How to Restore a Deleted File in Google Drive - Guide for Docs, Sheets and Forms

Accidentally deleting a file in Google Drive can be frustrating, especially if it's an important Google Docs, Sheets, or Forms file. Fortunately, Google Drive provides a simple way to recover deleted files from the Trash folder, as long as they haven’t been permanently removed. Whether you're dealing with a shared document or your personal files, Google Drive ensures that your data can be recovered with ease if acted upon quickly.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to restore deleted files, whether they are Docs, Sheets, or Forms. You’ll also learn tips on what to do if the file is no longer in the Trash or how to contact Google Support for additional help.

How to Restore Deleted Files Using Google Drive

Step 1: Accessing Google Drive

To recover your Google Docs files go to Google Drive and sign in with your credentials.

Step 2: Select the "Trash" tab from the Left Panel

After accessing your Google Drive select the "Trash" tab from the left panel to move to recover your deleted file. Whenever you delete anything in Google Docs, Google Sheets, and other Google Apps that save the data on Drive, it comes to the Trash tab in Google Drive.

Step 3: Locate the File and Click on Three Dots

Now locate your desired file that you want to recover and click on the Three Dots present next to the File Name to a drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select "Restore"

Now from the drop-down menu appeared select "Restore" to restore the deleted file and your file will be recovered.

Step 5: Click on "My Drive"

Now click on the "My Drive" button to go to the review the file location.

Step 6: File Recovered

Now you can review your deleted File and it will be present in the "My Drive", now you can use it any where.

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Google Drive after 30 Days

Step 1: Visit Google Support Drive

To recover your permanently deleted files, visit support.google.com to send a request to your File Recovery.

Step 2: Sign in with your Credentials

Now enter your email address and password to sign in with your google account.

Step 3: File Recovery Page Opened, Scroll Down

Now after signing in with your credentials the file recovery page will be opened and now scroll down till the form to be filled appears.

Step 4: Fill the Form

Now fill the form with asking your first and last name and other things, then click on the "File Type" to select the deleted file type.

Step 5: Select File Type

In order to recover your Google Docs files, select the "Google Files" you can also recover your any other type of files.

Step 6: Check the "Consent Agreement" Box and Click on "Submit"

Now check and tick the consent agreement box and then click on the "Submit" button to send the request to Google Support.

Step 7: Email or Request Sent

You have now successfully sent the request to recover your permanently deleted files.

How To Recover Deleted Files from Google Drive (Mobile App)

Step 1: Open Google Drive

To open Google Drive on your Mobile locate the Google Drive icon and give it a click.

Step 2: Click on "Three Bars"

After opening Google Drive on your mobile phone click on the "Three Bars" located on the top-left corner of the interface to open a menu.

Step 3: Select "Bin"

Now from the menu appeared select the "Bin" tab it will open you all the deleted files that have been delete on Google Docs or Google Sheets.

Step 4: Locate the File and Click on "Three Dots"

After coming to the Bin tab click on the Three Dots present next to the File Name.

Step 5: Select "Restore"

When you will click on the Three Dots a drop-down menu will appear on the screen containing some option, among the options select "Restore" to recover the selected file.

Step 6: File Recovered

Now go back to your file's location that was deleted, you will find the file and now you can use it anywhere you want.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files in Google Drive, whether it’s a Doc, Sheet, or Form, is a straightforward process if you act promptly. Always check the Trash folder first, and remember to verify file ownership if working on shared documents. For permanently deleted files, reach out to Google Support for help. By following this guide, you can safeguard your valuable data and avoid losing important files in the future.