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How to Fix OneNote on iPad Not Loading or Syncing Images

Bushra Parveen Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to restore missing images in OneNote notebooks that fail to load or sync properly on an iPad.

How to Fix OneNote on iPad Not Loading or Syncing Images

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: iPad (iPadOS)
Scenario: Opening existing OneNote notebooks on an iPad to view notes containing images and media.
Observed behavior: Notebooks open successfully, but some images are completely missing or stuck loading, even after updating the app, reinstalling it, and restarting the iPad.

Before you start

Verify that your iPad has a stable internet connection and check if the missing images are visible when logging into OneNote via a web browser on a computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Check OneDrive Storage and Force App Sync

Use this solution to ensure you have enough cloud storage and to manually force OneNote to download attachments.

OneNote notebooks and their multimedia attachments are stored in Microsoft OneDrive. If your OneDrive storage limit is reached, images will stop syncing across devices. Freeing up space and forcing a manual sync often resolves this issue.

Check OneDrive Storage

Open the OneDrive app or log into the OneDrive website to check your available storage quota. If it is full, delete unnecessary files to free up space.

Enable Attachment Sync

Open OneNote on your iPad, tap the Settings gear icon, navigate to 'Sync', and ensure that 'Auto Sync Attachments' is toggled on.

Force Manual Sync

Go back to your notebook list, pull down on the screen to refresh, or tap the notebook name and select 'Sync Now'. Keep the app open until the sync indicator disappears.

Wait for Download: Large notebooks with many images may take several minutes to fully sync depending on your internet speed. Leave the app open in the foreground.

Solution 2

Sign Out and Reset OneNote Credentials

Clearing the app's sign-in credentials can resolve underlying authentication glitches preventing media files from downloading.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Seamless Synchronization with WPS Office

If you are struggling with persistent sync errors and missing files in Microsoft Office apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, fast, and completely free alternative for managing documents and notes seamlessly across your iPad, PC, and mobile devices.

1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store and install it on your iPad.
2. Sign In for Sync: Open the app and create a free account to activate WPS Cloud synchronization.
3. Manage Documents Easily: Create, edit, and access your notes and documents anywhere without worrying about missing images.

Reliable cloud synchronization without missing images or corrupted attachmentsFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsLightweight architecture that takes up minimal storage space on your iPadIntuitive, all-in-one workspace that is completely free to use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote show a red X icon instead of my images?

A red X indicates that the image file is corrupted or failed to sync properly from the original device. This usually happens if the app was closed before the image could fully upload to OneDrive.

Will reinstalling the OneNote iPad app delete my unsynced notes?

Yes, if you delete and reinstall the OneNote app, any notes or images that have not successfully synced to OneDrive will be permanently lost. Always check your notebooks on OneNote for Web before reinstalling.

Can I recover images that never synced to my iPad?

To recover them, you must open OneNote on the original device (like your PC or phone) where the images were first inserted. Allow that device to fully sync with OneDrive, and then the images will become available on your iPad.

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