When I delete a file, it keeps showing up on the homepage.
Really annoying! 🤦♂️
@Reader
Hmm …
Does it also happen in Google Drive!
@Author
No, it’s just in Docs and Sheets.
Also, there is no issue with the mobile app.
@Reader
A fix that worked for me:
Solution: In Chrome Browser
First, click the three dots and select “Settings“.
On the left select “Privacy and security“.
Click on “Site Settings“.
Select: “View permissions and data stored across sites“.
Search for “Google“.
Expand the “google.com“ list.
And find “Google Docs“ or “Sheets“.
Click on the Trash Icon next to it.
On the popup, click on “Delete“.
@Author
What if I’m in the Google Docs App?
@Reader
Solution: In Google Docs Desktop App
First, click on the three dots and select “App Info“.
Select “Cookies and site data“.
Click on “Manage on-device site data“.
Find Google Docs, and click on the Trash/Bin Icon next to it.
It will ask you to reload the page.
By now, it should have resolved the issue.
If not wait 30min-1hr and restart your device.
@Author
Other Common Reasons
•••
Here are a few reasons why a deleted Google Docs file might show up again.
Cache and Sync Issues
Your device might be using an outdated cache, which is why deleted files are showing up again when you sync with Google Drive.
Shared Document Restoration
If you shared the file, someone else who can edit it might have put it back.
Multiple Devices Syncing
If one of your devices hasn’t finished syncing, it might bring the deleted file back when it goes online.
Summary
This was a step-by-step guide to fixing the problem of Google Docs that keep reappearing after you delete them. I have documented this simple fix as it was what worked for me. If it didn’t work for you, please share your experience.
