OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Videos Not Playing During Phone Calls on Android

Phi Hung Vo Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to play videos hosted on OneDrive while on an active phone call using an Android device.

Fixing OneDrive Videos That Won't Play During an Active Phone Call on Android

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Attempting to stream or view OneDrive video files simultaneously while participating in an active cellular or internet phone call.
Observed behavior: Video playback fails or pauses during a call, despite this functionality having worked previously.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and check if this playback issue also occurs on other streaming apps like YouTube or Google Drive to isolate whether it is a system-wide or app-specific problem.

Solution 1Recommended

Restart and Update Your Android Device and OneDrive App

Restarting the device clears temporary glitches, and updating ensures you have the latest bug fixes from Microsoft and your device manufacturer.

Software updates often contain fixes for specific bugs introduced in previous versions. Ensuring both the Android OS and the OneDrive app are up to date is the most effective first step.

Restart the device

Hold down the power button on your Android phone or tablet and tap 'Restart' to reboot the system.

Update the OneDrive App

Open the Google Play Store, search for 'Microsoft OneDrive', and tap 'Update' if a newer version is available.

Check for Android OS updates

Navigate to your phone's Settings, scroll down to 'System' or 'Software Update', and install any pending system updates.

App Reinstallation: If updating the app does not resolve the issue, try uninstalling OneDrive from the Google Play Store and then reinstalling a fresh copy.

Solution 2

Make OneDrive Videos Available Offline

Downloading the video to your device temporarily bypasses streaming restrictions and network interruptions during phone calls.

Solution 3

Check Manufacturer-Specific Device Settings

Some Android manufacturers restrict media playback during phone calls to preserve call quality and manage audio routing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do videos pause automatically when I answer a call on Android?

Most Android devices are programmed at the system level to pause media playback or lower media volume during an incoming or active call. This is designed to ensure you can hear the caller clearly and avoid broadcasting background media noise.

How can I play local videos during a phone call?

If you have downloaded the video directly to your device, you can usually open it using your phone's default gallery or media player app, and then manually press the play button while the call is active.

Does clearing the OneDrive app cache fix playback issues?

Yes, clearing the app cache can often resolve minor performance glitches. Go to your Android Settings > Apps > OneDrive > Storage, and tap 'Clear Cache' to see if it restores playback functionality.

Is there a setting in OneDrive to allow background playback?

OneDrive does not have a dedicated setting to force background video playback during phone calls. It relies on Android's system-level media handling, which is why downloading the file for offline use is the most reliable workaround.

Document & File Issues