OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneNote for Android Not Finding Notebooks on OneDrive

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to find their current notebooks in the OneNote Android app, which is instead displaying multiple obsolete or deleted notebook names.

Product: Microsoft OneNote, OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Attempting to access and sync OneNote notebooks on an Android device after renaming or deleting notebooks via OneDrive.
Observed behavior: The Android app displays only a partial list of current notebooks and shows numerous obsolete notebook links that cannot be opened, failing to sync correctly with the web or desktop versions.

Before you start

Ensure your Android device has a stable internet connection and that you know the login credentials for the Microsoft account associated with your OneDrive.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Synchronization and Clear Obsolete Notebook Links

Check notebook consistency across platforms and manually close invalid links in the Android app.

When notebooks are renamed or moved directly in OneDrive, the OneNote mobile app often retains cached versions of the old links. You need to manually remove these broken links and reopen the updated notebooks.

Check Web and Desktop Versions

Open OneNote on your web browser or desktop application to verify that all your current notebooks are fully synchronized, accessible, and correctly named.

Close Obsolete Notebooks on Android

In the OneNote Android app, locate the obsolete or renamed notebooks that cannot be opened. Long-press on the notebook name and select the option to close the notebook.

Re-open Current Notebooks

Tap the 'More Notebooks' option or the '+' icon in the Android app to browse your OneDrive files and manually open the missing current notebooks.

Note on Synchronization: Closing a notebook in the app does not delete the file from OneDrive; it only removes the broken link from your local device.

Solution 2

Sign Out and Update the OneNote App

Force the app to refresh its connection to OneDrive by updating it and signing back in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote on Android still show deleted notebooks?

The Android app caches notebook lists for offline access. If notebooks are deleted or renamed directly in OneDrive without first closing them in the OneNote app, the app retains the cached names as broken, obsolete links.

How do I force sync OneNote on my Android device?

You can force a sync by swiping down on the notebook list in the app. Alternatively, go to the app Settings, select your account, and tap 'Sync All'.

What should I do if my notebooks still do not appear after signing out?

If updating and signing out do not resolve the issue, try clearing the app data. Go to your Android Settings > Apps > OneNote > Storage, then tap 'Clear Data'. Note that this will remove any unsynced offline changes, so ensure your recent notes are backed up.

Document & File Issues