In 2025: How to Fix OneDrive Not Working on Mac?Updated a month ago

Microsoft OneDrive is one of the most popular cloud storage services, offering seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Windows, and other platforms. It allows users to store files in the cloud and access them from multiple devices, including Mac. However, sometimes OneDrive on Mac can run into issues, preventing users from syncing files, logging into their accounts, or launching the app entirely. Fortunately, most of these problems can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

In this guide, we will go through various solutions to help fix OneDrive not working on Mac. Whether you're experiencing syncing issues, login problems, or crashes, the following troubleshooting methods can assist you in restoring functionality.

Common Issues with OneDrive on Mac

Before diving into the solutions, it is essential to identify the issues you might be encountering. OneDrive for Mac is a reliable tool, but like any software, it can face several common issues:

1. Sync Issues: OneDrive may fail to sync files between your Mac and the cloud, preventing you from accessing updated files or uploading new ones.
2. Login Problems: You may encounter issues logging into your OneDrive account. This can occur due to incorrect login credentials or problems with your Microsoft account.
3. App Not Launching: The OneDrive app may fail to launch or may crash upon opening.
4. Outdated Version: Using an outdated version of the OneDrive app or macOS could result in compatibility issues, making it difficult to use OneDrive.
5. Connection Problems: OneDrive requires an active internet connection to sync files. Poor or intermittent internet access can lead to syncing failures.
6. File Conflicts: Sync errors often occur due to file conflicts, especially if multiple people are working on the same file simultaneously or if you’ve renamed or moved files without updating them on OneDrive.
7. Local Storage Limitations: OneDrive on Mac stores files both locally and on the cloud. If your Mac is low on storage, it can affect OneDrive’s performance.
8. Permissions Issues: OneDrive may be unable to access the necessary folders or files on your Mac due to insufficient permissions.

How to Fix OneDrive Not Working on Mac

1. Check Your Internet Connection

OneDrive relies on a stable internet connection to upload, download, and sync files. If you are facing syncing issues or login problems, the first step is to check your internet connection.

Solution:

1. Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet, either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Open a web browser and navigate to a website to verify that your connection is working properly.
2. Restart Router: If your connection is slow or intermittent, try restarting your router to refresh the connection.
3. Switch Networks: If you're using Wi-Fi and encountering issues, try connecting to a different network to rule out network-specific problems.
4. Mobile Hotspot: If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, try using your mobile device as a hotspot to check if OneDrive works with an alternative internet source.

2. Ensure OneDrive is Logged In

If OneDrive is not syncing or isn’t functioning correctly, it could be due to an issue with your login credentials or Microsoft account.

Solution:

1. Sign Out and Sign In Again: Sometimes, logging out and back into your OneDrive account can resolve login issues. To do this, click on the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, select Preferences, and under the Account tab, choose Unlink this Mac. Then, log in again with your Microsoft account credentials.
2. Check for Account Issues: Make sure that your Microsoft account is active and properly set up. Visit the Microsoft website and verify that your account is not suspended or expired.
3. Reset Password: If you have forgotten your password or are unable to log in, reset your password via the Microsoft account recovery process.

3. Restart OneDrive

If OneDrive isn't working properly, a simple restart can often solve the issue by refreshing the app and clearing out any temporary glitches.

Solution:

1. Quit OneDrive: In the menu bar, click on the OneDrive icon and select Quit OneDrive. Alternatively, you can press Command + Q to close OneDrive.
2. Reopen OneDrive: After quitting the app, open OneDrive again by searching for it in Spotlight (press Command + Space and type "OneDrive") or by locating it in the Applications folder.

4. Update OneDrive and macOS

OneDrive and macOS updates often include bug fixes and improvements that address performance and compatibility issues. If you’re using outdated versions of either, it may cause OneDrive to malfunction.

Solution:

1. Update OneDrive:
2. Open the App Store on your Mac.
3. Search for OneDrive in the search bar.
4. If an update is available, click Update.
5. Update macOS:
6. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
7. Choose System Preferences and then select Software Update.
8. If an update is available, click Update Now.

