Fix OneDrive Android Sync for Videos but Not Photos
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where OneDrive automatically backs up photos from an Android device but fails to synchronize videos.

- Product
- OneDrive for Android
- Device & OS
- Android (Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra)
- Scenario
- Using the OneDrive app to automatically upload media from various local folders (like Camera, Messenger, and WhatsApp) to the cloud.
- Observed behavior
- Photos are successfully uploaded automatically, while videos remain unsynchronized. The issue appears isolated to the Android smartphone and started after a recent system update.
Ensure your Android device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery life, as OneDrive often pauses large video uploads to conserve data and power.
Enable Video Uploads and Select Source Folders
Verify that video syncing is explicitly turned on in OneDrive's settings and that third-party media folders are selected for backup.
By default, OneDrive might only target the main Camera folder for photo uploads. You must manually instruct the app to include videos and monitor alternative folders where apps like WhatsApp save media.
Open the OneDrive app on your Android device, tap your profile icon at the top or bottom of the screen, and select Settings.
Tap on 'Camera upload' and verify that the main toggle is on. Then, look for the 'Include videos' option and toggle it on.
Tap on 'Organize by source' or 'Additional folders' within the Camera upload menu. Check the boxes next to Messenger, WhatsApp, or any other folders containing your missing videos.

Remove Battery Restrictions for OneDrive
Prevent Android system restrictions from killing OneDrive's background processes during large video uploads.
Test Manual Upload and Update Software
Isolate the issue by testing a manual video upload and applying the latest app and system updates to resolve bugs.
Manage and Edit Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While troubleshooting your media backup issues on OneDrive, consider using WPS Office for your document management needs. It is a lightweight, reliable, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office, designed to help you edit and manage files without heavy background syncing issues.
- 1. Download the App: Visit the Google Play Store or the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office suite for your device.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office; it will automatically scan and let you open local Microsoft Office documents.
- 3. Save Safely: Edit your files and seamlessly save them locally or to WPS Cloud for reliable, controlled backups.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive automatic sync skip large video files?
OneDrive may skip large video files if the 'Include videos' toggle is turned off in the Camera upload settings, or if background battery restrictions pause extended upload sessions to save phone power.
Can a Samsung system update break OneDrive sync?
Yes, a recent Samsung UI or Android software update can sometimes reset app permissions, clear background sync preferences, or apply stricter battery optimization settings that interrupt OneDrive.
How do I ensure WhatsApp videos are uploaded to OneDrive?
To sync WhatsApp videos, open OneDrive Settings, tap 'Camera upload', go to 'Additional folders' (or 'Organize by source'), and manually select the WhatsApp Video folder to include it in your backup queue.




