Delete files in Google Drive

If you are deleting files in Google Drive to free up space, learn how to clear space effectively with these helpful tips.

Learn what happens when you delete a file

Learn how to recover a deleted file

This article will help you understand how deleting files works in Google Drive on computers, Android devices and iPhones/iPads. You'll learn when you can delete a file, when you can't and the difference between deleting a file and permanently deleting it.

In this section, you'll learn about:

Files that you can delete and how to delete them
Files that you cannot delete
Permanently deleting a file

Learn about files that you can delete and how to delete them

Important: Once you delete the file by moving it to your bin, remember that:

Anyone that you shared your file with can continue to access it until the file is deleted permanently.
Files in your bin still count towards your storage until they are permanently deleted.

If you're the owner of the file, you can delete the file by moving it to your bin.

To put a file in the bin:

On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Drive app.
At the bottom right, tap Files .
Next to the file that you want to delete, tap More Remove.

Learn about files that you cannot delete

If you're not the owner of a file, you won't be able to see the option to remove it.

Other people will have access to the file since you're not the owner.

Learn how to permanently delete a file

Learn about permanently deleted files in Drive

Important: If you're the owner of the file, anyone that you've shared the file with will lose access when you permanently delete it. Learn how to make someone else the owner of your file.

When you click Empty bin, the files in your bin are deleted forever.
Files that you move to the bin are deleted forever after 30 days.
Learn how to recover a deleted file in Google Drive.

Permanently delete an individual file

You can permanently delete an individual file or empty your bin. After you've deleted a file, anyone that you've shared the file with will lose access to it. If you want others to still access the file, you can give ownership to someone else.

At the top left, tap Menu .
Tap Bin.
Next to the file that you'd like to delete, tap More .
Tap Delete forever.

Permanently delete a file in your bin

At the top left, tap Menu Bin.
Next to the file that you want to delete permanently, tap More Delete forever.

Permanently delete all files in your bin

At the top left, tap Menu .
Tap Bin.
Make sure that there are no files that you'll want later.
At the top right, tap More .
Tap Empty bin.

Delete files in Google Drive

Learn about files that you can delete and how to delete them

Learn about files that you cannot delete

Learn how to permanently delete a file

Learn about permanently deleted files in Drive

Permanently delete an individual file

Permanently delete a file in your bin

Permanently delete all files in your bin

Need more help?

Try these next steps: