How to restore or recover deleted files or folders in Dropbox

You can recover deleted files and folders in your Dropbox account.

If you’d like to restore an earlier version of a file instead, learn how to return to an older version of a file or learn more about version history.

How to recover and restore deleted files or folders

Dropbox saves all your deleted files for 30 days (or longer on Dropbox Professional and team plans).

Follow the steps below to learn how to search and recover your deleted Dropbox files:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click Deleted files in the left sidebar.
   
   • Note: You can use the available filters to narrow down your search for specific deleted files or folders. If you’re an admin, you can filter the results to display only files and folders deleted by you, your team members, or everyone, making it easier to locate the files or folders you need to recover.
3. Click on the name of the deleted file or folder you want to recover.
   • To select multiple items, use the checkboxes.
4. Click Restore.
    

You can restore files directly in the folder they were deleted from.

To restore deleted files in a folder:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Navigate to the folder you deleted the file from.
3. Click ☑ (settings).
4. Select Folder settings in the dropdown menu.
5. Select Show deleted files.
6. Select the deleted file.
7. At the top of your screen, click … (more) and select Restore in the dropdown menu.
    

How to check file or folder restorations

You can view the progress of your file or folder restorations:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click Deleted files in the left sidebar.
3. Next to All files, click Restorations.
   • The Status column shows the progress as a percentage.
   • If you’re restoring multiple items at the same time, progress will show as one combined percentage.
4. When a file or folder is fully restored, it disappears from the Deleted files list.
   • You’ll also see a notification when the restoration is complete. You can click View to open the restored file or folder or Close to dismiss it.

How to permanently delete files

To delete files or folders permanently:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click All files in the left sidebar.
3. Select the file or folder, then click Delete.
4. Click Deleted files in the left sidebar.
5. Beside the file or folder, click Delete forever.
   • You’ll have the option to Cancel or confirm by selecting Delete permanently.

What if my files are missing?

If your files are missing or you have a large number of files to recover, learn how to find or restore missing or corrupted files.