Accidentally Deleted Files From Google Drive? Don’t Panic! Here’s How to Recover Them
Losing important files from your Google Drive can be incredibly frustrating, but don’t despair! Google Drive features a robust trash folder designed to help you recover those accidentally deleted files. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of restoring files from your Google Drive trash, explaining how long they stay there and how to avoid losing them permanently. We’ll also delve into the various storage options available through Google One, ensuring you have ample space to keep all your files safe and sound.
Understanding Google Drive’s Trash Folder
The Google Drive trash folder acts as a safety net for deleted files, offering a grace period for retrieval. It’s essentially a holding ground where your files reside for 30 days before being permanently deleted. This "30-day window" provides ample time to retrieve any files that were lost due to accidental deletion. This is a crucial feature, especially for users who often work with large files or documents.
Why Files Stay in Trash
The 30-day retention period serves two main purposes:
- Accidental Deletion Recovery: Most users realize they’ve deleted a file accidentally and need time to recover it. The trash folder allows them to do so without losing valuable files.
- Security: The trash folder provides a layer of security; it prevents files from disappearing immediately, allowing you to verify you’re deleting the right files before they’re gone forever.
How to Recover Deleted Files from Google Drive
Recovering deleted files from your Google Drive is straightforward, and you can do it using your computer or mobile device.
1. Accessing the Trash Folder
- Mobile App (Android/iOS): Open the Google Drive app and tap on the "Trash" icon, normally located at the bottom of the screen.
- Web Browser: Visit drive.google.com. On the left-hand side, you’ll find a list of options; click on "Trash."
2. Locating the Desired File
Your trash folder will display all the files you’ve deleted. You can filter it by:
- Trashed Date: Sort files by the date they were deleted, useful for finding the most recently deleted ones.
- File Type: See only the types of files you’re looking for, such as documents, spreadsheets, or images.
- Name: If you remember the name of the file, you can type it in the search bar to quickly locate it.
3. Restoring the File
Once you’ve found the file you want to recover, follow these steps:
- Mobile App (Android/iOS): Tap the three dots icon below the file, select "Restore," and your file will be restored to its original location.
- Web Browser: You can either click on the three dots next to the file’s name and select "Restore" or simply right-click on the file and select "Restore." You’ll find the file back in its original folder.
4. Permanent Deletion
If you’re absolutely certain you no longer need a file, you can permanently delete it from your Google Drive trash. To do so, select the file, click on the three dots icon, and choose "Delete forever." Bear in mind that once a file is removed from your trash, it becomes permanently inaccessible!
Understanding Google One Storage
Google Drive’s free storage is limited to 15GB. This often proves inadequate for users who store large files, such as videos, photos, or backups. That’s where Google One comes in — a subscription service offering increased storage capacity and other benefits.
Google One Plans
Here’s a breakdown of the current Google One plans and their features:
1. Basic Plan (100GB): This plan provides 100GB of storage for Rs. 130 per month in India. It’s a good option if you need slightly more storage than the free 15GB plan without a significant price hike.
2. Standard Plan (200GB): For Rs. 210 per month, this plan provides 200GB of storage, doubling the capacity of the Basic plan. It’s ideal for users regularly uploading large files or needing more room for backups.
3. Premium Plan (2TB): The Premium plan offers 2TB of storage for Rs. 650 per month and represents a significant storage increase. It’s a great choice for power users who deal with large files or demand ample storage space.
Benefits Beyond Storage
Google One memberships offer additional features beyond just more storage:
- Family Sharing: Share your storage across up to 5 family members, allowing everyone in your family to benefit from the increased space and other Google One perks.
- Google Services Perks: Enjoy extra benefits across various Google Services, including:
- Google Photos: Get unlimited high-quality photo backups
- Google Play Credits: Receive monthly credits to spend on apps, games, and movies
- Google Drive Backup: Back up your phone’s content, including photos, videos, and contacts
- Free Expert Support: Get priority support from Google’s customer care team
Avoiding Permanent File Deletion
If you’re concerned about accidentally deleting files, there are a few preventive measures you can take:
- Empty the Trash Regularly: While it’s best to check the trash folder periodically to ensure you’re not losing anything you need, emptying it regularly helps prevent accidental permanent deletion.
- Enable Version History: Google Drive allows you to keep version history, saving multiple versions of your documents and spreadsheets. This can be a lifesaver if you make a mistake or accidentally delete content within a file. To enable version history:
- Web Browser: Go to your Drive settings and check the "Version history" box.
- Use “Google Drive File Stream" for Files on Your Computer: This enables you to view all the files in your Google Drive without having to download them to your computer. This means that any files you are working on are synced to the Drive and not directly stored on your computer, hence protecting them from accidental deletion.
Conclusion
The Google Drive Trash folder is a powerful recovery mechanism that gives you a safety net against accidental file deletion. The 30-day window helps you retrieve your files, and if you need even more space, Google One offers ample storage options and additional benefits. By understanding and utilizing the features available to you, you can ensure the safety and accessibility of your files on Google Drive, providing peace of mind and avoiding unnecessary data loss.
