If you can’t find files in Google Drive, you can use these tips to try to recover them. 
Restore files you deleted

If you deleted something recently using Google Drive or the Google Drive desktop app, you might be able to restore the file yourself.

Restore from your Trash

  1. On a computer, go to drive.google.com/drive/trash.
    • Tip: You can sort your trashed files by trashed date to find the oldest or newest files trashed.
  2. Right-click the file you want to recover.
  3. Click Restore.

Find a file that you don't think you deleted

Try these steps

Check the activity panel

  1. On a computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. At the left, click My Drive.
  3. At the top right, click Info Info.
  4. Scroll down and look for your file.

Use an advanced search

  1. On a computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. At the top, in the search bar click the Down arrow Down arrow.
  3. Use the advanced search options to find your file. For example, to see spreadsheets, next to 'Type,' click the down arrow, then click 'Spreadsheets.'

Learn why files go missing
If you created the file

If you can’t find a file that you created in Drive, it might have lost the folder it was in. The file still exists, but is harder to find.

How files lose their folder

  • You create a file in someone else's folder and they delete that folder. The file isn't deleted. It's automatically moved to your My Drive.
    Important: Only you can delete the files you own.
  • You share a folder with someone and they remove your file from the folder. The file isn't deleted, it's automatically moved to your My Drive.

Find unorganized files

  1. On a computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. In the search bar, enter: is:unorganized owner:me
  3. When you find the file, move it to a folder in My Drive so it’s easier to find next time.

If someone else created the file

When someone creates a file, they can delete, rename, and restore it. Contact the person who created the file and ask them to restore it or share it with you again.