Losing critical files from Google Drive after the 30-day trash retention period can be devastating. While Google permanently deletes items from Trash after a month, there are still ways to recover your data using these proven methods:
Why Files Disappear After 30 Days
Google Drive retains deleted files in Trash for 30 days before permanent deletion. After this period:
- Files are erased from Google servers
- They no longer count toward your storage quota
- Standard recovery methods stop working
⚠️ Note: Success depends on whether the data was overwritten by new files. Act quickly for the best results.
Method 1: Check Google Drive Trash First
If deletion occurred within the last 30 days:
- Go to Google Drive Trash
- Right-click the file > Restore
- For bulk recovery: Select files > Restore all selected items
Method 2: Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
If files are gone from Trash, specialized software can scan Google Drive's servers for remnants:
Option A: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Select Google Drive as the target location
- Scan for deleted files (deep scan recommended)
- Preview and recover files to a local drive
Success Rate: 70-85% for files deleted within 6 months
Option B: Disk Drill
- Install Disk Drill
- Use the Google Drive Recovery module
- Filter results by file type/date for faster recovery
Method 3: Google Takeout (For Non-Deleted Files)
Recover older versions of files that weren't deleted:
- Visit Google Takeout
- Select Drive and choose file formats
- Download archive and extract missing files
Method 4: Professional Data Recovery Services
For enterprise-level recovery:
- Ontrack: Specializes in cloud data recovery
- Gillware: Offers Google Workspace recovery
- DriveSavers: 24/7 emergency service
Cost: $300-$1,500+ depending on data volume
Method 5: File Recovery Software (Local Sync)
If you synced Drive to your computer:
- Use Recuva or PhotoRec to scan your hard drive
- Recover locally cached versions of Drive files
Success Factors Comparison
| Method | Time Window | Cost | Technical Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Trash | Within 30 days | Free | Beginner |
| Third-Party Tools | Up to 6 months | $69-$99 | Intermediate |
| Data Services | 1+ year | $300+ | Expert |
Prevention Tips
- Enable Google Drive Version History for critical files
- Use Google Vault (for Workspace accounts)
- Automate backups to external drives
- Regularly export files via Google Takeout
FAQ
Can I recover files deleted 2 years ago?
Unlikely through standard methods. Professional services may recover fragments if the data wasn't overwritten.
Does emptying Trash affect Team Drives?
Team Drive files go to the admin's Trash and stay for 20 days before permanent deletion.
How to recover Google Photos deleted from Drive?
Check the Google Photos Trash separately - it retains items for 60 days.
Need help choosing the right recovery method? Describe your situation in the comments!
