to your Drive homepage.

This method is useful when you're working inside a file and decide you no longer need it. You don't have to go back to your Drive homepage to delete it.

Recover a deleted file from trash

If you delete something by mistake, you have 30 days to recover it. Click the trash icon in the left sidebar of Google Drive to open your trash folder. Find the file or folder you want to restore. Right-click it and select "Restore," or click it once to select it and then click the "Restore" button at the top of the page.

The file returns to its original location in your Drive. If the original folder no longer exists, Google Drive creates a new folder called "Restored files" and places the item there instead. Once you restore a file, it no longer takes up space in your trash.

Permanently delete files by emptying trash

To free up storage space and permanently remove all items from your trash, open the trash folder and look for the "Empty trash" button, usually at the top right of the page. Click it. Google will ask you to confirm — click "Empty trash" again to proceed. All items in trash are now permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Before you empty trash, scan the list to make sure nothing you need is in there. Once trash is emptied, those files are gone for good. If you're only trying to delete one or two specific items from trash, restore the ones you want to keep instead of emptying the entire trash folder.

What happens to shared files when you delete them

When you delete a file that you've shared with others, it disappears from your Drive and your trash. However, the file remains in the Drive of anyone you shared it with — they can still see it and access it unless they delete it themselves. If you're the owner of the file, deleting it from your Drive does not remove it from their accounts.

If you want to prevent others from accessing a shared file, you have two options: stop sharing it by removing their access through the sharing settings, or delete it from your Drive and ask them to delete their copies. Stopping sharing is usually the better choice if you want the file to remain accessible to you but not to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a file after I empty trash?

No. Once you empty trash, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Google does not keep a backup of deleted files after trash is emptied. If you think you might need something, restore it from trash before emptying.

How much storage space do deleted files take up?

Files in trash still count toward your Google Drive storage limit until you empty trash. Once you empty trash, that space is freed up and you can use it for new files. If you're running out of storage, emptying trash is one way to make room.

What if I delete a folder with files inside it?

The entire folder and all files inside it move to trash together. When you restore the folder, all the files inside are restored with it in their original locations. If you delete individual files from inside a folder, only those files go to trash.

Do I need to empty trash on my phone the same way as on a computer?

The steps are slightly different on mobile. Open the Google Drive app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to "Trash," and tap it. Find the file you want to delete or restore, tap the three-dot menu next to it, and choose your action. To empty all trash, tap the three-dot menu at the top and select "Empty trash."

Can I set files to delete automatically after a certain time?

Google Drive does not have a built-in auto-delete feature for individual files. However, files in trash are automatically deleted after 30 days. If you want files to delete on a schedule, you would need to use a third-party automation tool or set a manual reminder to delete them yourself.