Google applications have become the norm for millions of people worldwide, especially for their compatibility with various devices. For example, Google Drive is ideal for cloud storage, and with the added convenience of being able to access your files from anywhere with a web browser, it offers many benefits that come with mobility. However, some users have found that the amount of data that Google Apps can accumulate can slow down their devices. Many have discovered that deleting documents and data on Google Drive can be an easy solution to enhance their devices’ overall performance.
Deleting the data takes little time and effort but can free up significant space on your device. In this blog post, we will explain how to delete documents and data on Google App in five easy methods, along with some things to keep in mind.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
First of all, you will need a device with the Google App installed and a Wi-Fi connection to access the App and the data stored on it. Since this post is specifically about deleting documents and data and not permanently removing the App, there is no need to download any external software. The methods that we will cover in this blog are only applicable for Google Apps; therefore, you will not be able to use them to remove similar data from other applications.
What requires your attention is…?
Before we begin, please keep in mind that data removal is irreversible, so be sure of the files you want to delete before proceeding. Once the documents and data are deleted, they cannot be restored. Additionally, ensure that you do not need the data for any future use; if there is uncertainty, it’s recommended to back up the data. Additionally, some files on Google Drive do not affect device performance. Therefore, take the time to go through the files and decide which ones you would like to delete.
Method 1 – Deleting files from Google Drive
One way to delete documents and data on Google Apps is by removing them from your Google Drive. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Locate the Google Drive app on your device and open it.
2. Tap and hold the file or folder you would like to remove.
3. Tap the three dots icon located on the top right corner of your screen.
4. Tap on ‘Remove’.
5. Finally, tap on ‘Delete’ to confirm the removal of the document or data.
Pros:
+ It’s straightforward to delete files directly from Google Drive
+ It’s an effective way to free up space on your device
Cons:
– It can be time-consuming if you have multiple files to delete
– You need a stable Wi-Fi connection to access Google Drive.
Method 2 – Clearing Cache and Data
Another approach to delete documents and data on Google App is by clearing the cache and data from the Settings menu. Doing this deletes the temporary files that Google App has stored on your device. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Locate the ‘Settings’ app on your device, and open it.
2. Scroll to ‘Apps’ or ‘App Manager’ if you can’t find it.
3. Look for the Google App icon, tap it, and select ‘Storage & cache.’
4. Tap on ‘Clear storage’ and ‘Clear cache.’
5. Finally, tap on ‘OK’ to confirm.
Pros:
+ It’s easy to find the Google App icon on your device
+ It can free up significant space on your device
Cons:
– Clearing cache and data can log you out of some of your accounts stored within Google Apps
– The removal of cache files can lead to slower App performance
Method 3 – Uninstalling and reinstalling the Google App
If the above methods did not resolve your issue, then uninstalling the Google App and reinstalling it can help. Here is how you can do it:
1. Locate the ‘Settings’ app on your device and open it.
2. Scroll to ‘Apps’ or ‘App Manager’ if you can’t find it.
3. Look for the Google App icon and tap it.
4. Tap on ‘Uninstall,’ and the App will be removed from your device.
5. Go to the App store on your device and reinstall the Google App.
Pros:
+ Uninstalling and reinstalling the Google App can fix almost any problem
+ The App will reset the data stored in it once reinstalled
Cons:
– You need to log in with your credentials again once you reinstall the App
– It’s time-consuming and requires effort, especially if you have personalized settings.
Method 4 – Google Photos Backup and Sync Settings
If you have installed and used Google Photos, then the App may be downloading data and files automatically. This could cause issues with device performance if the device doesn’t have enough space. Here’s how you can manage the backup and sync settings on Google Photos:
1. Open the Google Photos app on your device.
2. Tap on the three lines located on the top left corner of your screen to go to the menu.
3. Select ‘Settings’.
4. Tap on ‘Backup & sync.’
5. Finally, toggle the ‘Backup & sync’ button off to stop the App from backing up and streaming data.
Pros:
+ It’s easy to adjust the backup and sync settings within the Google Photos App
+ Stopping the backup and sync can improve device performance
Cons:
– Stopping the Google Photos backup might cause data loss
– It doesn’t free up space, but it stops further data from accumulating.
Method 5 – Google Play Services
The Google Play Services App is responsible for several functions within other Google Apps. These functions include push notifications, location services, and offline map access. Performing a cache wipe on the App can help remove temporary data and improve device performance. Here is how you can do it:
1. Locate the ‘Settings’ app on your device and open it.
2. Scroll to ‘Apps’ or ‘App Manager’ if you can’t find it.
3. Scroll down to find ‘Google Play Services,’ and tap on it.
4. Tap on ‘Storage & cache’.
5. Finally, tap on ‘Clear cache’ and confirm the action.
Pros:
+ Clearing cache data on Google Play Services can help speed up various functions on your device.
+ It frees up a significant amount of space on your device if you have a lot of data accumulated.
Cons:
– Clearing cache can disrupt various Google Apps functions
– It may require more space to buffer the lost data from clearing the cache.
Why Can’t I Delete Documents And Data
1. Insufficient Permissions: You might not have permissions for editing or deleting the data. In that case, you can log in with the admin credentials and make the necessary changes.
Fixes: Ensure you have the correct permissions before trying to delete documents or data.
2. Active file Sharing: If the data and documents you’re trying to delete are currently shared with someone, you cannot delete them.
Fixes: Check and revoke any active sharing of the files before deleting them.
3. Corrupted File: Sometimes files can become corrupted; this stops them from being accessed, edited, or deleted.
Fixes: Try to open the file to see if it is working correctly. If it doesn’t, you may need to either recover or manually delete the file.
Implications and Recommendations
Deleting data and documents on Google App is an effective method to free up space on your device and improve performance. However, it’s essential to be sure of the files you want to delete and avoid deleting files that you or someone else may need in the future. Emptying your trash can within Google Drive periodically, disabling automatic backups, and keeping an eye on your device’s space can help prevent issues from accumulating.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I delete Google App completely from my device?
A: You can remove Google Apps from your device but doing so would also remove everything and accounts associated with it.
Q: Can I reuse the deleted files on Google Apps?
A: No. Once documents and data are deleted from Google Apps, they cannot be restored.
Q: If I delete WhatsApp chat backups from Google Drive, where will they be stored?
A: If you delete a WhatsApp chat backup from Google Drive, it will still be stored on your device if you’ve enabled the local backup option.
Q: Can I delete system files on the Google App?
A: No. Deleting system files within the Google App can cause issues with the functionality of the app.
Q: Can deleting data resolve performance-related issues?
A: Deleting data within the Google App or managing its settings can help free up space and improve performance on your device.
Conclusion
Deleting documents and data from Google Apps is a simple process that can help free up space on your device and improve its overall performance. With five easy methods, you can choose one that suits you best, but please keep in mind the precautions and recommendations mentioned in this post before performing the deletion. Additionally, regularly monitoring your device’s space, managing backup and sync settings, and keeping communication channels open with users of documents and data can prevent similar issues from occurring again.