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How to Fix OneDrive Not Syncing Files to the Cloud on Mac
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where files added to the OneDrive folder on a Mac fail to upload to the cloud automatically.
- Product
- OneDrive for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Adding files to the OneDrive folder via Finder or opening cloud files, expecting real-time synchronization and AutoSave.
- Observed behavior
- Files do not upload automatically, and cloud files open as offline files without real-time synchronization or AutoSave capabilities.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and verify that you have sufficient cloud storage space remaining in your Microsoft OneDrive account.
Reset the OneDrive Application via Package Contents
Resetting the OneDrive application clears local sync caches and configuration errors, resolving most synchronization interruptions without deleting your files.
This built-in reset script forcibly clears stuck sync states and refreshes the application's connection to the cloud servers.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the top menu bar, click the gear icon (Settings & Help), and select 'Quit OneDrive'.
Open Finder, navigate to the Applications folder, right-click (or control-click) the OneDrive application, and select 'Show Package Contents'.
Navigate through the folders by opening 'Contents', and then 'Resources'.
Find and double-click either 'ResetOneDriveApp.command' or 'ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command'. A terminal window will briefly appear to execute the reset.
Relaunch the OneDrive application from your Applications folder and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.
Unlink Your Mac and Reinstall OneDrive
If a simple reset fails, performing a clean installation by unlinking your account and reinstalling from the Mac App Store can resolve deep-rooted synchronization bugs.
Test Syncing with a New Local Administrator Account
Creating a new administrator account helps determine if the sync failure is being caused by corrupted user profile permissions on your macOS.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Management
If you are tired of troubleshooting OneDrive sync issues on Mac, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring its own robust cloud storage and seamless file synchronization across multiple devices.
- 1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download and install the lightweight WPS Office suite directly from the official website or Mac App Store.
- 2. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in to your WPS account within the app to activate WPS Cloud for automatic document syncing.
- 3. Edit and AutoSave: Open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files in WPS Office and edit them with peace of mind knowing they are securely synced to the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is OneDrive stuck on 'Syncing' on my Mac?
This usually happens due to attempting to upload very large files, encountering unsupported characters in file names (like <, >, or *), or temporary network interruptions. Check your files for invalid characters and ensure your internet connection is stable.
How do I know if my OneDrive files are successfully synced on macOS?
Open Finder and navigate to your OneDrive folder. A solid green checkmark icon next to a file indicates it is successfully synced and downloaded to your device, while a cloud icon means the file is safely in the cloud but available online only.
Can incorrect macOS permissions block OneDrive from syncing?
Yes, if your Mac user account lacks proper read/write permissions for the OneDrive folder or its enclosing directories, files will fail to upload. Testing the app within a new local administrator account can help confirm if profile permissions are the root cause.
