Why is my Google Drive storage full even after deleting files

It can be frustrating when you find that your Google Drive storage is still full, even after you've diligently deleted files. The main reasons are that deleted files remain in your Trash until you empty it, shared files are also taking up space, or hidden data like app data are consuming storage. This article explores these reasons and guides you through freeing up your Google Drive storage.

Understanding Google Drive Storage Allocation

Google Drive storage isn't just for your personal files. It's a shared pool used across Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive itself. This means even if you haven't uploaded many files to Google Drive directly, email attachments in Gmail or high-resolution photos in Google Photos can be eating into your available space. To understand your Google Drive storage breakdown, go to Google One Storage. You'll see how much space is being used by each service.

Emptying the Google Drive Trash

This is the most common culprit. When you delete files in Google Drive, they aren't permanently removed right away. They go to the Trash, where they stay until you manually empty it. Think of it like your computer's Recycle Bin. So, even though you deleted files, they're still consuming space. To empty your Google Drive recycle bin location, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Drive: Go to Google Drive in your web browser.
2. Locate the Trash: In the left-hand menu, find and click "Trash."
3. Empty the Trash: At the top right, click "Empty trash."
4. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation window will appear. Click "Delete forever" to permanently remove the files.

Make sure to permanently delete google drive files from the trash to free up space.

Checking Shared Files

Sometimes, files shared with you also count towards your storage quota, especially if you make a copy of them or add them to "My Drive." If someone shares a large file with you and you add it to your drive, it contributes to your used storage. Review the "Shared with me" section in Google Drive to see if there are any large files you can remove. To do this:

1. Go to "Shared with me": In the left-hand menu, click "Shared with me."
2. Identify Large Files: Sort the files by size to find the largest ones.
3. Remove Unnecessary Files: If you don't need a particular file, remove it. Note that removing it from "Shared with me" only removes it from your view; it doesn't affect the original owner's file or your storage unless you've made a copy.

Managing Hidden App Data

Certain applications connected to your Google account may store hidden data in Google Drive. This data might not be visible in your regular file list, but it still uses up storage space. Here's how to find and manage hidden data in Google Drive:

1. Open Google Drive Settings: Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Settings."
2. Manage Apps: Click "Manage apps" in the left-hand menu.
3. Review Hidden Data: Examine the listed apps and the amount of hidden data they're storing.
4. Disconnect Apps: If you no longer use an app or its data, you can disconnect it from Google Drive.
5. Delete Hidden App Data: Some apps allow you to delete their hidden data directly from this settings page.

Be cautious when deleting hidden app data, as it may affect the functionality of the related application.

Dealing with Google Photos High-Quality vs. Original Quality

If you use Google Photos, the storage impact depends on the upload quality setting. Originally, "High quality" photos didn't count towards your storage limit, but this has changed. Now, all photos and videos, regardless of quality setting, count towards your Google account storage. You can check and change your upload size at Google Photos Settings. Consider compressing existing "Original quality" photos to "Storage saver" to free up space, but be aware that this will reduce the image resolution slightly.

File Version History

Google Drive keeps track of previous versions of your files. While this is a useful feature, it can also consume a significant amount of storage, especially for frequently edited documents. Here's how to manage Google Drive file version history:

1. Right-click on the file you want to manage the version history of, and select "Manage versions".
2. You can either delete old versions or download them.

Troubleshooting: Google Drive Not Updating Storage

Sometimes, even after taking the above steps, your Google Drive storage display might not update immediately. This can be due to caching or processing delays. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Refresh Google Drive: Try refreshing the Google Drive page in your browser.
• Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again.
• Wait: In some cases, it may take several hours for the storage display to update accurately.

Alternative Solutions

If you've tried everything and still need more space, consider these alternatives:

• Purchase More Storage: Google One offers various storage plans at affordable prices. This is the simplest solution if you need more space.
• Use a Different Cloud Storage Service: Explore other cloud storage providers like Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud.
• Local Storage: Move some files to an external hard drive or USB drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Google Drive say I'm using more storage than I think I am?

This is often due to files in the Trash, hidden app data, or files shared with you that you've added to your drive. Review these areas to identify storage hogs.

How can I find the largest files in my Google Drive?

In Google Drive, click "Storage" in the left-hand menu. This will sort your files by size, making it easy to identify large files eating space.

Is there a way to automatically empty the Google Drive Trash?

No, Google Drive does not have a feature to automatically empty the Trash. You must manually empty it periodically.

What happens if I delete files that were shared with me?

If you delete files from the "Shared with me" section that you haven't added to your own drive, you're simply removing them from your view. The original owner still has the files, and they still count towards their storage. If you have made a copy to 'My Drive' then you removing that copy frees your space.

I emptied my trash, but my storage still hasn't updated. What can I do?

Try refreshing your browser, clearing your browser's cache, and waiting a few hours. If the issue persists, contact Google Drive support.

By following these steps and understanding how Google Drive allocates storage, you can effectively manage your Google Drive storage and avoid running out of space. Consider setting a reminder to regularly check and clean your Google Drive to maintain optimal storage utilization.