Google Drive: Permanently delete a file — MCP tool

Google Drive MCP tool: Erases a file beyond recovery, bypassing the trash entirely.

Technical name: delete_file_forever

What task it solves

I want to permanently erase a file with no way back.

Deletes a file immediately and irreversibly — no trash, no 30-day grace period, no undo.

When to use it

Only when the user has explicitly confirmed permanent deletion (cleaning up sensitive data, purging disposable test resources). For an ordinary "delete this" request use trash_file — that is what the Drive UI does.

What to provide

• file_id — required. A folder takes every descendant with it.

What it returns

{ok:true} — the API responds with an empty 204.

What changes in Google Drive

The file (or the whole folder subtree) ceases to exist for every collaborator, instantly and permanently. Nothing about this call is recoverable.

Example request

I confirm: permanently delete the temporary export folder from Google Drive, bypassing the trash.

Errors and limitations

Requires ownership (or organizer on a shared drive) — otherwise HTTP 403. A failed call is safe to inspect with get_file (404 = it is gone) before considering a retry.

Related MCP tools

• Trash or restore a file — the reversible default for "delete".

Technical details

• Impact: destructive operation
• Group: Trash & deletion
• Description source: delete_file_forever registration in src/tools/trash.ts
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