Google Drive Files Not Showing Up -How to Recover If Lost?

What to do when Google Drive files not showing up?

With tons of essential files to keep and protect, users are now seeking more ways to save their data instead of merely using their computers or drives.

Now, cloud storage service is prevailing among users due to its convenience and large storage volume.

One of the popular data storage and sync service is Google Drive. People use it to save, edit, and share their photos, docs, spreadsheets, etc., with colleagues and friends. Moreover, people are also willing to back up files to Google Drive.

While managing the files and collaborating with others, issues fall on users – some users find files not showing up in Google Drive. The files are not in the folder nor shown when searched.

The Google Drive file missing issue is absolutely an upsetting thing to face with. Then why are files not showing up properly?

The reason why files not showing up in Google Drive

Several factors lead to invisible or inaccessible files in Google Drive. Check one by one and see if these fit your situation.

◢ Unstable network connection. An unstable or malfunctioning network can cause sync or file processing errors. The changes you made might be lost or fail to sync between devices.

◢ Google Drive error. If the Google Drive service meets an internal system error, the user accounts might get influenced, causing files to be missing.

◢ Deletion. The files/folders were deleted due to many reasons:

• You deleted the files, and then they passed the 30-day limit.
• Others removed the files on another device with your account logged in.
• The parent folder was deleted.
• The owner removed the shared files/folders or you from the shared list.
• Your account has been inactive for 2 years, and Google Drive deleted the content.

With the causes clear, we can directly move on to the solution part. Keep reading to fix this issue and learn how to recover those files missing from Google Drive.

Troubleshoot: Google Drive files not showing up

These fixes corresponding to the reasons could help you cope with data loss from Google Drive.

Solution 1. Re-log into the Google Drive account

Some users have reported that Google Drive not syncing all files. The poor connection might be the case. Firstly, to rule out the data sync issue, you can re-log into your account to see if the files can properly sync.

>> Visit Google Drive on the web > click the profile icon > sign out from your Google Drive account > sign back in > see if your files are shown now.

If not, check the following method to settle the sync issue.

Solution 2. Reconnect to a stable WiFi network

An unsteady or malfunctioned WiFi network may also influence data synchronization. If the Google Drive files cannot sync via the network properly, users might find them invisible or inaccessible.

>> You can try to turn off and on your WiFi to see if the network is the case. Or, try pause syncing > wait for several seconds to one minute > resume syncing > check if you can access the “missing” files now.

Solution 3. Update the Google Drive app

If you are using an old version of any software, the chances of meeting bugs or errors will be larger than those using the up-to-date one.

>> Sign in with your Google Drive account on the app > check for updates> update the app to the latest version > re-launch the Google Drive > see if your files are all accessible now.

If the update goes wrong or the app cannot work correctly, you should turn to Google Drive Support for help.

Solution 4. Contact the file/folder owner

Most Google Drive users will utilize it to cooperate with their co-workers. They will share their work files with their team members. Files will be open to all members for viewing and editing.

The file and folder owner can decide whether to add you to the list of shared folders. Also, they can delete the shared files and folders at any time. If the owner accidentally removes the shared files or removes you from the shared list, you will lose access to them.

A bunch of users noticed that Google Drive automatically deletes old files, which turns out the owner removed the old share files. So, if you find Google Drive files not showing up on your end, the removed shared folders might be the case.

>> Contact the owner to share the files with you again. Thus you can regain access to your data.

How to recover deleted Google Drive files?

These fixes above are to help users when they find files not showing up in Google Drive due to sync issues, the updated app, an unstable network, etc.

What if you or another device deleted the files mistakenly or intentionally? For safety, you would better change your password immediately and then try to recover deleted Google Drive files from the recycle bin.

Please note that the recycle bin only keeps your removed files for 30 days. That is to say; the files will be permanently wiped from your drive after 30 days. Given this, how to recover Google Drive files even after permanent deletion?

MyRecover will be a second-to-none choice. It is developed and supported by a sophisticated team with 10+ years of experience, equipped with advanced techs and unique features.

Easy. The simple and intuitive user interface makes it easy for all users to recover data from HDD/SSD/SD card/USB, etc. 

Convenient. It supports data recovery while scanning, saving time. 

Efficient. It recovers 200+ types of data, including photos, videos, docs, spreadsheets, etc. 

Comprehensive. It applies to deletion, recycle bin emptying, disk formatting, etc. 

Compatible. It supports Windows 11/10/8/7/Server. 

Now follow the steps to recover deleted Google Drive files in 3 steps.

Notes:✎...

Save your recovered files in another drive than in the original location.

Step 1. Download and launch the app > Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. Target your wanted files by inputting the file extensions and filenames. Also, you can sort the detected files by Time, Size, Path, etc.

Step 3. Go to Deleted files or Recycle Bin > find the original location > select what you need and click Recover x files.

With the help of this useful app, users can easily recover permanently deleted Google Drive files.

Related suggestions

This article helps users to fix the Google Drive files not showing up issue. Those who find their files missing from Google Drive could refer to this guide and check their data sync, network, shared folders, and recycle bin.

If the files were permanently deleted, they could still seek help from Windows data recovery software for help.

Also, to promote data security, some suggestions are ready for you.

• Update the Google Drive timely.
• Only empty the recycle bin after you are sure the files are useful.
• Back up important files using professional data backup software.