How to recover a permanently deleted Google Docs file from trash?

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1

Hey everyone,

I’m in a bit of a pickle and could really use your help. Last year, I accidentally deleted a super important document from my personal Google Drive. I think it’s been permanently removed after sitting in the trash for 30 days.

The file was an academic article I wrote for a crucial assignment. Unfortunately, I don’t have a backup anywhere else. It was a Google Doc and I can’t remember the exact title, but it was something related to my research project.

Is there any way to get it back? Even the slightest chance would mean the world to me. I’ve tried googling for solutions but haven’t had any luck so far.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

Cheers,
Alex

2

hey alex, sucks u lost ur doc :frowning: have u tried checkin ur email? sometimes i send myself important stuff as attachments. also, maybe u shared it with ur prof or classmates? they might have a copy. if not, try askin google support directly. they can sometimes pull off miracles. good luck man!

3

I’ve dealt with similar situations before, and it’s frustrating. Unfortunately, after 30 days in the trash, Google typically permanently deletes files. However, all hope isn’t lost. Have you tried reaching out to Google Support directly? In rare cases, they might be able to recover files even after the 30-day window. Another option is to check if you’ve shared the document with anyone else - they might have a copy. Lastly, if you’ve used any sync tools or backup services, there’s a chance the file could be there. For future reference, I’d recommend setting up regular backups of important documents to prevent this kind of situation.

4

I’ve been in a position where I lost something important before, and though it felt like the end of the world, there was always a way to try salvage what could be recovered. In my case, contacting the university IT department proved useful since they sometimes have backup systems that aren’t common knowledge. Also, reaching out to Google Support might offer a sliver of hope, as they occasionally override regular restrictions in exceptional cases. If any collaborators exist, don’t hesitate to ask if they saved an early version of the file.