How to Fix OneDrive Folder Structure Not Showing on Android App
Question details
The user organized thousands of photos into specific folders on Windows 10, but these folders do not appear in the OneDrive Android app, which instead displays all photos in chronological order.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Android, Windows 10
- Scenario
- Accessing organized photo folders via the OneDrive mobile app on an Android device.
- Observed behavior
- The folder structure is not maintained on the Android app; folders are invisible, and photos are displayed purely by chronological order.
Before troubleshooting, ensure that your Android device has an active internet connection and that your OneDrive app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store.
Switch to the Files Tab in the OneDrive App
The OneDrive app often defaults to the 'Photos' tab, which aggregates all images chronologically regardless of their folder location. You must switch to the 'Files' tab to see your actual folder structure.
By design, the Photos view in OneDrive scans your entire account for images and displays them in a timeline format. This does not mean your folders are deleted or un-synced; they are just not visible in this specific view.
Launch the Microsoft OneDrive app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Look at the bottom navigation bar and tap the 'Files' icon instead of the 'Photos' icon.
Browse through your synced directories in the 'Files' view to find your organized photo folders exactly as they appear on your Windows 10 computer.
Verify Folder Sync via OneDrive Web
If folders are still missing in the Files tab, verify whether the folders were successfully synced from your Windows 10 computer to the cloud in the first place.
Manage Your Files and Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter syncing or file management issues with Microsoft Office tools, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, fully compatible, and free alternative that includes its own robust cloud storage and seamless integration with other cloud drives, ensuring your file structures are always exactly how you organized them.
- 1. Visit the WPS Website: Go to the official WPS Office website on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Download the App: Click the download button for your specific operating system (Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android).
- 3. Install and Sign In: Follow the simple installation prompts, sign in to your account, and start organizing your files with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive show my photos by date instead of folders on Android?
By default, the 'Photos' tab in the OneDrive app gathers all image files from your account and sorts them chronologically to create a timeline gallery. To see your custom folders, you must navigate to the 'Files' tab at the bottom of the screen.
How do I force OneDrive to sync my folders from Windows 10 to Android?
First, ensure the OneDrive client on your Windows 10 PC is running and displays 'Up to date' in the system tray. Then, open the OneDrive app on your Android device, go to the 'Files' tab, and swipe down on the screen to refresh and force the app to sync the latest folder structure.
Can I view my OneDrive folders using WPS Office for Android?
Yes, WPS Office for Android allows you to link your OneDrive account directly within the app. Once connected via the 'Cloud' or 'Open' menu, you can browse, open, and edit your documents while retaining your exact original folder structure.




