Fix Empty Shared SharePoint Folders in the OneDrive Android App
Question details
Users are unable to view files within shared SharePoint folders when using the OneDrive application on Android devices, despite the files being visible in the web version.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Accessing and managing shared enterprise files on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- Shared SharePoint folders display correctly online but appear completely empty when opened in the OneDrive Android app.
Ensure your OneDrive Android app is updated to the latest version and verify that you have a stable internet connection before attempting to sync or access shared files.
Access the Folder via the Shared Tab
Navigate directly to the Shared section in the OneDrive app to bypass syncing glitches that occur in the primary file view.
Launch the OneDrive application on your Android device and ensure you are logged into your correct Microsoft 365 account.
Tap the 'Shared' icon located in the bottom navigation menu to view all items and folders shared with you.
Find the specific SharePoint folder from the shared list and open it directly from this tab to force the app to populate the files.
Check Microsoft 365 Service Health and Contact Support
Verify if there is a known Microsoft 365 outage or request tenant-level support from Microsoft if the issue persists.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Mobile Document Management
If Microsoft 365 and OneDrive sync issues are disrupting your mobile workflow, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly reliable alternative. Enjoy built-in cloud storage options and an intuitive mobile interface for editing documents on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do SharePoint folders appear empty on my Android app but not on my PC?
This discrepancy is typically caused by mobile app sync delays, cached data errors, or navigating through the wrong directory tab in the app. Accessing the 'Shared' tab directly can often resolve this.
Can clearing the OneDrive app cache fix empty folders?
Yes. Going to your Android device Settings, selecting Apps, finding OneDrive, and tapping 'Clear Cache' under Storage can force the app to refresh and potentially display the missing files.
How do I know if Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage affecting OneDrive?
Microsoft 365 administrators can review the Service Health dashboard in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to see if there are any active incidents affecting SharePoint or OneDrive cloud services.
Do I need admin permissions to submit a service request for OneDrive issues?
Yes, opening an official support request through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center typically requires administrator privileges for your organization's tenant.
