Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Cannot Sign In to OneDrive on Android Tablet

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign in to OneDrive or other Microsoft apps on an Android tablet, experiencing a login loop where the app returns to the username screen after the password is provided.

Product: OneDrive and Microsoft Apps
Device & OS: Android (Galaxy Tab A 10.5)
Scenario: Attempting to log into Microsoft applications or access cloud storage from a specific Android tablet.
Observed behavior: After entering the correct password, the app fails to authenticate and immediately loops back to the username entry screen, despite the same credentials working on other devices.

Before you start

Verify that you are entering the correct Microsoft account credentials and ensure your Android tablet is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network with active internet access.

Solution 1Recommended

Troubleshoot the OneDrive App and Android Settings

Resolve login loops by clearing corrupted app data, ensuring accurate system time, and reinstalling the application.

Enable automatic date and time

Go to your Android Settings > General Management (or System) > Date and time. Toggle on 'Automatic date and time'. Secure login servers will reject connections if your device clock is out of sync.

Clear app cache and data

Navigate to Settings > Apps > OneDrive > Storage. Tap 'Clear Cache' and then 'Clear Data' to remove any corrupted temporary files causing the loop.

Test a different network

Switch from your current Wi-Fi network to a mobile data connection, or connect to a different Wi-Fi network, to rule out firewall or router restrictions blocking the authentication server.

Reinstall OneDrive and update Android

Check for system updates in Settings > Software Update. Then, uninstall OneDrive, restart your tablet, and download the latest version from the Google Play Store.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft 365 Support

If local device troubleshooting fails, the issue might require intervention from Microsoft support or your organization's IT admin.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Office Files on Android Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you are struggling with persistent Microsoft app sign-in issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, fast, and completely free alternative that allows you to open, edit, and save your documents directly on your Android tablet without being forced to resolve complex cloud login loops.

1. Download and Install: Search for WPS Office in the Google Play Store on your Android tablet and tap Install.
2. Grant Permissions: Open the app and allow the requested storage permissions so WPS Office can locate and edit your existing files.
3. Open Your Files: Tap 'Open' on the home screen to browse your local storage or connect a different cloud drive to access your documents effortlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.No mandatory cloud sign-ins required to edit local documents.Lightweight application that saves processing power and storage space on your Android tablet.Seamless integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and other alternative cloud services.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive app keep returning to the login screen on Android?

This 'login loop' is generally caused by corrupted app cache data, outdated app versions, or incorrect system date and time settings that prevent your device from completing a secure handshake with Microsoft's authentication servers.

Can I use Microsoft Office apps without signing in on my Android tablet?

Microsoft Office apps on Android typically require a sign-in with a Microsoft account to create or edit documents. Without signing in, they function largely as read-only viewers.

Does incorrect date and time affect Microsoft app logins?

Yes. The SSL/TLS certificates used for secure login connections rely heavily on accurate system time. If your Android tablet's clock is significantly out of sync with the server, the login request is automatically rejected for security reasons.

Login & Account Issues