logo
search
OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive on iPhone Reuploading Duplicate Photos

Tauseeq MagsiTauseeq Magsi Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where the OneDrive camera upload feature repeatedly resets and attempts to upload thousands of existing iPhone photos, resulting in duplicate files.

How to Fix OneDrive on iPhone Reuploading Duplicate Photos
Product
Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS
iOS (iPhone)
Scenario
Using the automatic camera upload feature to back up an iPhone photo library to OneDrive.
Observed behavior
OneDrive repeatedly resets its upload process, gets stuck on 'Checking' or 'Setting up', and attempts to re-upload previously synced photos, creating massive file duplication in cloud storage.
Before you start

Make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and keep your iPhone plugged into a charger to prevent the background backup process from pausing due to low battery or poor connection.

Solution 1Recommended

Update App and Verify Photo Permissions

Ensuring both iOS and the OneDrive app are up-to-date while having the correct permissions can resolve most syncing loop errors.

OneDrive requires full access to your iPhone's photo library to accurately track which files have already been uploaded. If access is restricted, the app may continuously attempt to rescan and reupload your images.

1
Update iOS and OneDrive

Open the App Store, search for OneDrive, and tap 'Update'. Then, go to your iPhone Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your device OS is up to date.

2
Open iPhone Settings

Navigate back to the main menu of your iPhone Settings and scroll down until you find the 'OneDrive' app.

3
Grant Full Photo Access

Tap on 'OneDrive', then tap 'Photos' and select 'All Photos' to grant the app unrestricted access to your camera roll.

Update App and Verify Photo Permissions
Permission Granted: Granting 'All Photos' access prevents OneDrive from getting stuck scanning limited selections and falsely identifying old photos as new ones.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience a Lighter, Faster Office with WPS Office

Troubleshooting cloud syncing issues can be frustrating. For a smoother document management experience, try WPS Office. It's a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that is fully compatible with Microsoft formats, ensuring your files look perfect on any device.

  1. 1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the App Store, Google Play, or visit the official website to download it for free.
  2. 2. Sign In for Cloud Features: Create a free account to activate your personal WPS Cloud storage and sync your documents across devices.
  3. 3. Open Your Files: Easily open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) without any layout distortion.
Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Free built-in WPS Cloud storage for easy and reliable document backup.All-in-one suite combining documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs.Lightweight app that doesn't consume excessive iPhone storage.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my OneDrive app stuck on 'Checking' or 'Setting up' on my iPhone?

This usually happens when the app gets interrupted in the background, encounters a corrupted file, or lacks permission to view the full photo library. Force-closing the app or reinstalling it typically clears this bottleneck.

How do I temporarily stop OneDrive from uploading my iPhone photos?

Open the OneDrive app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, select 'Camera Upload', and toggle the switch off. This will immediately pause automatic syncing.

Will deleting a duplicate photo from OneDrive also delete it from my iPhone?

No. If you delete a photo directly from the OneDrive cloud (via the website or app), it will only delete the cloud copy. Your original photo will safely remain on your iPhone's local camera roll.

Can I prevent OneDrive from renaming my uploaded photos?

OneDrive automatically renames photos by date and time to prevent conflicts. While you cannot disable this automatic renaming feature for camera uploads, you can manually rename specific files after they are synced.