How to Delete a Folder in Google Drive

When your Google Drive starts getting cluttered with old project folders, outdated shared files, or years of accumulated digital junk, it is time to clean house. Deleting a folder in Google Drive is straightforward, but it works differently from deleting files on your local computer. Understanding the rules around what happens to folder contents, shared files, and the Trash bin will help you avoid accidentally losing important work.

What Happens When You Delete a Google Drive Folder?

Before you delete anything, it is crucial to understand the consequences:

• All contents are deleted together: Every single file and subfolder contained inside a folder you delete will also be moved to the Trash simultaneously. There is no way to delete the folder container while preserving the files inside in their original location.
• Nothing is permanently destroyed immediately: Deleted folders move to the Trash bin where they sit for 30 days. During this window, you can fully restore them if you change your mind.
• Shared folders behave differently: If you delete a folder that was shared with you by someone else (meaning you do not own it), it only disappears from your view. The folder, its files, and all other collaborators are entirely unaffected.

How to Delete a Folder on a Computer (Web Browser)

1. Open your web browser and navigate to drive.google.com. Sign in to your Google account if prompted.
2. Locate the folder you want to delete. It will appear in your “My Drive” area or in a specific subfolder.
3. Right-click directly on the folder’s name or icon.
4. A context menu will appear. Click Move to trash.
5. The folder will immediately disappear from its current location and be moved to your Trash.

Alternative method: Click the folder once to highlight and select it (it will turn blue). Then click the Trash Can icon that appears in the toolbar at the top-right area of the screen.

How to Delete a Folder on the Mobile App

The process is slightly different on the Google Drive app for smartphones and tablets.

1. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Locate the folder you wish to delete. You can browse through “My Drive” or use the search function.
3. Tap the three vertical dots (⋮) located to the right of the folder’s name.
4. A bottom sheet menu will appear. Scroll down if necessary and tap Remove.
5. A confirmation prompt may appear. Confirm the deletion.

How to Permanently Delete a Folder (Empty the Trash)

If you need to immediately free up storage space and are certain you will not need to recover the folder, you can permanently delete it from the Trash.

1. In the left sidebar of Google Drive (on the web), click Trash.
2. Find the folder in the list of trashed items.
3. Right-click the folder and select Delete forever.
4. Confirm the permanent deletion. Warning: This action is completely irreversible. Google cannot recover permanently deleted files.

Alternatively, click the Empty trash button at the top of the Trash page to permanently delete everything in the bin at once.

How to Recover a Deleted Folder

Made a mistake? As long as it has been less than 30 days since the deletion:

1. Click Trash in the left sidebar of Google Drive.
2. Locate the deleted folder in the list.
3. Right-click the folder and select Restore.
4. The folder and all of its contents will be moved back to their original location in your Drive instantly.