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Fix OneDrive for iOS Not Syncing with the Apple Files App
Question details
Users are unable to access their OneDrive files through the native Apple Files app on iOS devices, as only libraries appear and files fail to open or sync.
- Product
- OneDrive for iOS
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to browse and open OneDrive documents using the Apple Files app on an iPhone or iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The Apple Files app only displays OneDrive libraries, but the actual files do not sync, appear, or open correctly.
Ensure that your iOS device has a stable internet connection and that both the OneDrive app and your iOS operating system are updated to the latest versions.
Verify Web Access and Reconfigure the Files App Integration
Check if your files are intact on the web version of OneDrive to isolate the issue to the iOS app, then refresh the connection within the Files app.
Sometimes the connection between the OneDrive app and the native iOS Files app becomes desynchronized. Verifying your files on the web ensures your data is safe and helps support teams if further investigation is needed.
Open a web browser, navigate to the OneDrive for Business website, and log in to confirm that your files are displaying correctly.
Take screenshots of the exact errors or empty libraries you see in both the OneDrive app and the Apple Files app. Be sure to mask or remove any private information.
Make a note of when the issue first began and if any changes (like an iOS update or password change) occurred beforehand, as this is critical for diagnosing account configuration issues.
Open the Apple Files app, go to the 'Browse' tab, tap the three-dot menu at the top right, select 'Edit', and toggle OneDrive off and then back on to force a refresh.
Access Your OneDrive Files Directly in WPS Office
If the Apple Files app is failing to sync with OneDrive, you can bypass the native iOS Files app entirely by linking your OneDrive account directly to WPS Office. This allows you to open, edit, and save your documents without sync interruptions.
- 1. Install WPS Office for iOS: Download and install the free WPS Office app from the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2. Navigate to Cloud Storage: Launch WPS Office, tap on the 'Open' tab at the bottom of the screen, and select the 'Add Cloud Storage' option.
- 3. Connect Your OneDrive Account: Select 'OneDrive' from the list of supported cloud services and log in securely using your Microsoft account credentials.
- 4. Open and Edit Files: Browse your OneDrive folders directly within WPS Office to seamlessly open, edit, and automatically sync your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is OneDrive grayed out in the Apple Files app?
OneDrive may appear grayed out if the iOS device requires a restart, the OneDrive app needs updating, or if Face ID/Touch ID lock is enabled within the OneDrive app settings, which actively blocks the Files app from accessing it.
How do I force OneDrive to sync on my iPhone or iPad?
Open the native OneDrive app directly, pull down on the file list to trigger a manual refresh, and verify you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Additionally, ensure Background App Refresh is enabled for OneDrive in your iOS Settings.
Will reinstalling the OneDrive app delete my files?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling the OneDrive app will not delete any files stored in the cloud. However, files that you specifically marked for offline access will be cleared from local storage and must be downloaded again after you log back in.
