Fix OneDrive Folders Missing from Android Mobile App
Question details
The user is unable to view their folders in the Android OneDrive app, seeing only photos, even though the folders remain fully visible and accessible on a laptop.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Accessing and managing cloud files through the OneDrive mobile application on an Android device.
- Observed behavior
- The OneDrive Android app fails to display any folders and only shows photos, despite the folders being present on the account when viewed via a computer.
Ensure you know your Microsoft account email and password, as troubleshooting will require you to sign back into the OneDrive app.
Clear the OneDrive App Cache and Data
Resetting the OneDrive app's local data forces it to re-sync with the server, which usually restores missing folders on Android devices.
This issue often stems from a local syncing glitch or corrupted cache within the mobile app. Clearing the data will give the app a fresh start without deleting your actual cloud files.
Navigate to your Android device's Settings menu and select 'Apps' or 'App Management'.
Scroll through the list of installed applications and tap on 'OneDrive'.
Tap on 'Storage' or 'Storage & cache', then press 'Clear Cache' followed by 'Clear Data' (or 'Clear Storage').
Reopen the OneDrive app on your phone, enter your Microsoft credentials to sign in, and check if your folders are now visible.
Report the Issue and Use Web Access
If clearing the cache does not resolve the missing folders, there may be a service issue. You can report it and use a temporary workaround.
Manage Cloud Documents Easily with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter syncing glitches or usability issues with standard office apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that easily connects to your favorite cloud drives, ensuring your files are always accessible on the go.
- 1. Install the App: Download WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store or the official website.
- 2. Navigate to Cloud Services: Open WPS Office and go to the 'Open' or 'Cloud' section in the main menu.
- 3. Link Your Account: Select 'Add Cloud Storage', choose OneDrive (or another provider), and log in to access your folders and edit documents seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my OneDrive app only showing photos on Android?
This is usually caused by a local syncing error or a corrupted app cache on your Android device. Clearing the app's cache and data forces OneDrive to refresh its connection to the server, which typically restores the folder view.
Will clearing OneDrive data delete my stored files?
No. Clearing the app data and cache only removes temporary files, local settings, and login data on your specific phone. All your uploaded files and folders remain safely stored in your Microsoft cloud account.
How can I access my OneDrive folders if the Android app remains broken?
If the app continues to malfunction, you can access your folders by logging into the OneDrive website via your phone's web browser. Alternatively, you can access them from a desktop computer or link your OneDrive account to a third-party app like WPS Office.
Is this missing folder issue specific to my Android device?
Usually, no. This type of syncing bug is known to affect various Android models and multiple users as a mobile service issue, rather than being a hardware problem with a specific device like the Galaxy S20.




