How to Fix OneDrive on iPhone Reuploading Duplicate Photos
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.

- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Navigate back to the main menu of your iPhone Settings and scroll down until you find the 'OneDrive' app.
Tap on 'OneDrive', then tap 'Photos' and select 'All Photos' to grant the app unrestricted access to your camera roll.

Clear Cache and Reinstall OneDrive
If OneDrive is stuck on 'Checking' or 'Uploading', clearing its cache or reinstalling it forces a fresh connection to the cloud.
Clean Up Duplicate Photos on a Computer
Managing thousands of duplicates is difficult on a mobile screen. Using a computer allows you to quickly identify and delete duplicate files in bulk.
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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.




