Microsoft Account Errors

How to Fix OneDrive for Android Switching Between Personal Accounts

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where the OneDrive application on an Android device automatically switches between multiple signed-in personal Microsoft accounts.

How to Fix OneDrive for Android Automatically Switching Between Personal Accounts

Product: OneDrive for Android
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Managing files in the OneDrive mobile app when multiple personal Microsoft accounts are linked to the same mobile device.
Observed behavior: OneDrive spontaneously changes the active profile to an unwanted secondary personal account. Removing and reinstalling the OneDrive app does not resolve the behavior.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct login credentials (email and password) for your primary Microsoft account, as you will need to sign back in after adjusting your device settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Unwanted Microsoft Accounts from Android System Settings

Because Android centrally manages connected accounts, removing the secondary or unwanted account directly from the system settings will prevent OneDrive from automatically detecting and switching to it.

Uninstalling the OneDrive app often fails to resolve this issue because the secondary Microsoft account remains saved in the Android system's centralized account manager.

Open Android Settings

Navigate to your device's home screen or app drawer and open the 'Settings' application.

Locate Account Management

Scroll down and tap on 'Accounts and backup', 'Users & accounts', or 'Passwords & accounts' (the exact name varies depending on your Android manufacturer and OS version).

Select the Unwanted Account

Look for the list of signed-in accounts. Tap on the specific personal Microsoft or OneDrive account that you no longer want to use in the app.

Remove the Account

Tap the 'Remove account' button. A prompt will appear asking you to confirm; accept it to completely unlink this account from your Android device.

Update and Sign In

Open the Google Play Store, search for OneDrive, and update it to the latest version. Finally, open OneDrive and sign in with your primary, intended Microsoft account.

Remove Unwanted Microsoft Accounts from Android System Settings

System-Wide Removal: Removing the account from Android settings will sign it out of all Microsoft applications on your device, not just OneDrive. Your cloud data remains safe and unaffected.

Solution 2

Review Android Sync Settings and Contact Support

If removing the account does not solve the switching loop, verifying your account synchronization settings and reporting the glitch to Microsoft Support is recommended.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free Cloud Document Management

If managing multiple Microsoft accounts causes constant syncing conflicts and app switching on your Android device, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a streamlined, unified cloud storage experience without the headache of account cross-talk.

1. Download the App: Get WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Sign In Securely: Create or log in to a single WPS account using your preferred email or Google account.
3. Sync Documents Safely: Save your files directly to WPS Cloud to access them easily without unwanted account switching.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Built-in WPS Cloud storage integrates seamlessly without complicated multi-account switching issues.Lightweight all-in-one app uses fewer system resources on your Android device.Easy-to-use interface lets you view, edit, and share documents from a single account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive keep switching to my old Microsoft account after I reinstalled it?

Android uses a central account manager to store login tokens for Microsoft applications. Even if you reinstall the app, OneDrive retrieves the active Microsoft accounts stored in your phone's system settings. You must remove the old account directly from your Android 'Accounts' menu.

Will removing a Microsoft account from my Android settings delete my files?

No. Removing the account from your Android settings only revokes the device's local access to that account. All your files, photos, and documents remain securely stored in the cloud and can be accessed anytime by signing in again on the web or another device.

How can I use two personal OneDrive accounts on the same Android phone?

While the OneDrive app easily supports one personal and one business account simultaneously, running two personal accounts often leads to conflicts. To manage multiple personal accounts, you can either use your mobile browser for the second account, or use your Android device's 'Secure Folder' or 'Dual Messenger' feature to create a cloned, separate instance of the OneDrive app.

Login & Account Issues