How to Delete Files from Google Drive Permanently

How Google Drive File Deletion Works and What It Means

Before learning how to delete Drive files effectively, it’s important to understand what happens when you delete files in Google Drive. This knowledge helps prevent confusion about why some files still take up space or don’t disappear right away. It also explains why deleting shared files may not remove them for everyone. Here are the key points to know before you start deleting files:

✅ Deleted files go to Trash, not gone immediately

When you delete Drive files, they move to the Trash folder first. This gives you a chance to recover them if needed.

✅ Files in the Trash still take up storage

Even though the file is no longer visible in your main Drive folders, it continues to count against your storage quota until it’s removed from Trash.

✅ Files are auto-deleted after 30 days

Google Drive automatically empties Trash after 30 days, permanently deleting the files. You can also empty the Trash manually to free space sooner.

✅ Owner-deleted vs. shared file deletions

Deleting files you own removes them for everyone with access. Deleting files owned by others only removes them from your view.

✅ Shared folders and view-only files behave differently

You cannot permanently delete files you don’t own; you can only remove them from your Drive view.

How to Permanently Delete Files from Google Drive on Web/Desktop

If you want to remove files from Google Drive, using the web or desktop version is an excellent choice. This method gives you detailed information about each file, including who owns it, sharing permissions, and file size. Such details help you make informed decisions about which files to delete. You can also select multiple files at once, allowing you to clean up your Drive faster and more efficiently.

However, when you delete files, they first move to the Trash folder, where they continue to occupy storage space until you empty Trash. It’s important to remember that deleting files you don’t own only removes them from your view; other collaborators will still have access. This method offers you full control over your files, but you must follow the proper steps to permanently clear your storage and avoid confusion about what has been deleted.

💡 The following guide will teach you how to delete from Google Drive step by step on a computer:

Step 1. Open Google Drive in your web browser and sign in to your account.

Step 2. Locate and select the files or folders you want to delete permanently.

Step 3. Move the selected files to the Trash by clicking the “Remove” option.

Step 4. Click Trash in the left sidebar to open the Trash folder.

Step 5. In Trash, select the files again and choose Empty Trash to remove them permanently from your Drive and free up storage.

How to Delete Saved Items on Google Drive Permanently on Android

If you mainly use your phone, you’ll find that deleting files on Android is a quick way to clear all files from Google Drive without needing a computer. It’s perfect when you want to clean up right after uploading photos, downloading documents, or sorting out shared folders on the go.

But keep in mind, this method has its downsides. It’s harder to review large batches of files on a smaller screen, and you might not always see full file names or ownership details. Accidentally deleting something important is easier than you think.

So before you hit delete forever, take a quick moment to double-check what you’re removing. This method works best when you already know which files you don’t need and just want to clean things up fast while using your Android device.

💡 Here is how to delete files from drive on Android step by step:

Step 1. Open the Google Drive app on your Android device and make sure you're signed in to the correct Google account.

Step 2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) next to any file or folder you want to delete.

Step 3. Select “Remove” to move the item to the Trash.

Step 4. Go back to the home screen, tap the menu icon (≡) in the top left, then tap Trash.

Step 5. In Trash, tap the three-dot menu for each file and choose “Delete forever” to permanently remove it.

Notes:✎...

There’s no undo for “Delete forever,” so double-check each file before confirming.

How to Delete Data from Google Drive Permanently on iPhone

Using your iPhone to delete Google Drive storage offers flexibility when you don’t have access to a desktop. It suits users who regularly manage files on mobile or rely on iCloud and Google Drive together. This method gives you access to your Drive anywhere, making it convenient for quick cleanups or handling urgent storage issues.

However, compared to the desktop method, this approach has a few limitations. It’s harder to view file details such as size or ownership, and selecting many files at once can feel slower or less precise. iOS also limits some Drive functions compared to Android, especially with file selection or account switching.

If you’re trying to clean Drive space while traveling or without a computer, this method works well. Just make sure to double-check file importance, since one wrong tap can remove access to a file permanently, especially for shared or collaborative content.

💡 How to delete from drive on iPhone step by step:

Step 1. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone and sign in to your account if needed.

Step 2. Locate the file or folder you want to remove.

Step 3. Tap the three-dot icon (⋯) next to the item and choose “Remove.” This sends the file to Trash.

Step 4. Tap the Menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner and select “Move to Trash.”

Step 5. In the Trash folder, tap the three-dot icon next to the file again and choose “Delete forever.” Confirm your choice to remove it permanently.