5. Clear OneDrive Cache

OneDrive stores temporary data and cache files to improve performance, but over time, these files can become corrupted and lead to syncing or app-related issues.

Solution:

1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. In the Go menu, click Go to Folder.
3. Type ~/Library/Application Support/OneDrive and press Enter.
4. Locate and delete the cache folder. (You can also delete the entire OneDrive folder if you're experiencing major issues).
5. After clearing the cache, restart OneDrive.

6. Check Local Storage Space

OneDrive syncs files both locally and in the cloud. If your Mac's hard drive is nearly full, it may interfere with OneDrive's ability to sync files.

Solution:

1. Check Disk Space: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner, choose About This Mac, and go to the Storage tab. Ensure that you have enough free space to accommodate your OneDrive files.
2. Free Up Space: If your Mac is running low on space, consider deleting unnecessary files or moving them to an external drive.
3. OneDrive Files On-Demand: To save storage space, enable OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature. This feature allows you to view and work with files without downloading them fully to your device.

7. Reinstall OneDrive

If OneDrive continues to malfunction despite following the troubleshooting steps above, reinstalling the app can help resolve deeper issues, such as corrupted files.

Solution:

1. Uninstall OneDrive:
2. Open Finder, go to Applications, and locate OneDrive.
3. Drag OneDrive to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
4. Reinstall OneDrive:
5. Visit the App Store on your Mac and search for OneDrive.
6. Download and install the latest version of the app.
7. After installation, sign in to your Microsoft account to restore your OneDrive files.

8. Check for File Conflicts

OneDrive syncs files across devices and users, which can sometimes lead to conflicts, especially if the same file is being edited by multiple people or devices simultaneously.

Solution:

1. Resolve File Conflicts: When conflicts occur, OneDrive will mark the affected file with a warning. You can usually resolve these conflicts by choosing one version of the file or merging the changes manually.
2. Look for Duplicate Files: OneDrive may also create duplicate files when there are sync conflicts. Check your OneDrive folder for any duplicate files and remove them.

9. Check OneDrive Permissions

OneDrive may not work correctly if it doesn’t have the necessary permissions to access files on your Mac.

Solution:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and choose System Preferences.
2. Go to Security & Privacy and select the Privacy tab.
3. In the left panel, scroll down and check Files and Folders.
4. Make sure OneDrive is listed and has the necessary permissions to access files on your Mac.
5. If it's not listed, click the + button and add OneDrive manually.

10. Disable Conflicting Software

Certain third-party applications, such as antivirus software, firewalls, or VPNs, may interfere with OneDrive’s ability to sync files or connect to the internet.

Solution:

1. Temporarily Disable Antivirus: Try disabling your antivirus program and check if OneDrive starts working. If it does, add OneDrive to the list of exceptions in your antivirus settings.
2. Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall is not blocking OneDrive’s access to the internet. If needed, you can add an exception for OneDrive in your firewall settings.

11. Use the Web Version

If you're still encountering issues with OneDrive on your Mac, you can always access your files through the OneDrive web version as a temporary solution. Simply log into your OneDrive account via a browser to view, edit, or download your files while troubleshooting the app.

12. Contact Microsoft Support

If you've tried all the above solutions and OneDrive is still not working on your Mac, it may be time to contact Microsoft Support. Microsoft provides various channels, such as online support, community forums, or even live chat, to help users resolve technical issues.

Conclusion

While OneDrive is a powerful and reliable cloud storage solution, it can occasionally encounter issues on Mac. Whether you're dealing with syncing problems, login difficulties, or app crashes, the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide can help you resolve most issues.

By following the solutions for internet connection checks, account verification, restarting the app, clearing cache, and ensuring sufficient storage, you can usually get OneDrive working again on your Mac. Reinstalling the app, checking file conflicts, and ensuring the necessary permissions are granted can also go a long way in solving persistent issues.