OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Android App Not Opening Files or Folders

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to view or open files and folders in the OneDrive Android app, the automatic sync has stopped, and the bottom navigation bar has disappeared.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive (Android App)
Device & OS: Android 14 (Samsung Galaxy S21)
Scenario: Attempting to access, manage, and sync files through the OneDrive mobile application.
Observed behavior: Files, folders, and the bottom interface bar (Home, Files, Shared, etc.) fail to display, and the app has stopped syncing automatically, though the web version works normally.

Before you start

Verify that your Android device has a stable internet connection and sign in to OneDrive through a web browser to confirm your files are still intact and accessible.

Solution 1Recommended

Force Stop and Clear the OneDrive App Cache

Clearing the app's cache and forcing it to stop is the quickest way to resolve interface glitches and missing navigation bars.

Access App Info

Open your Android device's Settings, tap on 'Apps' or 'App Management', and select 'OneDrive' from the installed apps list.

Force Stop the App

Tap the 'Force Stop' button at the bottom of the screen to completely halt all background processes for the app.

Clear Cache

Tap on 'Storage' or 'Storage usage', then select 'Clear Cache'. Do not tap 'Clear Data' unless you want to reset the app completely. Open OneDrive again to see if the interface has loaded.

Cache vs Data: Clearing the cache only removes temporary files to fix loading issues. It will not delete your actual documents stored in the cloud.

Solution 2

Check App Permissions and Battery Optimization

If the app lacks proper permissions or is restricted by your device's battery saver, it cannot display files or run background syncing.

Solution 3

Update or Reinstall the OneDrive App

Using an outdated version or having a corrupted app installation can cause the bottom navigation bar to disappear and sync to fail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the bottom navigation bar missing in my OneDrive Android app?

A missing bottom navigation bar (Home, Files, Shared, Photos, Me) usually indicates a UI glitch or a corrupted app cache following a system update, such as Android 14. Forcing the app to stop and clearing its cache, or updating the app, will generally restore the full interface.

Will I lose my files if I clear the OneDrive app cache?

No, clearing the app cache only deletes temporary files used to speed up the app's loading process. Your documents, photos, and folders remain safely stored in your cloud account and will reload once the app is restarted.

How can I fix OneDrive auto-sync failing on Android 14?

Auto-sync failures on Android 14 are often caused by aggressive battery optimization or restricted background data settings. Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > OneDrive, ensure battery optimization is set to 'Unrestricted', and verify that background data usage is allowed.

Document & File Issues