Why You May Not Be Able to Delete a File in Google Drive

When you try to delete all files in Google Drive to free up space or organize your account, you might find some files refuse to delete. Whether you’re clearing old work documents, school projects, or large shared videos, encountering files that won’t delete can be frustrating. This often happens when you want a quick cleanup on your phone or computer but run into unexpected barriers.

If you encounter issues when trying to delete files on Google Drive, the first step is to identify the cause and then apply the appropriate solution. Here are the most common reasons:

🛡️ You’re not the file owner

If someone else owns the file and shared it with you, you can only remove it from your Drive view. You cannot delete it for everyone.

📂 The file is in a shared folder

If you lack edit permissions, Google Drive may prevent you from deleting files inside shared folders.

📶 Network or sync problems

Deleting files in Google Drive may fail if your device isn’t fully synced or lacks a stable connection.

🚫 Admin restrictions

For Google Workspace users, admins might restrict file deletion to protect company data.

⚠️ App bugs or outdated versions

Older app versions or glitches can block file deletion. Updating or reinstalling the app often fixes this.

Bonus Tip: How to Easily Delete and Manage Files in Google Drive

If you want to know how to delete multiple files in Google Drive quickly and efficiently, using a tool like CBackup can help. CBackup allows you to manage your Google Drive storage by identifying large or duplicate files, then removing them in bulk. This saves you time and reduces manual effort.

It also offers automatic backup and file syncing across different cloud services, helping you keep your files organized and your storage space free. Unlike managing files manually, CBackup gives you better control over your data and makes it easier to maintain a clean and efficient Google Drive. 

Here is how to delete multiple files on Google Drive using CBackup:

Step 1. Download CBackup and install it. Then, you can sign up or log in to your account.

Step 2. Click Storage on the left side, then choose Google Drive and hit Authorize Now. Then follow the on-screen guide to allow CBackup to access your cloud storage.

Step 3. Once connected, go to your Google Drive files inside CBackup. Use the file list to select multiple files or folders you want to delete.

Step 4. Click the Delete button to remove all selected files from your Google Drive at once.

Step 5. Confirm the deletion when prompted. The selected files will be removed permanently, helping you free up space quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to delete files from Google Drive permanently plays a key role in managing your storage and keeping your account organized. Choose the right method—using the web, mobile apps, or tools like CBackup—to remove unwanted files completely. Recognize common issues that block deletion so you can fix them quickly and maintain control over your Drive.

Follow the proper steps to delete only unnecessary files and protect your important data. Apply the tips and methods from this post to clear your Google Drive safely and free up space effectively. Managing your files well improves storage use and enhances your Google Drive experience.

FAQs About Deleting Files on Google Drive

Now that you understand the key methods to delete files on Google Drive permanently, you might still have some questions. The following FAQs address common concerns and provide quick answers to help you manage your Google Drive more effectively.

1. How to Delete Videos from Google Drive Without Deleting from Phone?

If you're unsure how to remove video from Google Drive without losing the copy on your phone, you're not alone. Many users want to free up cloud storage while keeping their files safe locally. Follow these steps to make sure your videos stay safe on your phone while you remove them from Google Drive:

• 1. Open Google Drive and locate the video you want to delete.
• 2. Check if the video exists on your phone. Open your device’s gallery or file manager and look for the same video file.
• 3. If the video is only in Google Drive, tap the three-dot menu next to the video and select Download to save a copy directly to your phone.
• 4. Once the video is saved on your device, go back to Google Drive and tap the three-dot menu again.
• 5. Choose “Remove” to delete the video from Google Drive without affecting the copy on your phone.

2. How to Delete PDF from Google Drive on a Phone?

Here are the steps to delete PDF from Google Drive on a mobile phone:

• 1. Open the Google Drive app on your phone and sign in to your Google account.
• 2. Search for or locate the PDF you want to delete.
• 3. Tap the three-dot menu icon (⋮) next to the PDF file.
• 4. Select “Remove” to move the PDF to the Trash folder.
• 5. Go to the Trash folder, tap the three-dot menu next to the same PDF, and choose “Delete forever” to remove it permanently.

✅ Tip: Files in the Trash still take up storage until you delete them forever.

3. How to Remove Files from Google Drive Without Deleting Them?

To remove files from your My Drive without deleting them completely, follow this method:

1️⃣ If the file was shared with you, tap the three-dot icon next to the file and choose “Remove.” This only removes the file from your view. The file stays in the owner’s Drive and remains accessible to others.

2️⃣ If you own the file and still want to keep a copy without storing it in Google Drive, download it to your device or transfer it to another storage service (like OneDrive or Dropbox). Once the file is saved elsewhere, delete it from Drive to free up space without losing access.

This method lets you remove files from Google Drive while keeping them safe elsewhere.