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How to delete files in Google Drive?

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  • 3 min read

Google Drive is by far one of the most popular cloud storage services available at the moment and, thanks to being part of the Google Workspace suite, integrates rather well with other online Google services. However, if you’re using a free Google account, you only get 15GB of space shared between your Gmail and Drive, which means you can quickly run out of space. 

Thankfully, Google provides an easy way of deleting your files and managing your Google Drive storage space. This article discusses how to delete files in Google Drive, whether you’re on the website or using the app. 

Also read: Google Drive refused to connect or is blocked: 6 Fixes


Deleting files in Google Drive on the web

Deleting files on the Google Drive cloud interface is rather easy. Just follow these steps.

Step 1: Open the Google Drive web interface and select the file(s) you want to delete. 

Step 2: Right-click the selected files and click Remove. 

Your file will now be deleted. However, remember that this action doesn’t permanently delete the file but moves it to the bin instead. The file remains in the bin for 30 days before being deleted permanently.


Deleting files in Google Drive on the app

More or less, the same process applies to deleting files on the Google Drive app. Follow these steps to delete whatever files you want.

  • Open the Google Drive app and select the files you want to delete by tapping and holding them. 
  • Tap the bin icon in the top right to remove the files.

As is the case with deleting files on the web interface, any deleted files will be sent to the bin for 30 days before being permanently deleted. You can restore any deleted files from the bin, but they’ll continue taking up storage space on your drive until they’re permanently deleted. 

Also read: Why is Google Drive video still processing? Quick Fix

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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