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Fix Garbled Chinese Text and Missing OneDrive Files on iPhone
Question details
The user is experiencing incorrect display of Chinese text in OneNote and cannot find some older files in OneDrive after migrating to an iPhone 16.
- Product
- OneDrive and OneNote
- Device & OS
- iOS (iPhone 16)
- Scenario
- Migrating to a new iPhone and attempting to access existing cloud files and notes.
- Observed behavior
- Chinese characters appear garbled in the OneNote application, and older files are missing from the OneDrive app.
Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that you are logged into the correct Microsoft account used for your OneDrive and OneNote backups.
Recover Missing OneDrive Files via the Web
Check the web version of OneDrive to locate files that may not have synced properly to your new iPhone, including checking the Recycle Bin and Personal Vault.
Often, files that appear missing on a new mobile device are still safely stored in the cloud but haven't synced due to connection drops or app background limitations.
Open Safari or another browser on your iPhone or a computer, go to OneDrive.com, and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Use the search bar at the top of the OneDrive website to look for the exact names of your missing files.
Navigate to the 'Recycle Bin' located in the left-hand navigation panel to see if the files were accidentally deleted.
If you use the Personal Vault, unlock it to ensure your older files were not securely stored inside and hidden from the main view.
Fix Garbled Chinese Text in OneNote
Resolve character encoding and display glitches in the iOS OneNote app by verifying app versions and forcing a manual sync.
Use WPS Office for Reliable File Syncing and Display
If you frequently experience sync issues or garbled text in Microsoft apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with built-in cloud storage and excellent support for multiple languages and character sets.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the WPS Office app for free from the Apple App Store on your iPhone.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Sync: Create or log into your WPS account to enable automatic backup and cross-device syncing for all your files.
- 3. Manage Your Files Securely: Import your existing documents; WPS handles complex formats and multiple languages flawlessly without rendering issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Chinese text suddenly garbled after moving to a new iPhone?
This usually happens due to a font rendering glitch, an incomplete sync during device migration, or an outdated app version on the new phone. Forcing a sync or reinstalling the app often resolves the cache issue.
Can I recover OneDrive files if they are not in the Recycle Bin?
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can use the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature in the web version's settings to undo all actions that occurred on any files and folders within the last 30 days.
What information should I provide to OneDrive Support for missing files?
When contacting support, provide the exact names of the missing files, the approximate dates you last accessed them, and the details of the devices you used before and after the files went missing.
