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Unable to sync one drive files

Ian Barwick 0 Reputation points
2026-05-28T15:41:03.54+00:00

I am unable to sync my one drive files on my PC with my one drive app on my ipad AND my iphone.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | iOS
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 71,270 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-28T23:00:58.2833333+00:00

    Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    Just to clarify, are the files not syncing from the PC to the iPhone/iPad, or from the iPhone/iPad back to the PC?

    Also, are you signed into the same Microsoft account on all devices?

    On the PC, check if the OneDrive app shows a sync error. You can click the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock and see if it says "Sync pending," "Not signed in," or any error message.

    On the iPhone/iPad:

    • Open the OneDrive app > Tap your profile picture > Confirm the same account is signed in
    • Check if Camera Upload or Files On-Demand is enabled

    To help narrow down the issue further:

    1. Is this a personal Microsoft account or work/school account?
    2. Are the files visible on OneDrive online at https://onedrive.live.com ?
    3. Did this start recently after an update or password change?

    If possible, share a screenshot of the sync error message. Please blur any personal info.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-28T15:41:30.5333333+00:00

    Follow these steps to troubleshoot OneDrive not syncing between the PC and the iPad/iPhone apps:

    1. Verify internet connectivity on all devices
    • Ensure the PC, iPad, and iPhone are all connected to the internet.
    • Some OneDrive mobile features only work over Wi‑Fi depending on device settings or data plan.
    1. Check Microsoft storage status
    • If Microsoft storage is exceeded, new files (including Camera Roll) cannot upload or sync.
    • Reduce storage usage or increase quota as needed. Learn more.
    1. Confirm the same account is used on all devices
    • On PC: open OneDrive settings and confirm the Microsoft account.
    • On iPad/iPhone: open OneDrive app → Profile → check the signed‑in account.
    • Ensure they match; if not, sign out and sign back in with the same account on all devices.
    1. Fix OneDrive sync on iOS (iPad/iPhone)
    • Make sure the app can connect:
      • Open OneDrive and verify files list loads.
    • If camera roll or file upload isn’t working:
      • Go to Profile → Settings → Account → select the account → Reset.
      • Test sync again.
    • If issues persist:
      1. Uninstall the OneDrive app (press and hold the app icon, tap X, confirm delete).
      2. Perform a soft reset of the device (press and hold Sleep/Wake and Home until the Apple logo appears, then release).
      3. Reinstall OneDrive from the App Store and sign in again.
    1. Ensure camera roll upload is configured (if photos are not syncing)
    • On iOS:
      • Check Wi‑Fi connectivity.
      • If not on Wi‑Fi, in OneDrive mobile settings ensure “camera upload on metered connections” is not turned off.
      • Confirm photos are not already uploaded into Camera Roll subfolders (Year > Month).
      • Do not force close the OneDrive app; Apple recommends leaving it running in the background for automatic upload.
    1. Check OneDrive sync on the PC
    • Confirm OneDrive is signed in and shows “Up to date.”
    • If specific files show “This file can’t be synced,” check file permissions:
      • In File Explorer, right‑click the file → Properties → Security.
      • Select the user name and ensure Read and Write are allowed; if not, click Edit and grant them.
    • If a file remains stuck, move it temporarily out of the OneDrive folder, restart OneDrive, wait for “Up to date,” then move the file back into OneDrive.
    1. Use platform‑specific help if needed
    • For additional PC sync troubleshooting, use the “Fix OneDrive sync problems” guidance.
    • For mobile issues, use the “Troubleshoot OneDrive mobile app problems” and “Troubleshoot OneDrive for iOS” guidance.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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