OneDrive Error Codes

Fix SMS Backup and Restore OneDrive Error 401

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an HTTP 401 Unauthorized error occurring when attempting to back up text messages and phone calls to OneDrive using a third-party backup application.

How to Fix SMS Backup and Restore OneDrive Backup Error 401

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Backing up Android SMS messages and call logs to Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage via the SMS Backup and Restore app.
Observed behavior: The backup process fails to complete, returning an HTTP 401 Unauthorized error code due to an authentication or permission mismatch.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your current Microsoft account credentials ready, as you will need them to re-authenticate your cloud connection.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Re-establishing the connection between the backup app and OneDrive forces a token refresh, resolving most 401 unauthorized errors.

A 401 error primarily indicates that the application's access token is invalid or expired. By unlinking and relinking the account, you authorize the app to generate a fresh, valid token from Microsoft.

Open Backup Settings

Launch the SMS Backup and Restore app on your Android device. Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top-left corner and select 'Settings' or 'Backups'.

Unlink OneDrive

Locate your current OneDrive connection under the cloud storage settings and tap 'Log out' or 'Unlink' to remove the existing authorization.

Relink OneDrive

Tap on the option to set up a new backup location, select 'OneDrive', and tap 'Log in'. Enter the correct Microsoft account credentials.

Grant Permissions

When prompted by the Microsoft login screen, grant the SMS Backup and Restore app permission to read and write files to your OneDrive account.

Account Verification: Ensure you are signing into the exact same Microsoft account where your previous backups are stored to avoid creating duplicate folders.

Solution 2

Update the App and Verify System Webview

Updating both the backup app and essential system components can fix underlying integration and login bugs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does HTTP Error 401 mean in OneDrive?

An HTTP 401 Error means 'Unauthorized'. It occurs when a third-party application tries to access your OneDrive but provides an invalid, expired, or missing authentication token.

Will unlinking my OneDrive delete my previous SMS backups?

No. Unlinking the account only removes the app's permission to access your OneDrive. Your previously saved XML backup files will remain completely safe in your cloud storage.

Why does SMS Backup and Restore keep losing OneDrive authorization?

Authorization can drop if you recently changed your Microsoft account password, if Microsoft forced a security token refresh, or if an app update inadvertently cleared its saved login credentials.

What should I do if relinking OneDrive still results in a 401 error?

If relinking fails after updating the app, the developer's API key for Microsoft integration might have expired. You should contact the app developer's support team or wait for them to release a patch.

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