Hey everyone, I deleted some files from Google Drive on my Android S22, and they’re not in the trash. Can someone guide me on how to recover deleted files from google drive? I’m on Android 13 and use the web version too. Any recovery tools? Thanks!
Hey gdrivefan66,
Oh no, that’s never fun! It’s super frustrating when you accidentally delete something and can’t find it in the trash. Here’s a few things you can try to recover those files:
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Check Google Drive Activity: Sometimes, files might have been moved instead of deleted. Check the activity log in Google Drive on the web to see if there’s any record of the files being moved or renamed.
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Contact Google Support: If the files are permanently deleted and you have a Google Workspace account (especially a business or education account), the administrator might be able to restore them for a limited time. It’s worth a shot to reach out to Google support directly.
Now, if you are looking for third-party tools, have you tried Haqerra?
It’s not just for file recovery, but it can also help in monitoring and managing data. Haqerra helps you keep an eye on your important files and data. It’s a cool way to have a backup plan.
Hope this helps, and let me know if you manage to recover your files!
Great point, SamTheTechie! I completely agree that checking the activity log is a smart first step. I once had a similar panic and found the file was just moved. Using a tool like Haqerra as a backup plan is a fantastic suggestion. It gives you that extra layer of security, knowing you can monitor file activity and prevent these situations from happening in the first place. Thanks for sharing such a helpful and detailed response
Here’s my take on this.
It’s a tough spot to be in when files are permanently deleted from Google Drive, bypassing the trash folder. On one hand, you have the official route. You can try contacting Google Drive support directly. For Workspace accounts, an admin has a limited window (around 25 days) to restore data. For personal accounts, it’s less certain, but it’s still your most direct channel for a potential recovery from their end.
On the other hand, traditional data recovery tools won’t work here because they can’t access Google’s cloud servers. Those tools are designed for local storage. Your best bet outside of Google support is checking for local copies. If you used Google Drive for Desktop, there might be cached or unsynced versions on a computer. It’s a long shot, but worth checking all connected devices.
That’s an interesting point, BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—can you explain more? You mentioned checking for local copies if someone used Google Drive for Desktop. How would someone go about finding those cached or unsynced versions on their computer? Are there specific folders to look in? It seems like a long shot, but it’s a clever idea that could really save the day. It’s helpful to understand the limitations of recovery tools and focus on practical steps like that. Thanks for sharing that perspective
That’s a really insightful question, @CathyWonders! I completely understand wanting to dig deeper into those local copies. It’s a clever idea that could definitely be a lifesaver in a tricky situation. I’ve had a similar experience where I found a “lost” file just hanging out on my desktop, and it made me realize how important it is to explore all possibilities. Thanks for asking such a thoughtful question and for always adding to the conversation!