Deleted File Recovery

How to Recover Missing Google Drive and iCloud Files After 404 Error

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to locate and recover documents that disappeared after being moved from Google Drive to iCloud Drive.

Product: Google Drive, iCloud Drive, Mac Finder
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Transferring documents between two different cloud storage platforms (Google Drive and iCloud Drive).
Observed behavior: The documents are missing from both cloud storage locations, and attempting to access them via the macOS Finder displays a 404 error.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your login credentials ready for both Google and Apple accounts to access the web versions of the cloud drives.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Recycle Bin and Recently Deleted Folders via Web Interfaces

Use the web browsers to check the respective cloud trash folders, which bypasses local macOS Finder sync glitches that cause 404 errors.

When transferring files locally via macOS Finder, synchronization errors or connection drops can result in missing files and 404 errors. Because Finder only displays cached pointers, accessing the direct web interfaces is the most reliable way to check the true status of your files on the servers.

Access Google Drive Trash

Open your web browser, navigate to drive.google.com, and sign in. Click on 'Trash' (or 'Bin') in the left-hand menu to search for your missing documents.

Restore Google Drive Files

If you locate the missing files, right-click them and select 'Restore' to return them to your main Google Drive directory.

Access iCloud Drive Recently Deleted

Open a new browser tab, go to iCloud.com, and log in with your Apple ID. Click on the 'iCloud Drive' app.

Restore iCloud Files

Look for the 'Recently Deleted' folder in the bottom-right corner or the left sidebar. Select any missing documents found here and click 'Recover' at the top.

Sync Delay: After restoring files from the web interfaces, it may take a few minutes for the changes to reflect in your Mac's Finder.

Solution 2

Contact Official Cloud Support

If files are permanently missing from both cloud trash folders, you will need to escalate the issue to the respective service support teams.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Ensure Document Safety with WPS Office Cloud Integration

Avoid losing track of your important files due to complex cross-cloud transfers. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and reliable alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with its own built-in WPS Cloud to ensure your documents are automatically saved and seamlessly synced across all your devices.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office for free on your Mac or PC.
2. Activate WPS Cloud: Sign in to your WPS account to activate your complimentary cloud storage space.
3. Enable Auto-Save: Open any document and enable the Auto-Backup feature to ensure your files are automatically and safely synced without manual copying.

Built-in WPS Cloud backup prevents file loss and 404 errors during local transfers.Fully compatible with all major Microsoft Office file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use interface for seamless migration.Cross-platform support allowing you to securely access files on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Finder show a 404 error when accessing iCloud files?

A 404 error in macOS Finder typically indicates a broken shortcut. The local system has a cached pointer to the file, but the actual file has been deleted, moved, or failed to upload properly to the cloud server.

Can I recover files if they aren't in the Google Drive trash?

If files are permanently deleted from the Google Drive trash, users cannot recover them directly. However, if you are using a Google Workspace account, your administrator might have a limited window (usually 25 days) to restore permanently deleted data.

How long do deleted files remain in iCloud Drive's Recently Deleted folder?

Files removed from iCloud Drive are kept in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 30 days. After this period, they are permanently erased from Apple's servers and cannot be restored.

Migration & Recovery