To delete a file from Google Drive on an iPhone, open the Google Drive app, tap the three dots (More) next to the file, and tap Move to trash (called Remove in some versions). To delete several files, touch and hold one file to select it, tap the others, then tap the trash can. Deleted files go to Trash, where they stay for 30 days. To free up storage right away, open Trash from the menu and delete them forever.
Delete one file
- Open the Google Drive app and find the file (use Search at the top if needed).
- Tap the three dots next to the file.
- Scroll down and tap Move to trash or Remove.
Delete several files at once
- Touch and hold a file until a checkmark appears.
- Tap the other files you want to delete.
- Tap the trash can at the top, or tap the three dots and choose Move to trash.
Deleting a folder moves everything inside it to the trash.
Empty the trash to free up space
- Tap the menu (three lines) at the top left.
- Tap Trash (or Bin).
- To delete everything, tap the three dots at the top and choose Empty trash. To delete one item, tap its three dots and choose Delete forever.
Files in the trash still count toward your Google storage until they’re deleted forever.
Restore a file you deleted by mistake
- Open Trash from the menu.
- Tap the three dots next to the file and choose Restore.
Things to know
- Shared files: If someone else owns a file, “removing” it only takes it out of your Drive. The owner still has it.
- Files you own that are shared: Deleting them removes access for everyone you shared them with.
- Offline copies: Deleting a file also removes any offline copy on your iPhone.
- Files app: If you’ve added Google Drive to Apple’s Files app, you can also delete files there. They go to Drive’s trash.
- Google Photos: Photos backed up to Google Photos are deleted in the Google Photos app, not in Drive.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see the trash option?
You might not own the file. Look for Remove instead, which removes it from your Drive only. Also update the Google Drive app.
How long do deleted files stay in the trash?
30 days. After that, Google deletes them automatically.
How do I delete lots of files on a computer?
See how to delete multiple files in Google Drive, which also shows how to find large files.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.