OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Camera Backup Error Sorry There Was a Problem

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing repeated upload failures when trying to back up photos and videos to OneDrive, receiving a generic error message.

How to Fix the OneDrive Camera Backup "Sorry, There Was a Problem" Error

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Automatically or manually uploading photos and videos from an Android device to OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The upload fails and displays the message "Sorry, there was a problem." This often occurs on Android devices like Samsung phones and may specifically affect work accounts.

Before you start

Ensure your Android device has a stable Wi-Fi connection and that you have updated the OneDrive app to the latest version available in the Google Play Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Grant Storage and Media Permissions to OneDrive

Enabling full media permissions ensures OneDrive has the necessary access to read and upload your photos and videos.

Open Android Settings

Launch the Settings app on your Android device and navigate to the 'Apps' or 'App Management' section.

Locate OneDrive

Scroll through your list of installed applications and tap on 'OneDrive'.

Access Permissions

Tap on 'Permissions' to view the access rights granted to the app.

Allow Media Access

Select 'Photos and videos' or 'Files and media' (depending on your Android version) and change the setting to 'Allow'.

Retry the Upload

Open the OneDrive app again and manually retry uploading the failed files to verify the issue is resolved.

Grant Storage and Media Permissions to OneDrive

Permission Granted: Proper permissions will immediately allow background camera backups to resume without being blocked by the Android operating system.

Solution 2

Clear App Data and Check Work Account Restrictions

If the error isolated to a work account, clearing corrupted app data or reapplying organizational policies can resolve the upload block.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Document Management

While you are troubleshooting media backups in OneDrive, you may also need a reliable way to handle your documents. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that integrates perfectly with your existing cloud storage, allowing you to edit files on the go.

1. Install the App: Download WPS Office from the Google Play Store and open the application.
2. Add Cloud Storage: Navigate to the 'Cloud' tab and tap 'Add Cloud Storage'.
3. Connect OneDrive: Select OneDrive, log in with your credentials, and instantly access your saved documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Easily link your OneDrive account to access and edit documents directly from the cloud.Lightweight mobile app design that saves valuable storage space on your Android device.Familiar, intuitive user interface that makes migrating from other office suites effortless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does camera backup fail on my work account but work on my personal account?

Work accounts are managed by your organization's IT department. They often enforce security policies or conditional access rules that restrict automatic background uploads of media files to prevent accidental sharing of sensitive data.

How can I find out which specific file is failing to upload in OneDrive?

You can check the 'Progress' or 'Uploads' tab within the OneDrive app. However, the app's error reporting is limited. If a large batch fails, you may need to clear the list and manually upload smaller batches to identify the problematic file.

Can large video sizes cause the "Sorry, there was a problem" error?

Yes. Uploading very large video files (or files from apps like WhatsApp) can time out or fail if your network connection fluctuates. Try uploading large files manually over a strong Wi-Fi connection instead of using the background backup feature.

Document & File Issues