SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Files Stuck on Syncing in OneDrive for Mac

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to fix an issue where files from a SharePoint document library remain stuck with a syncing icon in OneDrive on a Mac, despite reinstalling or restarting the app.

How to Fix SharePoint Files Stuck on Syncing in OneDrive for Mac

Product: SharePoint, OneDrive for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Synchronizing a shared SharePoint document library to a local Mac folder via the OneDrive client.
Observed behavior: Files display a continuous syncing icon without completing the download, even though files uploaded by other users appear correctly when permissions are intact.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection and verify with your administrator that your SharePoint permissions have not been recently modified or revoked.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Relink OneDrive on Your Mac

This is the most highly recommended method to resolve persistent sync issues, as it resets the connection state between your local machine and the SharePoint server.

Unlinking your account will not delete any of your files or data. It simply disconnects the local folder from the cloud. Once reconnected, OneDrive will compare local and cloud files and resume synchronization seamlessly.

Open OneDrive Preferences

Click the OneDrive cloud icon located in the Mac menu bar at the top of your screen. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) and select 'Preferences'.

Unlink the Account

Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the preferences window. Click on 'Unlink this Mac' and confirm your choice when prompted.

Sign Back In

The OneDrive setup screen will appear. Enter your Microsoft account credentials to sign back in.

Select Sync Location and Libraries

Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your OneDrive folder location. Be sure to select the specific SharePoint document libraries you want to sync during the setup process.

Initial Sync Duration: After relinking, OneDrive will need to process changes and re-index the files. Depending on the size of your SharePoint library, this may take some time. Leave your Mac connected to the internet until the sync is complete.

Solution 2

Verify SharePoint Library Permissions Online

Sometimes sync stalls because your user account lacks the required access rights to specific files or folders within the SharePoint library.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I unlink OneDrive on my Mac?

No, unlinking your Mac only stops the active synchronization process. The files already downloaded remain safely on your Mac, and the cloud files remain untouched in the SharePoint library.

Why is OneDrive stuck on 'Syncing' but no data is downloading?

This can happen due to a corrupted local cache, unexpected changes in file permissions, or minor network interruptions. Resetting the connection by unlinking and relinking typically clears the cache and resolves the stall.

How can I tell if my SharePoint permissions are causing the sync issue?

You can check your permissions by logging into the SharePoint web interface. If you are unable to view, edit, or upload files through the browser, your desktop client will also be unable to sync those files.

Document & File Issues