Recovering deleted files in Google Sheets is a common problem that many users face. Whether you accidentally deleted an important file or it was deleted due to a technical glitch, losing data can be frustrating and time-consuming. Google Sheets is a powerful tool for creating and editing spreadsheets, and it’s essential to know how to recover deleted files in case of an emergency. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to recover deleted files in Google Sheets, including using the Google Sheets revision history, third-party software, and manual methods.
Understanding Google Sheets Revision History
Google Sheets keeps a record of all changes made to your spreadsheet, including deleted files. This revision history allows you to recover deleted files by reverting to a previous version of your spreadsheet. To access the revision history, follow these steps:
- Open your Google Sheet.
- Click on the “File” menu.
- Select “See revision history.”
- A timeline of all changes made to your spreadsheet will appear.
- Click on the “Revert to” button next to the version you want to recover.
- Confirm that you want to revert to the previous version.
The revision history is limited to 30 days, so it’s essential to regularly back up your spreadsheets to prevent data loss. You can also enable automatic backups by going to the “File” menu, selecting “Settings,” and checking the box next to “Automatically save a copy of your spreadsheet.”
Using Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software programs available that can help you recover deleted files in Google Sheets. These programs use advanced algorithms to scan your computer for deleted files and recover them. Some popular options include:
- Recuva: A free data recovery software that can recover deleted files from Google Sheets.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A powerful data recovery software that can recover deleted files from Google Sheets.
- Disk Drill: A data recovery software that can recover deleted files from Google Sheets.
To use third-party software to recover deleted files in Google Sheets, follow these steps:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Launch the software and select the drive where your Google Sheets files are located.
- Scan the drive for deleted files.
- Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to recover.
- Save the recovered files to a safe location.
It’s essential to note that third-party software may not always be able to recover deleted files, especially if they have been overwritten or deleted for a long time. Additionally, some software may require a paid subscription or a one-time payment to use.
Manual Methods
Manual methods involve using Google Sheets’ built-in features to recover deleted files. Here are some manual methods you can try: (See Also: Google Sheets How to Move Cells? Effortlessly Move)
Method 1: Check the Google Sheets Trash
When you delete a file in Google Sheets, it goes to the trash. You can recover deleted files from the trash by following these steps:
- Open your Google Sheet.
- Click on the “File” menu.
- Select “Trash.”
- Look for the deleted file you want to recover.
- Click on the “Restore” button next to the file.
If you don’t see the file in the trash, it may have been permanently deleted. However, you can still try to recover it using other methods.
Method 2: Check the Google Drive Trash
If you deleted a file in Google Sheets and it’s not in the trash, you can try checking the Google Drive trash. Google Drive is where your Google Sheets files are stored, and deleted files may still be recoverable from here. To check the Google Drive trash, follow these steps:
- Open your Google Drive.
- Click on the “Trash” button at the top of the screen.
- Look for the deleted file you want to recover.
- Click on the “Restore” button next to the file.
If you don’t see the file in the Google Drive trash, it may have been permanently deleted. However, you can still try to recover it using other methods.
Method 3: Use a File Recovery Tool
A file recovery tool is a software program that can scan your computer for deleted files and recover them. There are many file recovery tools available, both free and paid. Here are some popular options:
- Recuva: A free file recovery software that can recover deleted files from Google Sheets.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A powerful file recovery software that can recover deleted files from Google Sheets.
- Disk Drill: A file recovery software that can recover deleted files from Google Sheets.
To use a file recovery tool to recover deleted files in Google Sheets, follow these steps:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Launch the software and select the drive where your Google Sheets files are located.
- Scan the drive for deleted files.
- Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to recover.
- Save the recovered files to a safe location.
It’s essential to note that file recovery tools may not always be able to recover deleted files, especially if they have been overwritten or deleted for a long time. Additionally, some software may require a paid subscription or a one-time payment to use.
Preventing Data Loss (See Also: How to Make Cell in Google Sheets Fit Text? Easy Guide)
Preventing data loss is always better than trying to recover it. Here are some tips to help you prevent data loss in Google Sheets:
Regularly Back Up Your Spreadsheets
Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss. You can enable automatic backups by going to the “File” menu, selecting “Settings,” and checking the box next to “Automatically save a copy of your spreadsheet.”
Use Version History
Google Sheets keeps a record of all changes made to your spreadsheet, including deleted files. You can use the version history to revert to a previous version of your spreadsheet if you need to.
Use Third-Party Backup Tools
There are many third-party backup tools available that can help you back up your Google Sheets files. Some popular options include:
- Backupify: A backup tool that can back up your Google Sheets files to the cloud.
- Spanning Cloud Apps: A backup tool that can back up your Google Sheets files to the cloud.
- Backupify: A backup tool that can back up your Google Sheets files to the cloud.
To use a third-party backup tool to back up your Google Sheets files, follow these steps:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Launch the software and select the drive where your Google Sheets files are located.
- Configure the backup settings to your liking.
- Start the backup process.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted files in Google Sheets can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. By using the methods outlined in this article, you can recover deleted files and prevent data loss. Remember to regularly back up your spreadsheets and use version history to prevent data loss. If you do accidentally delete a file, don’t panic! Try using the methods outlined in this article to recover it.
FAQs
Q: Can I recover deleted files in Google Sheets if I’ve been using the software for a long time?
A: Yes, you can still recover deleted files in Google Sheets even if you’ve been using the software for a long time. However, the chances of recovery decrease over time, so it’s essential to act quickly.
Q: Can I recover deleted files in Google Sheets if I’ve overwritten them?
A: Unfortunately, no. Once you overwrite a deleted file, it’s gone forever. It’s essential to act quickly when you delete a file in Google Sheets to increase the chances of recovery.
Q: Can I recover deleted files in Google Sheets if I’ve deleted them from my computer?
A: No, once you delete a file from your computer, it’s gone forever. You can only recover deleted files in Google Sheets if they’re still stored in the cloud.
Q: Can I recover deleted files in Google Sheets if I’ve used a third-party software to recover them?
A: Yes, you can still recover deleted files in Google Sheets using third-party software. However, the chances of recovery decrease over time, and some software may not be able to recover deleted files if they’ve been overwritten or deleted for a long time.
Q: Can I recover deleted files in Google Sheets if I’ve used a manual method to recover them?
A: Yes, you can still recover deleted files in Google Sheets using manual methods. However, the chances of recovery decrease over time, and some manual methods may not be able to recover deleted files if they’ve been overwritten or deleted for a long time.