Microsoft Account Errors

Fix OneDrive and Outlook Displaying Old Microsoft Account Alias

Adam Davis Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs OneDrive and Outlook to display their newly set primary Outlook.com email address instead of a legacy Hotmail alias.

How to Make OneDrive and Outlook Display Your Primary Microsoft Account Alias

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and Outlook
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Phasing out an old Hotmail address and updating to a new primary Outlook.com alias across connected Microsoft services.
Observed behavior: Connected services like OneDrive and Outlook continue to display the old Hotmail alias, even after the Outlook.com address has been set as primary in the Microsoft Account portal.

Before you start

Verify that your new email address has been successfully set as the 'Primary alias' in your online Microsoft account settings before attempting to refresh your device apps.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Account Settings on iPad (iOS)

Use the built-in iOS settings to clear cached account data, forcing OneDrive and Outlook to fetch the latest primary alias from Microsoft servers.

Microsoft services do not typically offer an in-app toggle to select your preferred display alias. If the system caches your old Hotmail address locally, you must manually clear the application's account data to force a synchronization refresh.

Sign Out and Update App

Open the OneDrive or Outlook app on your iPad, sign out of your account entirely, and visit the App Store to ensure you are running the latest version of the app.

Access Device Settings

Open the native 'Settings' app on your iPad and scroll down the left sidebar until you find the settings entry for 'OneDrive' (or Outlook).

Clear Account Data

Tap on the app name, locate the 'Clear Account Settings' toggle within the application preferences, and turn it on.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your iPad. Once rebooted, launch the app again and sign in using your new primary Outlook.com alias. The correct address should now be displayed.

Note on Synchronization: It can sometimes take up to 48 hours for a newly set primary alias to propagate across all Microsoft backend servers. If it fails immediately, try again later.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Billing and Account Support

If clearing app data fails, the issue may be rooted in backend databases where the old alias is permanently registered as the communication preference.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience

Struggling with backend account syncs and legacy Microsoft aliases can be frustrating. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and straightforward alternative that doesn't get bogged down by complex account synchronization rules. Simply install, create a fresh account with your preferred email, and start working immediately.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the appropriate installer for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.
3. Sign In and Work: Open WPS Office, sign in directly with your preferred email, and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft documents.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Register an account easily using your preferred email address without legacy alias conflicts.Lightweight application footprint that runs fast on both desktop and mobile devices.Familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve when migrating from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft still show my old Hotmail address?

Microsoft services often cache account information locally on your device to speed up loading times. Additionally, different Microsoft services run on separate backend databases, which can sometimes result in synchronization delays when a primary alias is updated.

Can I choose which alias displays in OneDrive settings directly?

No. Neither OneDrive nor Outlook provides a direct, in-app setting that lets you manually toggle which alias is displayed. The apps are designed to automatically pull the primary alias from your central Microsoft account profile.

Does uninstalling and reinstalling the OneDrive app fix the alias issue?

Reinstalling the app may work, but on iOS/iPadOS devices, deeply cached account tokens often persist even after a reinstall. Using the 'Clear Account Settings' option within the iPad device settings is a more effective way to force an alias refresh.

Will making a new email my primary alias delete my old emails?

No. Promoting a new email address to be your primary alias simply changes how you log in and how your account identifies itself globally. Your old emails, inbox folders, and OneDrive files will remain perfectly intact as long as you do not explicitly click 'Remove' on the old alias.

Login & Account Issues