Google Sheets offers a wide range of features, from simple to complex. That’s why many people take online courses to integrate Google Sheets into their work environment. When using Google Sheets as your main program to store your data, it’s crucial to take all necessary measures to never lose access to your spreadsheet. This includes the ability to recover it if it gets deleted. You might be wondering if it’s possible to recover a deleted Google Sheet. Well, the answer is yes! There are several ways to recover a deleted Google Sheet.
Fortunately, all files deleted from Google Drive, including Sheets files, are stored in the Google Drive Trash for a certain period of time before being permanently deleted. This allows users to restore deleted files within a time limit. Currently, this window is set at 30 days, but Google may change it in the future.
In this article, we will discuss the known methods to recover a Google Sheet. We will show you how to recover deleted files on a phone or tablet, as well as how to recover a deleted Google Sheet on a desktop computer. Keep reading to find out more.
In a Nutshell: How to Recover a Deleted Google Sheet
First, users can try to restore Google Sheets by using a web browser, which only works if you’re on a computer. You can directly access the “Trash” in Google Drive via Google Chrome or other browsers. This method won’t work if you’re using a mobile device, which would require the Google Drive app.
Alternatively, users can also try to restore Google Sheets on a smartphone. On a tablet or mobile device, you can use the Google Drive app to recover a deleted Google Sheet. You’ll need to first install the Drive app on your Android or iOS device. Then, you’ll have to follow a list of steps to recover a deleted Google Sheet after installing and launching the Google Drive app on your device.
Below, I provide step-by-step guides on how to recover a Google Sheet on computers and mobile devices.
Step-by-Step Guides to Recover a Deleted Google Sheet
How to Recover a Google Sheet from Google Drive Using a Laptop/PC
Step 1. Go to sheets.google.com and access the menu button at the top-right corner of the screen, next to your avatar.
Step 2. Select the Google Drive option, and you’ll be redirected to your Google Drive, where all your saved files are located.
Step 3. Click on the “Trash” at the bottom of the left-hand menu. You’ll be redirected to the trash where all your deleted files remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
Step 4. Right-click on the file you want to restore. After right-clicking on the file you want to restore, choose “Restore” from the context menu that appears, and you’re good to go! This will restore the deleted Google Sheet, and you can start using it again.
How to Recover Deleted Google Sheets from a Smartphone
Step 1. Go to the Google Drive app on your smartphone.
Step 2. Tap on the menu button at the top-left corner of the screen, an extended menu will appear on the left side of your screen.
Step 3. Tap on the “Trash” option, and you’ll be redirected to the Google Drive trash.
Step 4. Find the file you want to restore, tap on the 3 vertical dots next to it, and a context menu will appear.
Step 5. In the context menu, tap on “Restore.”
And there you have it, you have successfully restored a deleted Google Sheet using your smartphone!
Conclusion
Now that we’ve explained how to recover a deleted Google Sheet, keep in mind that if you have permanently deleted your file from the trash, there is unfortunately no way to recover it yourself. In this case, you can contact Google to request the recovery of the deleted file, and there is a chance that you may be able to recover it.
As a precaution, every user should back up their important files and make a copy. I hope this article has answered your question “Can you recover a deleted Google Sheet?” and provided you with everything you need. If not, let us know in the comments.
FAQs
Can I recover a deleted Google Sheet?
If you’ve accidentally deleted a file from Docs, Slides, or Sheets, don’t worry, because just like on your Windows or Mac PC, your Google account includes a trash where all deleted files are stored. The files are kept in the trash for a specific period before being permanently deleted (30 days). You just need to open the Trash in the Google Drive app or your browser.
Where do permanently deleted files go?
Your Google account has a trash where all deleted files stay for 30 days. The files remain in the trash for a specific period and then get permanently deleted. Once they are permanently deleted, you will lose access to them forever. However, you can try reaching out to Google regarding this and have the possibility of recovering it. Otherwise, it’s simply erased.
Where is the revision history in Google Sheets?
To access the revision history in Google Sheets, click on the latest modification statement at the top of the screen. This statement is usually displayed to the right of the help tab. It includes the date or time of the last modification of the file and is highlighted. You can open a window with information about previous changes by clicking on this statement. In addition to that, Google Sheets also allows you to view version history and can help you track changes.
