OneDrive File Issues

How to Upload Photos from Two Phones to Separate OneDrive Folders

Steve K Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to automatically upload photos from two different mobile devices to a single OneDrive account but requires them to be sorted into separate destination folders for better organization.

How to Upload Photos from Two Phones to Separate OneDrive Folders

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automatically syncing and organizing product photos from multiple mobile devices into separate cloud folders.
Observed behavior: OneDrive Camera Upload combines all photos from different devices into a single default folder, without offering an option to assign unique destination folders per device.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for your Microsoft account and verify that the OneDrive app is installed and actively syncing on both mobile devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Sort Uploaded Photos

Create an automated workflow in Power Automate to move incoming photos from the default Camera Upload folder into device-specific folders based on file naming rules.

Since OneDrive does not natively support separate upload folders per device, Microsoft Power Automate can act as a bridge. Mobile devices often assign unique prefixes to their photo file names (e.g., 'IMG_' vs. 'DSC_'). You can use these patterns to automatically route files to their respective folders.

Log into Power Automate

Go to the Microsoft Power Automate website and sign in with the same Microsoft account you use for OneDrive.

Create a new automated flow

Click on 'Create' from the left sidebar and select 'Automated cloud flow'. Name your flow and choose 'When a file is created (OneDrive)' as the trigger.

Set the source folder

In the trigger settings, navigate to and select your default 'Camera Upload' folder in OneDrive where both phones are currently sending photos.

Add a condition

Click 'New step' and add a 'Condition'. Configure it to check if the 'File name' contains the specific prefix or identifier used by your first phone.

Add a move action

In the 'If yes' branch, add the 'Move or rename a file (OneDrive)' action. Set the target to the specific folder you created for the first phone. Repeat or adjust for the second phone in the 'If no' branch.

Use Power Automate to Sort Uploaded Photos

Feature Deprecation Notice: Microsoft announced the removal of the dedicated OneDrive sync setting for saving device photos and videos starting June 2024. For local backups, they recommend using the Import feature in the Windows Photos app.

Solution 2

Use Separate Accounts and Share Folders

Set up a distinct OneDrive account for the second phone and share its camera upload folder with your primary account to keep the files separate but accessible in one place.

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While managing cloud photo uploads across multiple devices often requires complex workarounds in OneDrive, document management shouldn't be difficult. WPS Office is a free, lightweight suite that offers built-in cloud storage and seamless compatibility with all your important files.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
3. Sign in and sync: Launch WPS Office, sign in to create your free account, and immediately start syncing your documents across devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the default Camera Upload folder in OneDrive?

No, OneDrive does not currently allow users to select a custom destination folder for the Camera Upload feature. All photos are automatically uploaded to a single default 'Camera Upload' folder.

Why are photos from my tablet and phone mixing together in OneDrive?

If both devices are logged into the same Microsoft account and have Camera Upload enabled, OneDrive will route all photos to the same default folder, mixing them together regardless of which device took them.

Is Microsoft removing the OneDrive Camera Upload feature?

Microsoft scheduled the removal of the specific OneDrive Sync setting for saving device photos and videos for Windows users beginning in June 2024. Users are encouraged to use the Import feature in the Windows Photos app for direct transfers.

Does Power Automate cost money to use for OneDrive sorting?

Basic flows in Power Automate, such as moving files within personal OneDrive folders based on simple file name conditions, are generally included for free with a standard Microsoft account.

Document & File Issues