How to Fix SharePoint OneDrive Sync Working Only One Way on macOS
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where files sync from the SharePoint browser to the Mac Finder, but local changes made in Finder do not upload back to SharePoint.
- Product
- SharePoint and OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Synchronizing files between local Mac Finder folders and SharePoint document libraries via the OneDrive client.
- Observed behavior
- Files successfully download from SharePoint to the local Mac folder, but newly added or edited files in Finder fail to synchronize upwards to the SharePoint cloud.
Verify that your Mac has an active, stable internet connection and ensure that your macOS is updated to a version fully supported by the latest OneDrive client.
Verify File Requirements and OneDrive Status
Check for sync pauses, file requirement violations, or incorrect folder locations preventing uploads to SharePoint.
Often, one-way sync occurs because a file contains unsupported characters or exceeds SharePoint's size limits, which quietly halts the upward synchronization process.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your Mac's top menu bar. Review any error messages or 'Sync paused' notifications displayed in the dropdown menu.
Ensure you are saving your files directly inside the designated SharePoint synced library folder in Finder, rather than a local document folder or a personal OneDrive folder.
Review the files that are failing to sync. Ensure none of the filenames contain restricted characters (such as ", *, :, <, >, ?, /, \, |) and that individual files do not exceed SharePoint's upload size limits.
Update and Reset the OneDrive App on macOS
Resetting the OneDrive client can clear corrupted cache files that are blocking the outbound synchronization from Finder.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
While resolving OneDrive and SharePoint synchronization issues, you can keep your workflow moving smoothly with WPS Office. As a free, lightweight, and fast alternative, it works perfectly on macOS and ensures your documents are well-managed.
- 1. Download the Mac version: Visit the official WPS website and download the installer tailored for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and edit seamlessly: Launch the application to open, edit, and save your Microsoft Office formatted documents without losing layout or data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive say it's up to date but my files aren't in SharePoint?
This happens when files are saved outside the designated sync folder, or if the SharePoint library has 'Require Check Out' enabled. Check your library settings in the SharePoint web interface under Library Settings > Versioning Settings.
How do I force OneDrive to sync on my Mac?
You can trigger a manual rescan by clicking the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, clicking the gear icon, selecting 'Pause syncing' for 2 hours, and then immediately clicking 'Resume syncing'.
Does macOS block OneDrive from syncing automatically?
macOS does not block it by default, but if you have revoked 'Full Disk Access' or 'Files and Folders' permissions for OneDrive in your Mac's System Settings under Privacy & Security, it will fail to upload new files from Finder.
