OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Losing GPS Metadata from MP4 Videos Uploaded on Android

Muhammad Talha Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where MP4 videos lose their location and camera metadata when uploaded to OneDrive from an Android device and viewed on a desktop browser.

How to Stop OneDrive from Losing GPS Metadata on Android MP4 Uploads

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Android / Windows
Scenario: Uploading MP4 video files containing GPS and camera details from an Android device to Microsoft OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The uploaded MP4 files retain basic file information, but the GPS coordinates and camera metadata are stripped out or missing when checking the file properties in a desktop browser.

Before you start

Ensure that your original MP4 videos on the Android device actually contain GPS metadata by checking the file details in your local gallery app before troubleshooting the upload process.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Metadata and Test Desktop Sync Client

Isolate the issue by testing alternative upload methods, such as the desktop sync client, to see if the metadata stripping is limited to the Android app.

Mobile cloud storage apps sometimes process or compress media files during upload to save bandwidth, which can inadvertently remove EXIF and GPS data from MP4 videos.

Transfer to PC via USB

Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable and copy the original MP4 files directly to your local hard drive.

Upload via Desktop Client

Move the transferred MP4 files into your local OneDrive sync folder on Windows or Mac.

Check File Properties

Once the sync is complete, log into the OneDrive web interface in your desktop browser, right-click the video, and check if the camera and GPS metadata remain intact.

Verify Metadata and Test Desktop Sync Client

Current OneDrive Limitations: If metadata is consistently removed regardless of the upload method, OneDrive may not currently support preserving those specific MP4 metadata fields during synchronization.

Solution 2

Zip MP4 Files Before Uploading

Pack your video files into a ZIP archive to prevent OneDrive from processing the media files and stripping the metadata during the upload.

Solution 3

Submit Feedback to Microsoft

Report the metadata synchronization limitation directly to the Microsoft product team so they can investigate and potentially add support in future updates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Choose WPS Office for Seamless and Lightweight Document Management

While Microsoft handles cloud storage ecosystem issues like OneDrive metadata sync, WPS Office provides an incredibly lightweight, highly compatible alternative for all your document creation needs. Work offline or sync seamlessly across devices without the heavy resource usage of standard Office suites.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite on your device.
3. Open and Create: Launch WPS Office, sign in to activate cloud features, and start editing your documents with full Microsoft format compatibility.

Completely free to download and use for essential office tasks like writing, spreadsheets, and presentations.Flawless compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight installation that runs fast and smoothly on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.Built-in cloud sync for your documents ensures your work is backed up and perfectly preserved across all your devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the OneDrive Android app remove GPS metadata from my videos?

Cloud storage applications often optimize media files during mobile uploads to reduce bandwidth consumption and save storage space. This background processing can inadvertently strip EXIF data, such as GPS coordinates and camera models, from complex file formats like MP4.

Can I recover the lost metadata from the MP4 files already uploaded to OneDrive?

No. If the metadata was stripped during the upload process and the original file on your phone was deleted, the data cannot be recovered from the cloud copy. Always retain your original files as a backup until you confirm the transfer was flawless.

Does this metadata loss affect photos uploaded from Android to OneDrive?

Typically, no. OneDrive handles standard photo formats like JPEG and HEIC very well, usually preserving their location information and EXIF data. The metadata loss issue is primarily isolated to video formats like MP4 during mobile uploads.

How can I view the MP4 metadata locally on my Windows PC?

To view metadata locally, right-click the MP4 file on your PC, select 'Properties', and click on the 'Details' tab. Scroll down to see available information regarding the camera, video specifications, and GPS location coordinates.

Document & File Issues