How to delete duplicate files in Google drive?

Here are the 2 best free ways to delete duplicate files in Google Drive, from simplest to most powerful.

Method 1. Use Google Drive's Built-in Storage Management

Best for: Quick cleanup with Google's official tools

1. Go to drive.google.com → Settings → Manage storage
2. Click "View items taking up storage"
3. Sort files by name or size to manually identify duplicates
4. Google will often group similar files together for easier identification

Pros: Native, secure, no third-party access needed

Cons: Manual process, time-consuming for large collections

Method 2. Use Dedicated Duplicate Finder Apps (Most Effective)

Best for: Automated scanning and bulk removal

Top Recommendations:

• Drive Duplicate Finder (Chrome Web Store) - Simple, free browser extension
• Cloud Duplicate Finder (cloudduplicatefinder.com) - Web-based, scans without full access
• rclone (advanced users) - Command-line tool with dedupe function

Safety tip: Always use apps from verified sources and grant minimal permissions (read-only first). Review duplicates before deletion.

Start with Method #1 for a quick overview and use Method #2 with a trusted tool for bulk duplicates. Always review files before permanent deletion, as Google Drive's Trash only keeps files for 30 days.