Find or restore a missing Google Drive file
In this article
In this article group
- Get started with Google Drive for desktop
- Google Drive is not syncing on your computer
- Use Google Drive files without an internet connection
- Google Drive says your storage is full
- Google Drive says you need access to a file
- Google Drive or a document will not open in your browser
- Report unwanted shared files in Google Drive
- Send Google Drive diagnostic logs to 2Fifteen Tech
- Understand streaming and mirroring in Google Drive
If a file disappears, avoid deleting or reorganizing other files while you look for it.
Step 1: Check Drive in your browser
- Open Google Drive.
- Confirm that you are using the account the file belongs to or was shared with.
- Search for the file name. If you have the original link, try opening it.
If the link asks for access, contact the owner or shared drive manager. The file may still exist even though you cannot see it.
Step 2: Check Trash
- In Drive, click Trash on the left.
- Find the file. Sorting by Trashed date can help.
- Right-click it and select Restore.
Drive normally removes files from Trash after 30 days. If the file was deleted on your computer, check its Trash or Recycle Bin too.
Still missing?
Contact 2Fifteen Tech support promptly. Include the file name or link, owner, folder or shared drive, and when you last saw it. Recovery depends on what happened and when; we will check the available options.