How to Recover Deleted Users in Google Workspace
Complete step-by-step guide to restoring deleted user accounts in Google Workspace. Learn the recovery process, understand time limits, and restore user data effectively.
Perfect for: Perfect for: IT administrators dealing with accidental deletions, HR teams managing employee transitions, or organizations needing to restore user accounts and associated data.
Recovery Prerequisites & Time Limits
Understanding the critical time windows and requirements for successful user account recovery.
Super Admin Access
Super admin privileges in Google Workspace admin console
20-Day Window
Users can only be recovered within 20 days of deletion
Data Retention
User data is preserved during the 20-day recovery period
Available Licenses
Sufficient Google Workspace licenses for restored users
Critical Time Limits
- • After 20 days, deleted users cannot be recovered and all data is permanently lost
- • Shared drives and files owned by deleted users become inaccessible after deletion
- • Calendar events and meetings created by deleted users may be affected
- • Email data in the deleted user's mailbox is only recoverable within the 20-day window
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Secondary Domain
Follow these detailed steps to successfully add and configure your secondary domain in Google Workspace.
Access Google Admin Console
Sign in to Google Admin Console with super administrator privileges
Detailed Steps:
- Go to admin.google.com
- Sign in with your super admin account
- Ensure you have the necessary permissions to restore users
Navigate to Deleted Users
Find the deleted users section in the admin console
Detailed Steps:
- Click on 'Users' in the left sidebar
- Select 'Deleted users' from the dropdown menu
- View the list of recently deleted user accounts
Locate Target User
Find the specific user account you want to recover
Detailed Steps:
- Use the search function to find the deleted user
- Check the deletion date to ensure it's within 20 days
- Verify it's the correct user account before proceeding
Initiate User Recovery
Start the recovery process for the selected user
Detailed Steps:
- Click on the deleted user's name
- Select 'Recover user' from the available options
- Choose whether to restore to original organizational unit
Configure Recovery Settings
Set up the restored user's organizational placement and settings
Detailed Steps:
- Choose the organizational unit for the restored user
- Verify the user's email address and display name
- Set temporary password if required
- Apply appropriate user licenses
Complete Recovery & Verify
Finalize the recovery process and verify user restoration
Detailed Steps:
- Confirm the recovery by clicking 'Recover user'
- Wait for the process to complete (usually immediate)
- Verify the user appears in the active users list
- Test user access and data availability
Data Recovery Considerations
Understanding what data is recovered and what may be permanently lost during user restoration.
- • Files shared by others with the deleted user may need permission restoration
- • Some third-party app connections may need to be re-established
- • Two-factor authentication settings will be reset and need reconfiguration
Common Issues & Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems when adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
20-Day Limit Exceeded
Solution:
User cannot be recovered after 20 days. Create new account and restore data from backups if available
Prevention:
Set up alerts for user deletions and check deleted users regularly
License Shortage
Solution:
Purchase additional licenses or remove unused accounts to free up licenses
Prevention:
Monitor license usage and maintain buffer licenses for emergencies
Organizational Unit Issues
Solution:
Manually move recovered user to correct OU after recovery completion
Prevention:
Document user organizational structures before deletion
Incomplete Data Recovery
Solution:
Some data may be permanently lost. Check with users about missing files
Prevention:
Implement regular data backups and retention policies
Need Help Adding Your Secondary Domain?
While this guide covers the technical steps, domain setup can be tricky with DNS propagation, verification issues, and configuration complexities. Our Google Workspace experts can handle the entire process for you.
Quick Setup
Complete secondary domain setup in 24-48 hours
Zero Risk
No downtime or email disruption during setup
Free Support
Ongoing support included at no extra cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
How long do I have to recover a deleted user in Google Workspace?
You have exactly 20 days from the deletion date to recover a user account. After this period, the user and all associated data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
What data is recovered when I restore a deleted user?
When you recover a user, their Gmail, Google Drive files, Calendar events, Contacts, and group memberships are typically restored. However, some settings like two-factor authentication and app-specific passwords will need to be reconfigured.
Can I recover a user's data without restoring the user account?
No, you cannot selectively recover data without restoring the entire user account. However, before the 20-day limit, you can transfer ownership of files and emails to another user, then delete the account again if needed.
Will the recovered user have the same password?
No, recovered users will need a new password. As an admin, you can set a temporary password during recovery, or the user can reset their password using the standard recovery process.
What happens to shared files after user recovery?
Files that were shared with the deleted user will become accessible again after recovery. Files owned by the user will also be restored with their original sharing permissions intact.
Can I see exactly when a user was deleted?
Yes, in the deleted users section, you can see the exact deletion date and time. This helps you determine how much time remains within the 20-day recovery window.
Do I need additional licenses to recover a deleted user?
Yes, you need an available Google Workspace license to restore a deleted user. If you don't have spare licenses, you'll need to purchase additional ones or remove an existing user to free up a license.
What if the user's organizational unit was deleted?
If the original organizational unit no longer exists, you can place the recovered user in a different OU during the recovery process. You can always move them to the correct OU later.