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Deleted Google Docs Keep Coming Back [SOLVED]

What’s The Issue?

Weird issue with Google Docs.

When you delete a file, it keeps still showing up on the homepage. (Starting page).

@Author

Really annoying! 🤦‍♂️

@Reader

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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

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A fix that worked for me:

Solution: In Chrome Browser

First, click the three dots and select Settings“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-ChromeSettings

On the left select Privacy and security“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-PrivacyandSecurity

Click on Site Settings“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-SiteSettings

Select: View permissions and data stored across sites“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-ViewPermissions

Search for Google“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-SearchGoogle

Expand the google.com list.

And find Google Docs or Sheets“.

Click on the Trash Icon next to it.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-ClickTrashIcon

On the popup, click on Delete“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-DeleteSiteData

We are essentially clearing cookies.

But for Google Docs only.

@Author

What if I’m in the Google Docs App?

@Reader

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Solution: In Google Docs Desktop App

First, click on the three dots and select App Info“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-GoogleDocsApp

Select Cookies and site data“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-CookiesandSitedata

Click on Manage on-device site data“.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-ManageonDeviceSiteData

Find Google Docs, and click on the Trash/Bin Icon next to it.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-TrashorBinIcon

It will ask you to reload the page.

Productivity-DeletedGoogleDocsKeepComingBack-Reload

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Your device might be using an outdated cache, which is why deleted files are showing up again when you sync with Google Drive.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.

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