Im having trouble deleting files on One drive

On Android, the delete option may not appear if the item cannot be deleted (for example, if it is shared with limited permissions, subject to retention, or not actually in your personal OneDrive). Use these checks and workarounds:

1. Confirm the file is really in OneDrive

• In the OneDrive app, open the file’s details and verify the location is under OneDrive (not a shared SharePoint site or another app’s storage).

2. Try deleting from OneDrive on the web

• Go to the OneDrive website in a browser.
• Sign in with the same account used on the phone.
• Select the file or folder (tap/click the circle next to it).
• On the top bar, select Delete or right‑click and select Delete.
• If Delete is missing, the account likely does not have permission to delete that item.

3. If it’s in a shared location

• If the file is in Shared rather than My files, it may belong to someone else.
• Items not owned cannot be deleted; instead, remove access:
  • Open the Shared view.
  • Select the item, choose Manage Access.
  • For link‑shared files, select Anyone with this link… > Remove link.
  • For people‑shared files, select Can Edit/Can View under their name > Remove direct access.

4. Check for retention or permissions issues (work/school accounts)

• If using a work or school account and the item is in SharePoint/OneDrive for Business:
  • A retention policy or label can block deletion of files or folders until content is moved or retention expires.
  • Deletion can also be blocked if the account lacks delete permissions; in that case, a site collection administrator must delete it.

5. Freeing up storage

• After deleting items, also empty the OneDrive Recycle bin on the web to actually free space:
  • In OneDrive, select Recycle bin.
  • Select items and choose Delete to permanently remove them.
• Storage usage may take some time to update after deletion.

If the delete option is missing everywhere (Android app and web) for specific items, the cause is almost always lack of ownership/permissions or a retention policy on those items.

References:

• Delete files or folders in OneDrive
• Unable to delete items in SharePoint and OneDrive
• Delete a file from Microsoft 365