📂 Google Drive is a must-have tool for saving documents, photos and videos in the cloud.
However, there comes a time when space is filled and you need to get rid of what you no longer use.
In this guide you will learn how to delete files from Google Drive step by stepfrom both the computer and the cell phone.
And the most important thing: you will find out how to eliminate them. on a permanent basis to really free up space.
Why it is important to delete files in Google Drive
🗑️ Many people think that dragging a file to the trash can is enough.
The reality is that the deleted files continue to take up space until you empty the Google Drive Trash.
If you don't, you'll soon receive the annoying notice that you have run out of storage.
Therefore, deleting files is not only a matter of order, but also a matter of digital efficiency.
How to delete files from Google Drive on your computer
💻 If you access Google Drive from your browser on your computer, the process is simple.
- Open Google Drive.
- Find the file or folder you want to delete.
- Right click and select "Delete".
- The file will be moved to the trash.
⚠️ Important: you have not yet freed up space. In order for it not to take up storage, you will need to empty the waste garbage can.
How to empty the Google Drive trash on the computer
🧹 The recycle garbage can functions as a temporary container that stores files until you decide to get rid of them.
To delete them definitively:
- In the left side menu, click on "Bin".
- Select the files you want to delete forever.
- Press the button "Permanently delete".
Now the space will be available again in your account.
How to delete files from Google Drive on mobile
📱 Most users manage their files from mobile, so you need to know how to do it there too.
- Open the Google Drive.
- Press and hold the file you want to delete.
- Touch the wastebasket at the top.
- The file will be moved to the app trash.
Remember that just like on the computer, you will still have to empty the waste garbage can to free up real space.
How to empty the trash garbage can in Google Drive from your cell phone
🗑️ Permanently deleting files on the cell phone is very similar to the process on the computer.
- Open the Google Drive app.
- Tap the ☰ menu and select. "Bin".
- Press and hold the file you want to delete permanently.
- Choose "Permanently delete".
In this way, the file will no longer occupy space in your cloud.
Difference between "Delete" and "Delete permanently".
⚖️ Here is the confusion of many users: elimination is not the same as permanent elimination.
- Delete: moves the file to the trash, but it still takes up storage.
- To eliminate definitively: delete the file from your account and recover the space.
If you are looking for organization without freeing up spaceIf you do not have any files, just send them to the trash.
If you want to optimize your storageyou have to take the final step.
How to restore a file deleted by mistake
🔄 It happens to all of us: you delete something thinking you don't need it and then you regret it.
Fortunately, Google Drive allows recover deleted files as long as they are in the recycle garbage can.
- Enter the Garbage can from Google Drive.
- Right-click on the file you want to recover.
- Select "Restore".
The file will return to its original folder as if nothing had happened.
How to delete multiple files at the same time
📑 When you need to do massive cleanup, Google Drive also makes it easy.
- Press and hold down the Ctrl (Windows) o Cmd (Mac) and select multiple files.
- Right click and press "Delete".
- Then, go to the trash and select "Permanently delete".
On the cell phone, you can press and hold a file and then mark several at a time to delete them.
How to delete large files in Google Drive
📹 Often the problem is not small documents, but videos and photos that take up a lot of space.
To locate them faster:
- Open Google Drive.
- Click on "Storage" in the side menu.
- You will see a list of files sorted by size.
- Delete the ones that take up the most space and empty the trash.
With this trick you will free up space in a matter of seconds.
How to delete shared files in Google Drive
🤝 Files that others share with you can also generate confusion.
If you delete a shared file:
- You stop seeing it in your Drivebut it does not disappear for the owner.
- Only the owner of the file can permanently delete it.
Therefore, if you want to remove a shared file that you do not need, you just need to "Remove from my unit".
Tips to keep your Google Drive organized
✨ Deleting files is only part of the process.
If you want to keep your cloud tidy:
- Check the garbage can at least once a month.
- Deletes duplicates or old versions of documents.
- Create thematic folders to avoid digital chaos.
- Use Drive's search engine with filters to find unnecessary files faster.
A clean Drive is synonymous with productivity and peace of mind.
What to do if you need more space in Google Drive
📈 Sometimes, even if you delete files, the space is not enough.
In that case, you have two options:
- Continue deleting large and seldom used files.
- Expand your storage plan with Google One.
Google offers quite affordable plans that allow you to store extra gigabytes without worrying about the limit.
Conclusion
🚀 Deleting files from Google Drive not only helps you free up space, but also helps you work more neatly and efficiently.
Remember: moving a file to the trash is not enoughYou always have to empty it to make it disappear definitively.
Apply these tips and your Google Drive will be always clean, fast and organized.
How about you? How long has it been since you last checked your digital trash garbage can? 😉