How do I find trashed documents in Google Docs?

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How do I find trashed documents in Google Docs?

Google Docs is a popular cloud-based document management system that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents online. It provides a convenient way to work on projects, share files, and access documents from anywhere with an internet connection. However, there may be instances when you accidentally delete a document or need to retrieve a document that was deleted by someone else. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to find trashed documents in Google Docs and recover them.

Recovering deleted files from Google Drive

If you sent a file to the trash less than 30 days ago, there's still time to restore it. Here's how to recover deleted files from Google Drive:

Sign in to your Google account and navigate to Google Drive.
On the left sidebar, click on 'Trash' to view the deleted files.
Locate the trashed document you want to recover and right-click on it.
From the context menu, select 'Restore' to move the document back to its original location.

By following these simple steps, you can easily recover deleted files from Google Drive within 30 days of deletion. However, what if the document was deleted more than 30 days ago?

Recovering recently or permanently deleted Google Docs after 30 days

If you need to recover a recently or permanently deleted Google Docs after 30 days, there are several options available:

Using Google Drive backup: If you have enabled Google Drive backup, you can restore your deleted documents from the backup. This feature automatically creates a backup of your documents, which can be accessed from the 'Manage versions' option in Google Drive.
Using data recovery program: There are third-party data recovery programs available that can help you recover deleted Google Docs. One such program is Cisdem Data Recovery, which is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Using Google Vault: Google Vault is a service provided by Google that allows you to search, export, and recover deleted Google Docs. It is primarily designed for businesses and organizations that need to retain and manage their data.
Using Time Machine (on MacOS) or File History (on Windows): If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac or File History on your Windows computer, you can use these built-in backup tools to restore your deleted Google Docs.

These methods provide different options for recovering recently or permanently deleted Google Docs after 30 days. Depending on your specific situation, you can choose the method that best suits your needs.

Accessing Google Docs Trash

Google Docs has a dedicated trash folder where deleted documents are stored. To access the Google Docs trash, follow these steps:

On a Computer:

Open Google Docs on your computer and sign in to your Google account.
On the left sidebar, click on 'Trash' to view the deleted documents.
From the trash folder, you can either select and restore specific documents or permanently delete them.

On the Google Docs Mobile App:

Open the Google Docs mobile app on your device.
Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the screen.
Scroll down and tap on 'Trash' to view the deleted documents.
Similar to the desktop version, you can choose to restore or permanently delete the documents from the trash folder.

It is important to note that the Google Docs trash folder retains deleted documents for a limited period of time. After a certain period, the documents may be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check and restore any important documents from the trash folder.

Search Your Google Docs

If you have a large number of documents in Google Docs and need to quickly find a specific document, you can use the search feature. Here's how to search your Google Docs:

Open Google Docs and sign in to your Google account.
Click on the search bar at the top of the screen.
Type in the keywords or title of the document you are looking for.
Google Docs will display a list of matching documents based on your search query.

By utilizing the search functionality, you can easily locate specific documents within your Google Docs account.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting a document or losing access to an important file can be a frustrating experience. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can find trashed documents in Google Docs and recover them. Whether you need to restore recently deleted files within 30 days or recover permanently deleted files after 30 days, there are methods available to help you retrieve your important documents. By being proactive and regularly checking the trash folder, you can avoid permanent document loss and ensure the safety of your files.