Fix OneDrive Returning to Home Screen After Microsoft Sign-In
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.

- 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.
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.
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.
Open your device's recent applications menu and swipe the OneDrive app away to close it completely.
Long-press the OneDrive app icon on your home screen or app drawer and select 'Uninstall', or remove it through your system Settings.
Power off your smartphone or tablet completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on to clear the system memory.
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.

Verify Account Access via Web Browser
Determine if the crash is strictly an application failure or an account-level lock by testing access on a browser.
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. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the official website or your device's app store.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Open the app and create a free account to activate your personal cloud storage space.
- 3. Upload and edit files: Tap the 'Upload' button to migrate your existing documents and start managing them seamlessly across all devices.

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.




