How do I recover deleted files?

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Dropbox keeps snapshots of every change in your Dropbox folder over the last 30 days (or more with the Packrat feature). So if you accidentally pressed the delete key and erased something crucial, you can restore the file with a few clicks.

Going way back in time with Packrat

If recovering files becomes a recurring issue, you can upgrade your account to include the Packrat feature. Doing so gives you unlimited snapshots of your files, allowing you to recover any file as far back in time as you like. Find out more about Packrat.

For our advanced users

Restoring a missing file from cache

If you've lost a file, please try to locate and restore a deleted file using the steps described above. However, if you still can't find or open a lost file, you may be able to recover it from your Dropbox cache in an emergency.

Dropbox keeps a hidden collection, or cache, of your files as backup storage. Files in the cache folder are stored there often after they are moved or deleted after syncing. If you can't find your file using all other practical methods, you can try to recover the file from Dropbox cache as a last resort. The Dropbox cache will keep your files for up to three days after they have been moved or deleted.

The Dropbox cache folder is hidden in your Dropbox application settings. To rescue a file from your Dropbox cache, follow these instructions:

If the file is not in the Dropbox cache folder and doesn't show up as a deleted file on the website, then the file is most likely and unfortunately lost. Please note that Dropbox will never move or delete a file unless told to do so by the user. In most cases, lost files are simply misplaced or unwittingly removed by other users with access to a computer's Dropbox.