Sometimes you’re in a hurry and accidentally delete an important file in your cloud storage, then panic: “Where did it go?” No need to rush to take sedatives or post dramatic stories about your carelessness. In most cases, there’s a straightforward way to restore deleted files in the cloud.
Below we’ll discuss how recovery works and why it’s better not to blow things out of proportion.
It would be great if life also had an “Undo” button, but at least we have it on our computers!
General Principles for Restoring Deleted Files
Checking the Cloud Service “Trash”
The first step is to open the “Trash” (or “Bin”). Almost every service used for restoring deleted files keeps them there for 15 to 60 days. If you catch the problem in time, just a few clicks on “Restore,” and your document is back in business.
Time Limits for Deleted Files
Each cloud provider has its own policy. Some keep files in the Trash for a month, some for two, and others might clear them earlier if you haven’t upgraded to the “super caring” plan. The sooner you notice the disappearance, the higher the chance to rescue the data.
If you haven’t paid for peace of mind up front, you might end up paying with your nerves… Typically, the more expensive the plan, the longer your items stay in the Trash. That’s how cloud marketing works.
Recovering Files in Popular Cloud Services
Google Drive
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Go to the “Trash” via the sidebar.
- Find the file you need, right-click it, and select “Restore.”
- If you want to recover multiple objects at once, highlight them and click “Restore.”
If you need to restore deleted files on Google Drive, it’s especially convenient because you can do it all in one place.
Features and Limitations
- Files stay in the Trash for 30 days.
- If the file was permanently removed, only backups or specialized solutions can help.
Dropbox
How to Find and Restore Deleted Files Open the web interface and look for the “Deleted Files” tab — that’s effectively the “Trash,” where your deleted files in Dropbox might still be located.
Data Retention Periods
- Free version: ~30 days.
- Paid version: up to 180 days, depending on the plan.
As long as those items haven’t aged out of the holding period, restoring deleted files only takes a few clicks.
iCloud
Recovery via the Web Interface
- Log in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID.
- Go to “Account Settings” → “Advanced” → “Restore Files.”
- Select the items you need and click “Done.”
Important Nuances
- iCloud only keeps backups for a limited time.
- If something has disappeared from the Trash, you might need Time Machine or other macOS tools.
OneDrive
Recovery Process
- Open OneDrive (browser or app).
- Go to the “Recycle Bin.”
- Click “Restore” next to the items you need.
Just like that, the file is back in your folder. If only it were so easy to restore everything else in life…
Helpful Tips
- If OneDrive is integrated with Windows, syncing is usually automatic.
- System Restore on your PC might not always help with the cloud, but it can revert local versions of files.
Yandex.Disk
Recovery Steps
- Open Yandex.Disk (website or app).
- Find the “Trash.”
- Select the file, then click “Restore.”
(If you’re figuring out how to restore a deleted file on Yandex Disk, keep in mind that after 30 days, data is removed permanently.)
Key Points
- Only the account owner can see their removed objects.
- If the item isn’t recovered within the time limit, you’ll have to look for manual backups.
Software for Data Recovery
Overview of Popular Programs
Recuva
Scans your local disk, potentially helping if the sync process didn’t fully erase the file.
Disk Drill
Available on Windows and macOS, capable of detecting “erased” files. Useful for partial local remains, though cloud providers often don’t allow scanning their servers.
These solutions can retrieve fragments of data if the cloud platform didn’t finish removing everything. However, if an object is gone from the cloud’s side entirely, there might be nothing to do.
Preventing Data Loss
Regular Backups
Keep backups of vital folders. Sometimes saving a copy to an external drive or another cloud can spare you a lot of stress.
Sync Settings
Ensure you have sync configured properly. If needed, enable a delayed upload to avoid mistakes being instantly propagated.
Using Multiple Cloud Services
Some people suggest splitting files across various platforms: that way, a single mishap or crash doesn’t take everything down. This doesn’t mean having 20 cloud accounts, but two or three can provide better security.
If you manage to delete everything on one service by mistake? No big deal if you have backups in another. One basket’s fine, but having multiple can be “multi-cloud insurance.”
For more, see our other articles:
Overview of Google Docs Alternatives: Which Service to Choose?
Best Online Services for Converting Audio to Text
How to Legally Download YouTube Videos
Knowing how to restore deleted files in the cloud without going frantic is crucial. Always start with the Trash for services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or Yandex.Disk, and reach out to support if needed. Sometimes special file recovery programs can help, but if you want to restore deleted files on Google Drive or Yandex Disk, your first stop is the built-in Trash. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll need local backups or the provider’s older archives.
If those files come back, blame your accidental click on that context menu. It happens!
All in all, restoring deleted files isn’t so hopeless once you know where to look and how to safeguard data in advance. Regular backups, proper sync, and a couple of reliable cloud storages are your best allies. After all, it’s easier to lose a file than to rewrite it from scratch — so get friendly with that cloud Trash bin!
