Dropbox restores deleted files from the Deleted files page on dropbox.com. Recovery periods depend on your plan and range from 30 to 365 days. Version history restores an earlier version of a file that still exists. Dropbox states that permanently deleted items cannot be recovered even by Support.
Files vanish from your Dropbox folder and you need one back. Your plan decides the recovery period.
This guide follows Dropbox documentation and lists the plan limits in one table.
How do You Restore Deleted Files in Dropbox?
Dropbox documents the web steps in recover deleted files and folders.
- Sign in at dropbox.com.
- Select Deleted files in the left sidebar.
- Check the files or folders you want.
- Select Restore.
Dropbox restores items to the folder they were deleted from. Open Folder settings and select Show deleted files to see deleted items inside one folder.
How Long can You Restore Deleted Dropbox Files?
| Plan | Recovery Period |
|---|---|
| Basic, Plus, Family | 30 days |
| Professional, Essentials, Standard, Business | 180 days |
| Advanced, Business Plus, Enterprise, Education | 365 days |
Dropbox adds that some add-ons or products offer longer periods. Data disposition policies can purge files sooner.
What About Earlier Versions of a File?
Version history restores an earlier version of a file that still exists. Dropbox states that the window depends on your plan. Check your plan details before you rely on it.
What if the File Sits in a Shared Folder?
- You need Can edit access. Dropbox states that you need it to restore a deleted file.
- View only access. Ask the folder owner to restore the file.
- Team admins. Admins filter deleted files by themselves or a specific member or everyone.
Restores in progress show under Deleted files and then Restorations.
For Google Drive see how to restore deleted Google Drive files. For background see how cloud storage works. For team accounts see cloud data protection controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Restore a Deleted File in Dropbox?
Sign in at dropbox.com, select Deleted files, check the file and select Restore.
How Long does Dropbox Retain Deleted Files?
Basic, Plus and Family plans retain them 30 days. Business style plans retain them 180 or 365 days depending on the plan.
Can Dropbox Support Restore Permanently Deleted Files?
No. Dropbox states that permanently deleted items cannot be recovered and Support cannot recover them either.
Where does Dropbox Restore the File?
Dropbox restores files to the folder they were deleted from.
Can I Restore a File I do Not Own?
Yes if you have Can edit access to the shared folder. With view only access ask the folder owner.
Key Takeaways
- Select Deleted files on dropbox.com and then Restore.
- Recovery periods range from 30 to 365 days depending on the plan.
- Version history restores earlier versions of existing files.
- Shared folders need Can edit access for a restore.
- Permanently deleted items cannot be recovered.
Sources and References
This guide follows Dropbox documentation.
- Recover deleted files and folders (Dropbox support page) help.dropbox.com