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OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive Upload and Copy Operations Failing on Mobile

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to upload or copy files to OneDrive on their mobile device using their primary account, and reset/restore operations are also failing.

Product
OneDrive
Device & OS
Mobile
Scenario
Attempting to upload or copy files from the mobile device's default file manager to the OneDrive application using the primary Microsoft account.
Observed behavior
File uploads, copies, resets, and restores consistently fail on the mobile app for the primary account. However, these operations work fine on a browser, a Windows PC, and when using a secondary account on the same mobile device.
Before you start

Verify that your mobile device has a stable internet connection and ensure your primary OneDrive account has sufficient storage space available before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps.

Solution 1Recommended

Update the Mobile File Manager App

Updating your mobile device's default file manager (such as the 'My Files' app) resolves compatibility issues that block files from copying or uploading to OneDrive.

Upload failures on mobile devices are frequently caused by bugs or outdated components within the native file manager app rather than OneDrive itself. Keeping the file manager application updated ensures proper background integration with cloud storage apps.

1
Open the App Store

Launch the Google Play Store or the applicable app marketplace on your mobile device.

2
Search for your File Manager

Search for 'My Files' or your device's default file manager application.

3
Install Updates

Tap the 'Update' button if a new version is available, then restart your mobile device and try the upload again.

File Manager Compatibility: Many users have reported that simply updating the native 'My Files' app completely resolves upload and copy failures to OneDrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive upload work on my browser but fail on the mobile app?

Mobile app uploads often rely on your device's native file manager app to hand off the files. If there is a compatibility issue or an outdated file manager, the mobile upload may fail. Browser uploads bypass the native app architecture entirely, which is why they succeed.

Can a full storage quota cause OneDrive reset and restore failures?

Yes. If your account has reached or exceeded its storage limit, OneDrive will halt upload, copy, reset, and restore operations. Check your storage quota via OneDrive.com to ensure you have adequate space remaining.

How do I add an alias to my Microsoft account for OneDrive troubleshooting?

Go to account.microsoft.com, navigate to 'Your info', and select 'Edit account info'. From there, click 'Add email' or 'Add phone number' to create an alias. Once verified, you can use this new alias to sign into the OneDrive mobile app.