OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Mobile App Cannot Access Folders on Android

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to access or view document folders in the OneDrive Android app, while the Photos section continues to work normally.

How to Fix OneDrive Mobile App Cannot Access Folders on Android

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Attempting to browse and open cloud storage folders through the OneDrive mobile application.
Observed behavior: The app only displays photos; other directories do not appear or cannot be opened, despite the files being fully accessible on a laptop.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need to sign back into the OneDrive app after clearing the application data.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear OneDrive App Data and Cache

Resetting the app's local storage can resolve syncing glitches and cloud-service response errors causing folders to disappear.

This issue is often related to a localized cloud-service response error rather than a specific phone model (like the Galaxy S20). Clearing the cache forces the app to pull a fresh directory list from the server.

Open Android Settings

Navigate to your Android device's main Settings menu and select 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications'.

Find OneDrive

Scroll through your list of installed applications and tap on 'OneDrive'.

Access Storage Options

Tap on 'Storage' or 'Storage & cache' to view the app's data usage.

Clear Cache and Data

Tap 'Clear Cache' followed by 'Clear Data'. This will completely reset the app's local files and session data without deleting your cloud files.

Sign In Again

Reopen the OneDrive app and log back in with your Microsoft account. Check if your folders are now visible and accessible.

Solution 2

Report the Issue to Microsoft Support

If clearing the cache does not restore your folders, report the bug directly to the OneDrive team for further investigation.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Access and Edit Your Cloud Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

If your OneDrive app is currently experiencing folder display issues, you can still access and manage your cloud documents using WPS Office. WPS Office allows you to connect directly to third-party cloud services, serving as a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office apps on Android.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Open Cloud Storage: Launch WPS Office, navigate to the 'Open' tab at the bottom, and select 'Cloud Storage'.
3. Connect OneDrive: Choose 'OneDrive' from the list and log in with your Microsoft credentials to immediately access your missing folders and edit files.

Seamlessly connects to OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box from a single interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Lightweight Android app that won't take up excessive storage space on your device.Free to use with a highly familiar, user-friendly mobile interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive mobile app only show photos?

This behavior is typically caused by a cloud-service response error or a localized sync glitch in the app's cache, preventing document directories from loading properly while the dedicated Photos tab remains unaffected.

Will clearing the OneDrive app data delete my cloud files?

No. Clearing the app's data and cache only removes temporary local files, cached thumbnails, and your login session from your Android device. Your actual files remain safely stored in the Microsoft cloud.

How can I access my files if the Android app continues to fail?

You can temporarily access all your folders by logging into the OneDrive website via your mobile browser, connecting your OneDrive account to a third-party app like WPS Office, or using a laptop where the sync issue is not occurring.

Document & File Issues