OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Upload Paused Errors on iPhone

Guest Writer Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users are experiencing a paused status when trying to upload photos or scanned documents to OneDrive from their iOS devices.

How to Fix OneDrive Upload Paused Errors on iPhone

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: iOS / iPhone
Scenario: Attempting to sync camera uploads or scanned documents to OneDrive, especially after a password change, app update, or school account reset.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive app stops syncing, and files or camera uploads remain stuck with an 'Uploading paused' message.

Before you start

Verify that you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection and know your current account login credentials. Do not delete local files or the app itself until synchronization is confirmed, as this may result in permanent data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify iOS Permissions and Camera Settings

OneDrive requires explicit permissions on your iPhone to access photos and use background activity to complete uploads.

If permissions were reset during an iOS update or mistakenly denied, OneDrive will be unable to process camera uploads. Ensuring Background App Refresh is enabled is critical for uploading files when the app is minimized.

Open iPhone Settings

Go to your iPhone's Settings app and scroll down until you find 'OneDrive' in the app list.

Check Photo Access

Tap 'Photos' and ensure the access is set to 'All Photos'.

Enable Background Activity

Toggle on 'Background App Refresh' and 'Cellular Data' so the app can continue working without being actively open.

Adjust App Settings

Open the OneDrive app, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, and select 'Camera Upload'. Ensure it is toggled on and check the option to include cellular data if you are not on Wi-Fi.

Verify iOS Permissions and Camera Settings

Data Usage Warning: Uploading large batches of photos or videos over a cellular network can consume a significant amount of your mobile data plan.

Solution 2

Refresh Account Authentication

Because a password change or expired session can pause uploads, signing out and back in can restore synchronization.

Solution 3

Test Connectivity via OneDrive Web

Using a web browser isolates the issue to determine if it is an app-specific glitch or a broader account-level problem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my OneDrive uploads pause after a password change?

Changing your account password revokes the active security token on your devices. You must sign out and sign back into the OneDrive app to re-authenticate and allow uploads to resume.

Does deleting and reinstalling the OneDrive app fix stuck uploads?

While reinstalling the app can fix bugs, you should not delete it while files are pending upload. Deleting the app will permanently remove any local copies of scanned documents or files that have not yet synchronized to the cloud.

Why does OneDrive pause uploading over mobile data?

By default, OneDrive restricts large uploads to Wi-Fi networks to prevent excess data charges. You can change this behavior in the OneDrive app settings by enabling uploads over cellular or mobile data.

How can I ensure my photos upload in the background on iOS?

You need to allow the OneDrive app to use Background App Refresh in your iPhone's main settings. Additionally, keeping Location Services enabled for OneDrive can help, as the app utilizes location changes to trigger background syncing.

Document & File Issues