How to Empty the Trash in Google Drive

Files in the “Trash” count towards your Google Drive storage quota. Find out here how to quickly rid yourself of this burden and empty the trash in Google Drive.

First, Stir Your Morning’s Cup of Tea

Now, look at the Bordeaux-red steamy liquid. Does it look like anything is the same as it was before?

It has to!

When you stir a cup, Brouwer’s fixed point theorem tells us one spot at least has to land exactly where previously it was. If you have two sheets of paper on top of each other and crumble the top one, one spot must likewise lie exactly where it was before.

When, finally, you stir earth’s atmosphere, one spot at least must remain still. There should always be, then, a place without wind.

Are you longing for one folder at least in Google Drive that is still and void of files?

How to Empty the Trash in Google Drive

In a Desktop Browser

Emptied too soon? How to restore deleted files to Google Drive

Empty the Trash In the Google Drive App for iOS and Android

To delete all files in the Trash using the Google Drive apps for iOS and Android:

1. Open the Trash folder in the Google Drive app.
   Cannot see folders: Tap the menu button () to see the list of folders.
2. Tap the menu button (•••) in the top right.
3. Select Empty trash from the menu that has appeared.
4. Now tap Delete forever in the dialog that has come up.

How to Empty the Trash in Google Drive: FAQ

Can I delete only specific (large) files from the “Trash”?

Yes.

To permanently delete individual files from the Google Drive trash:

1. Open the Trash folder in Google Drive.
2. Click to select the document you want to delete permanently.
   More than one file: Hold the Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows, Linux) keys to select multiple files and Shift to select a range.
   Google Drive keyboard shortcut: Press Command A (Mac) or Ctrl A (Windows and Linux) to highlight all visible files. (Files not yet loaded to the view will not be selected.)
   Sort by size: There is, alas, no way to sort the Trash by size; opening List view will let you see Google Drive file sizes at least, though.
   Find large files: You can find the largest Google Drive files not yet trashed, by the way.
3. Now click the Delete forever icon () in the toolbar.
4. Select DELETE FOREVER to confirm.

Will my trash empty automatically?

Yes.

Files in Google Drive Trash will be permanently removed automatically

• after 30 days in the Trash folder.

Can I empty the trash using Google Drive for desktop or Google Backup and Sync?

No.

Google Drive for desktop and Backup and Sync do synchronize Google Drive folders and files to your computer, but offer no way to access or empty the trash folder.

(When you delete a file in one of the desktop applications, it will be moved to the Google Drive trash folder, where you can recover or permanently delete it using a browser.)

Can I empty the trash from my app with Google Drive API?

Yes.

Google Drive API v3 lets you delete all files in the Trash folder with a single call:

• With Python, Java, PHP, Objective C, etc:
  Use the emptyTrash method.
• With a HTTP request (curl):
  Use DELETE https://www.googleapis.com/drive/v3/files/trash with the appropriate authentication.

(How to empty the trash in Google Drive tested in a desktop browser and Google Drive for iOS; updated April 2024)