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Fix OneDrive Favorite Folders Missing on iPad After iOS Update
Question details
User is unable to see their favorite folder shortcuts in the OneDrive sidebar on their iPad after updating to iOS 18.0.1.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- iPad / iOS 18.0.1
- Scenario
- Accessing frequently used files and folders via the favorites sidebar in the mobile app.
- Observed behavior
- Favorite folder shortcuts have completely disappeared from the sidebar, and troubleshooting steps like reinstalling, restarting, and checking permissions have not resolved the issue.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or web browser to verify that your folders are still safely stored in your cloud account.
Verify and Force Resync via OneDrive Web
Check if the folders are still marked as favorites on the web version to rule out data loss and force a synchronization update to your iPad.
Major iOS updates can sometimes disrupt the background synchronization process of third-party apps. Verifying your data on the web ensures your files are safe and can help trigger the mobile app to refresh its cached data.
Open a web browser on your iPad or computer, navigate to OneDrive.com, and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Look at the left sidebar on the web interface and click on 'Favorites' to confirm your folders are still listed.
If the folders are present, un-favorite one folder and immediately re-favorite it. This action forces a state change that can trigger a sync refresh to your iPad app.
Simplify Folder Structures
Reduce folder complexity to help OneDrive process and sync files faster on mobile devices.
Report the Bug to Microsoft Support
Escalate the issue directly to Microsoft, as persistent UI bugs after an iOS update often require an app patch.
Try WPS Office for Reliable File Access on iPad
If OneDrive synchronization bugs are disrupting your workflow on iOS 18, consider using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with seamless third-party cloud integration, ensuring your favorite documents are always just a tap away.
- 1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store and install it on your iPad.
- 2. Connect Your Cloud: Open WPS Office, navigate to the 'Cloud' tab, and link your preferred cloud storage to easily access and favorite your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the iOS 18 update delete my OneDrive files?
No, an iOS update does not delete your cloud files. The disappearance of favorite shortcuts is a display or synchronization bug between the OneDrive app and the new iOS version. Your files remain safely stored on Microsoft's servers.
Why didn't reinstalling the OneDrive app fix the missing favorites?
Reinstalling the app clears local cached data, but if the issue is a core compatibility bug between the current OneDrive app version and iOS 18.0.1, it cannot be fixed until Microsoft releases a software update to address the UI glitch.
How can I quickly access my important files while the favorites tab is broken?
You can use the search bar within the OneDrive app to find specific files, manually navigate through your folder list, or log into OneDrive.com via the Safari browser on your iPad, where the favorites menu should still function correctly.
Is it safe to rely only on cloud storage for important documents?
While cloud storage is generally reliable, synchronization bugs can temporarily block access to your files. It is highly recommended to keep a local backup of your most valuable data on your device or an external drive to ensure uninterrupted access.
