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OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Returning to Home Screen After Microsoft Sign-In

Camila MilosovichCamila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user cannot open OneDrive; selecting the service after signing in causes it to crash or redirect back to the device's home screen.

How to Fix OneDrive Not Opening After Microsoft Account Sign-In
Product
Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to launch and access files on OneDrive after successfully logging into a Microsoft account.
Observed behavior
The application fails to launch the cloud service, unexpectedly returning to the device's home screen without opening the files.
Before you start

Ensure your device has a stable internet connection and pay attention to any brief error messages that might flash before the screen returns to home. Testing OneDrive in a web browser can help determine if the issue is with your account or just the app.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform a Clean Reinstallation of the OneDrive App

A clean installation often resolves persistent app crashes, corrupted local cache issues, and background glitches that cause the app to return to the home screen.

If this issue is happening on a smartphone or tablet, corrupted temporary files are the most likely culprit. Uninstalling and reinstalling the application ensures you have a clean slate and the latest updated version of the software.

1
Force close the app

Open your device's recent applications menu and swipe the OneDrive app away to close it completely.

2
Uninstall OneDrive

Long-press the OneDrive app icon on your home screen or app drawer and select 'Uninstall', or remove it through your system Settings.

3
Restart your device

Power off your smartphone or tablet completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on to clear the system memory.

4
Reinstall and sign in

Navigate to your device's official application store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store), search for Microsoft OneDrive, install it, and sign in with your Microsoft credentials again.

Perform a Clean Reinstallation of the OneDrive App
Samsung Account Integration: If you are using a Samsung device, check if the issue is tied to linking your OneDrive with a Samsung account. Unlinking and relinking them in your device settings may resolve backend conflicts.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Seamless Cloud Document Management

If Microsoft OneDrive continues to crash or cause sync issues on your device, consider managing your documents with WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that offers its own reliable cloud storage environment, allowing you to access and edit your files effortlessly.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the official website or your device's app store.
  2. 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Open the app and create a free account to activate your personal cloud storage space.
  3. 3. Upload and edit files: Tap the 'Upload' button to migrate your existing documents and start managing them seamlessly across all devices.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Includes built-in WPS Cloud to safely back up and sync your documents without app crashes.Lightweight app design that runs smoothly on both mobile devices and desktop computers.All-in-one suite to view, edit, and share documents from anywhere.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive app keep closing immediately after I sign in?

This is typically caused by corrupted app cache data, an outdated application version, or software conflicts within your device's operating system. Reinstalling the app from scratch is the most reliable way to fix it.

Are my files lost if the OneDrive app won't open on my phone?

No. Your files are securely stored on Microsoft's cloud servers, not just locally on your device. You can easily access, download, or manage them by logging into the OneDrive website via any standard web browser.

Can connecting a Samsung account cause OneDrive sign-in issues?

Yes. Sometimes, authentication glitches between Samsung and Microsoft accounts can cause login loops or instant app crashes. Try unlinking the accounts in your device settings and signing in using only your Microsoft credentials.