Fix OneDrive sync problems

To help get you started, select the icon that you're seeing from the list below. 

If you're seeing an error code, read What do the OneDrive error codes mean? 

If the OneDrive icon you are looking for is not listed here, please read What do the OneDrive icons mean?

I can't see any OneDrive icons

Windows 

On a PC, you should see a white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

You might need to click the Show hidden icons arrow The Show hidden icons button. next to the notification area to see the OneDrive icon.

Windows taskbar showing hidden icons

If the icon doesn't appear in the notification area, OneDrive might not be running. Select Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and then select OneDrive in the search results.

Important: To make sure you're getting the latest features and fixes, download and install the latest OneDrive app for free.

Mac

On a Mac, you'll see the OneDrive cloud icons on the top Menu bar. If you don't see the Menu bar, you may need to adjust your General preferences. For more information, go to Apple Support.

If the icon doesn't appear in the Status menu area, OneDrive might not be running:

  1. Find OneDrive in your Applications folder.

  2. Right-click OneDrive and select Show Package Contents.

  3. Browse to the Contents > Resources folder.

  4. Double-click ResetOneDriveApp.command (or ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command if you're using the standalone app).

  5. Start OneDrive and finish the setup process.

Important: To make sure you're getting the latest features and fixes, download and install the latest OneDrive app for free.

OneDrive not signed in

  1. Select the Start button, search for “OneDrive”, and then open it:

    • In Windows 10, select the OneDrive desktop app.

      Screenshot of searching for the OneDrive desktop app in Windows 10

    • In Windows 7, under Programs, select Microsoft OneDrive.

      Screenshot of searching for the OneDrive desktop app in Windows 7

    • In Windows 8.1, search for OneDrive for Business, and then select the OneDrive for Business app.

  2. When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your personal account, or your work or school account, and then select Sign in.

    Screenshot of the first screen of OneDrive Setup

File locked padlock icon

Windows File Explorer file locked OneDrive will show a padlock icon next to the sync status if the file or folder has settings which prevent it from syncing.

Learn more about restrictions and limitations when you sync files and folders

Flashing OneDrive icon in Android

Android OneDrive active icon  The OneDrive cloud icon may briefly appear in your Android notifications as part of the normal upload process.

Learn more about how to Use OneDrive on Android.

OneDrive account nearly full

OneDrive full icon  If you see this icon, it means your OneDrive storage is nearly full.

Caution: Your OneDrive account will be frozen if you exceed your OneDrive storage limit for more than three months.

To prevent going over your storage limit, you have three options:

OneDrive account full, locked or frozen

OneDrive account frozen notification icon  If your OneDrive is full, locked or frozen you may be signed out of OneDrive on your computer.

Sign in to the OneDrive website and follow the on-screen instructions to unfreeze it.

Read more about What does it mean when your OneDrive account is frozen?