logo
search
Microsoft 365 Error Codes

How to Resolve OneNote Sync Errors on Android Devices

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve synchronization errors in OneNote on Android devices, where notebooks sync properly on Windows and the web but fail to sync on Android.

How to Resolve OneNote Sync Errors on Android Devices
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Android
Scenario
Syncing OneNote notebooks across multiple devices and platforms.
Observed behavior
Sync errors, including codes 0xE00001BB, 0xE000145C, and 0xE0001473, appear on Android phones and tablets, or synchronization takes an unusually long time, despite working correctly on the desktop application.
Before you start

Ensure your Android device has a stable internet connection and copy any unsynced notes to a local text file to prevent data loss during troubleshooting.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform Basic Network and App Troubleshooting

Test your internet connection and eliminate conflicts from VPNs or firewall apps to ensure a clear path to the sync servers.

Network fluctuations, active VPNs, or third-party firewalls can block the OneNote app from reaching Microsoft's servers, triggering sync errors.

1
Switch network connections

Try syncing your notebook using a different Wi-Fi network, mobile data, or a mobile hotspot to rule out local network restrictions.

2
Disable VPN and firewalls

Temporarily disconnect any active VPNs and uninstall or disable third-party firewall applications on your Android device.

3
Force a manual sync

Open the OneNote app on your Android device, navigate to the notebook list, and swipe down from the top of the screen to force a manual synchronization.

4
Clear app cache or reinstall

Go to your Android Settings > Apps > OneNote > Storage and tap 'Clear Cache'. If the issue persists, uninstall OneNote and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.

Perform Basic Network and App Troubleshooting
Background Synchronization: OneNote will often continue attempting to sync in the background. If you leave the app running on a stable network overnight, the errors may resolve themselves.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Cross-Device Note-Taking and Document Management

If you frequently encounter synchronization errors with Microsoft apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for viewing, editing, and syncing your essential documents across Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac without the heavy resource requirements.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the Google Play Store and tap 'Install'.
  2. 2. Sign in to enable cloud sync: Open the app and sign in with your email or Google account to activate free cloud synchronization.
  3. 3. Access documents anywhere: Create or upload your documents to WPS Cloud to seamlessly access and edit them across your mobile and desktop devices.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Built-in cloud storage (WPS Cloud) for reliable, fast cross-device synchronization.Lightweight application that runs smoothly and efficiently on all Android devices.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface that requires no learning curve.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get OneNote error 0xE00001BB on Android?

This error typically occurs due to network connectivity issues, server timeouts, or conflicts with VPNs and third-party firewalls on your Android device blocking the connection to Microsoft servers.

Does OneNote sync automatically in the background on Android?

Yes, OneNote syncs automatically in the background. However, exceptionally large notebooks or poor internet connections can delay this process, which may require you to perform a manual sync by swiping down on the notebook list.

How do I fix sync errors if my OneNote notebook is too large?

If your notebook is too large and frequently times out during sync, try splitting it into smaller notebooks. You can do this on your desktop by creating a new notebook and copying a few sections over, which often resolves mobile syncing bottlenecks.