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Fix OneDrive Family Showing Only 5GB Storage on iPad and iPhone
Question details
The user is experiencing a storage quota mismatch, seeing 1 TB of OneDrive storage on their Mac but only the free 5 GB limit on their iPad and iPhone.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- macOS, iOS, iPadOS
- Scenario
- Accessing OneDrive Family subscription storage across multiple Apple devices.
- Observed behavior
- The Mac shows the correct 1 TB storage quota, while the iPad and iPhone mobile apps display a 5 GB free tier and prompt the user for a storage upgrade.
Ensure you know the exact Microsoft account credentials (email and password) linked to your OneDrive Family subscription that you currently use on your Mac.
Sign Out and Re-sign In with the Correct Microsoft Account
The most common reason for this storage discrepancy is being logged into a different, free Microsoft account on your mobile devices.
Mobile devices sometimes default to a secondary email address or a previously used free Microsoft account. Signing out and logging back in with the primary Family subscription account will restore access to your 1 TB quota.
Launch the OneDrive app on your iPad or iPhone and tap on your profile icon located at the top left corner of the screen.
Tap on 'Settings', select the currently logged-in account showing the 5 GB quota, and tap 'Sign Out'.
Tap 'Sign In' and enter the exact Microsoft account credentials (email and password) that you use on your Mac.
Once logged in, return to the settings menu to confirm that your storage quota now reflects the correct 1 TB limit.
Verify Subscription Quota via Web Browser
Confirm that your Microsoft account holds the correct 1 TB quota independently of the mobile app to ensure the subscription is active.
Seamlessly Edit Your Cloud Documents with WPS Office
While troubleshooting Microsoft OneDrive storage on your Apple devices, consider using WPS Office to manage, edit, and sync your documents across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It offers seamless integration with third-party cloud drives and provides a lightweight, unified document experience.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office app from the Apple App Store on your iPad or iPhone, or from the official website on your Mac.
- 2. Connect Your Cloud Drive: Open WPS Office, navigate to the 'Open' or 'Cloud' tab, and select 'Add Cloud Storage'.
- 3. Log into OneDrive: Choose OneDrive from the list, log in with your 1 TB Microsoft account, and start editing your documents directly within WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my OneDrive app suddenly switch to the 5GB free quota on my iPad?
This usually happens if the app automatically signs you into a secondary or default Apple-linked Microsoft account rather than the specific account tied to your Family subscription. Signing out and logging back in with the correct credentials resolves it.
What should I do if the OneDrive icon is entirely missing from my iPad?
If you cannot find the OneDrive app icon, swipe down on your iPad home screen to use the system Search feature. If it does not appear, the app may have been uninstalled or offloaded. Open the App Store, search for 'Microsoft OneDrive', and download it again.
Can I use my 1 TB OneDrive Family storage without installing the mobile app?
Yes, you can access your files and utilize your 1 TB storage by logging into OneDrive.com via Safari or any other web browser on your iPad or iPhone, though the dedicated app generally offers a better mobile viewing experience.
