OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Camera Roll Not Syncing on a New Android Phone

Huda Qurayshi Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where OneDrive stops automatically backing up photos and videos to the Camera Roll after switching to a new Android device.

How to Fix OneDrive Camera Roll Not Syncing on a New Android Phone

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Setting up OneDrive photo backup on a newly purchased Android phone after migrating from an older device.
Observed behavior: Photos and videos fail to automatically sync or upload to OneDrive, even though app permissions, background activity, and backup settings are configured correctly.

Before you start

Verify that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account on your new Android device and check your OneDrive storage quota to ensure you have enough space for new media.

Solution 1Recommended

Recreate the Camera Roll Folder and Manually Trigger Sync

Use this method to jumpstart the synchronization process by establishing a new folder connection on your new device.

When switching devices, OneDrive sometimes fails to map the local photo gallery to the cloud Camera Roll folder automatically. Manually creating a new folder forces the app to re-establish this connection.

Verify OneDrive Backup Settings

Open the OneDrive app on your Android phone, tap on your profile icon at the bottom right, navigate to 'Settings', and ensure that 'Camera upload' is turned on.

Create a New Camera Roll Folder

Using a file manager or within OneDrive, navigate to the 'Pictures' directory and create a brand new folder named 'Camera Roll'. If an old one exists from a previous backup, rename or move it first.

Manually Upload Existing Photos

Select a batch of your existing photos and videos from your Android gallery and manually upload them into this newly created Camera Roll folder in OneDrive.

Wait for Synchronization

Allow up to 18 hours for the system to process the changes and begin the automatic synchronization for the newly created directory.

Test Automatic Uploads

Take a new photo or video with your phone's camera and check the OneDrive app to confirm that the new file uploads automatically without manual intervention.

Recreate the Camera Roll Folder and Manually Trigger Sync

Data Protection: Always back up or protect your existing files on a computer or external drive before deleting or moving cloud folders.

Solution 2

Test with an Alternate Microsoft Account

Use this method if recreating the folder does not work, to determine if the issue is tied to your specific Microsoft account.

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the Google Play Store or the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office application on your Android phone.
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3. Open and Save Documents: Open any existing Microsoft Office files on your phone. Any changes made will automatically sync to your WPS Cloud, keeping your work safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive camera upload stuck on a new phone?

Changing devices can disrupt the folder linkage in OneDrive. The app may require you to manually create a new Camera Roll folder under Pictures and upload a few photos to re-trigger the automatic sync process.

How long does it take for OneDrive to start syncing after recreating the folder?

It can take up to 18 hours for OneDrive to fully recognize the newly created folder and resume automatic background synchronization for both old and new photos.

How can I verify my OneDrive backup settings on another device?

You can log into your OneDrive account via a web browser on a computer to check your storage quota, verify existing backed-up files, and manage your sync settings before making changes on your new Android phone.

Document & File Issues