Data Backup Problems

Fix UpdraftPlus Backup OneDrive Connection and Authentication Issues

WPS Editor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to permanently reauthorize UpdraftPlus with OneDrive so that scheduled WordPress backups stop failing due to lost authentication.

How to Reconnect UpdraftPlus to OneDrive for WordPress Backups

Product: UpdraftPlus / Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Running automated, scheduled WordPress backups to a Microsoft OneDrive account using the UpdraftPlus plugin.
Observed behavior: Backups fail because the OneDrive connection repeatedly loses authentication. Reauthorizing works temporarily, but scheduled backups drop the connection again, prompting concerns about two-factor authentication settings.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrator access to your WordPress dashboard and the login credentials for your Microsoft OneDrive account. Do not disable your Microsoft account's Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), as UpdraftPlus fully supports secure authentication.

Solution 1Recommended

Completely Reauthorize the OneDrive Connection

Disconnecting the existing, corrupted configuration and performing a fresh authentication loop is the most reliable way to restore automated backups.

Simply clicking reauthorize on an existing broken link often results in temporary fixes. A complete disconnection forces Microsoft to generate a fresh, long-term OAuth token for the UpdraftPlus application.

Open UpdraftPlus Settings

Log into your WordPress dashboard, go to 'Settings', and click on 'UpdraftPlus Backups'.

Deauthorize the Current Connection

Navigate to the 'Settings' tab, locate the 'Choose your remote storage' section, and click on 'OneDrive'. Scroll down and click the link to disconnect or deauthorize the existing OneDrive account.

Re-authenticate with Microsoft

Click the prompt to authorize the OneDrive connection again. Log in with your Microsoft credentials and ensure you grant all requested app permissions.

Save and Test

Return to the WordPress dashboard, scroll to the bottom of the Settings tab, and click 'Save Changes'. Finally, go to the 'Backup / Restore' tab and click 'Backup Now' to run a test backup.

Completely Reauthorize the OneDrive Connection

Keep Security Enabled: Maintain multifactor authentication on your Microsoft account. The standard OAuth authorization process securely handles 2FA without requiring you to lower your account's security standards.

Solution 2

Clear Browser Data and Verify App Permissions

Use this method if the authentication page fails to load or loops indefinitely during the reauthorization process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my scheduled UpdraftPlus backup fail after working once?

This happens when the authorization token expires or becomes corrupted. Disconnecting the OneDrive account entirely within UpdraftPlus settings and authorizing it from scratch usually generates a persistent token.

Do I need to turn off two-step verification (2FA) for UpdraftPlus to connect?

No. Disabling two-step verification reduces your account security. UpdraftPlus uses standard OAuth protocols that are fully compatible with accounts utilizing multi-factor authentication.

What if the OneDrive authorization screen doesn't redirect back to WordPress?

This is often caused by browser cache issues or aggressive ad-blocking extensions. Try performing the authorization process in a private or incognito browsing window with browser extensions disabled.

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