OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Photo Backup Not Syncing Deletions

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users want to know why deleting a photo from their mobile device does not remove the uploaded copy in OneDrive and how to sync these deletions.

How to Fix OneDrive Photo Backup Not Syncing Deletions

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Managing mobile photo backups and attempting to delete unwanted images to free up space across all synced platforms.
Observed behavior: When a photo is deleted locally from the Android gallery, the corresponding uploaded copy remains in OneDrive cloud storage.

Before you start

Verify your current OneDrive app settings and check your OneDrive Recycle Bin to ensure you don't permanently lose accidentally deleted files.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Two-Way Synchronization with Samsung Gallery

If you are using a Samsung device, linking the native Samsung Gallery app to OneDrive provides true two-way synchronization for your photos.

By default, the standard OneDrive Android app only performs a one-way backup to protect your files. However, Microsoft and Samsung offer an integrated solution that allows deletions to sync across both your phone and the cloud.

Open Samsung Gallery Settings

Launch the Samsung Gallery app on your device, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select 'Settings'.

Link to OneDrive

Tap 'Sync with OneDrive' and follow the on-screen prompts to connect your Microsoft account.

Confirm Sync Settings

Once connected, ensure the sync feature is toggled on. Any photo you delete from the Gallery will now automatically be moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin.

Enable Two-Way Synchronization with Samsung Gallery

Device Limitation: This feature is exclusively available for Samsung devices. If you use another Android brand, you must manage your photos manually.

Solution 2

Manually Delete Photos from the OneDrive App

Since the default camera upload feature acts only as a backup mechanism, you must manually delete unwanted photos directly from the cloud.

Solution 3

Synchronize Files via the OneDrive Desktop App

Transfer your photos to a computer and use the OneDrive desktop client, which inherently supports two-way synchronization.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Simplify Your Document and Cloud Management with WPS Office

While resolving OneDrive sync issues, you can streamline your entire digital workflow with WPS Office. As a lightweight, full-featured alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS provides its own secure cloud storage solutions and robust document editing capabilities across all platforms.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office application for your computer or mobile device from the official website.
2. Sign In to WPS Cloud: Create a free account or log in to instantly activate your WPS Cloud storage space.
3. Sync and Edit Anywhere: Save your documents to WPS Cloud and access the most up-to-date versions from any connected device.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (docx, xlsx, pptx)Built-in WPS Cloud for effortless two-way document synchronization across all your devicesLightweight application that requires significantly less storage spaceFree to use with an intuitive, tabbed interface for easier multitasking

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep the photos I deleted from my phone gallery?

The camera upload feature in the standard OneDrive Android app is designed strictly as a backup service to prevent accidental data loss. It is not a two-way synchronization tool, meaning it preserves your cloud copies even if the local files are removed.

Can I recover a photo I accidentally deleted from the OneDrive cloud?

Yes. When you delete a photo from OneDrive, it is moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin. You can restore it from there within 30 days before it is permanently deleted.

Is there a way to make the standard Android OneDrive app sync deletions automatically?

Currently, the standard OneDrive app for Android does not support two-way synchronization for camera uploads. You must either manage deletions manually or use the Samsung Gallery integration if you have a supported Samsung device.

Document & File Issues