Google Drive helps you curate and store your files on a cloud server. That way, you have a backup of your data and documents even when your computer encounters a problem and you loses access to your files. On top of having a cloud backup, you can also access your Google Drive files on any device when you logged in to your Google account. It works on Android or iOS mobile devices, Windows 10 PC, Mac & Linux computers as well as Chromebooks.
But, there are times when users can’t seem to permanently remove and delete Google Drive files or put them to Trash. A lot of users complained that they still see their deleted files and old documents keep on reappearing and coming back on Google Drive. Even if they removed them, they are not really gone and continue show up listed on their Google Drive account.
One of the reasons why you still see your deleted files and they still keep on showing up on your device is the delayed response from the Google Drive servers. The app may have not successfully removed your documents and restored them automatically. You may also delete the folder, but the files remain on your Google Drive. If you choose to delete a collaboration folder or file or docs owned by other people, you may still see them after deletion. Some users won’t find the files but verified that they still take up storage space on their Google Drive account.
Fixing Deleted Files Keep Reappearing or Coming Back Issue on Google Drive
There are several troubleshooting methods that you can do to help you fix the Google Drive won’t delete files error. Check out each of the solutions below and follow the steps.
Solution #1 – Relaunch Google Drive and Try Deleting the File Again
The first thing you can do is to exit your Google Drive app on your Windows 10 PC, Mac computer, or Android and iOS phones. After a few seconds, relaunch it on your browser. Now, try to remove the file again and see if it comes back.
Solution #2 – Use the Remove Option
Instead of using the Trash icon to delete the files on your Google Drive, you can also use the Remove option for each file.
- On your Google Drive, look for the file that you want to delete.
- Right-click on it.
- Scroll down and select Remove.
Solution #3 – Clear your Browser Cache
- On your browser, click the three-dotted icon.
- Select More Tools.
- Go to Clear Browsing Data.
- Set the Time Range to All Time.
- Check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear Data.
Solution #4 – Delete the Google Drive File on Other Devices
You can also remove files on your Google Drive using other devices or other browsers. If you want to use another browser, log in to your Google account. To delete files on your Google Drive using other devices, you can use the Google Drive app.
- Launch Google Drive app.
- Look for the file that you want to delete.
- Next to the file, tap the three-dotted icon.
- Tap Delete.
Solution #5 – Empty your Google Drive Trash
- Open Google Drive.
- On the left panel, click Trash. For the Google Drive app, tap the Menu icon and select Trash.
- In the upper right corner, click the Empty Trash icon to delete all files. You may also want to select all the files. Right-Click on them and click Delete Forever.
Did any of the solutions above fix your Google Drive error? You can share your experience in the comment section below.
