Fix OneDrive Sync Problems on a Mac

OneDrive sync problems on a Mac happen when files stop updating between your computer and the cloud. You might see files stuck with a spinning icon, changes not appearing on other devices, or error messages in the menu bar. These issues often come from temporary glitches, old credentials, or app problems. The good news is that most fixes are straightforward and do not delete your files. Your cloud files stay safe the whole time. Start with simple checks and try the steps in order.

Check OneDrive Sync Status

The first thing to do is see what OneDrive says about its current state. Click the cloud icon in the top menu bar of your Mac screen. If the icon is missing, use Spotlight (press Command + Space) to search for OneDrive and open the app.

The icon shows messages like “Up to date,” “Syncing pauses,” or an error symbol such as a red circle with a line through it. If syncing is paused, click the icon and select Resume syncing. Look for any specific error text, as it can point to issues like no internet, low disk space, or file name problems.

Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet and has enough free storage space. Close any open files in your OneDrive folder, as open files can block sync. This quick look often reveals the cause and fixes minor issues fast.

Restarting the OneDrive Application

Restarting the app clears temporary hiccups without changing your files or settings. Click the cloud icon in the menu bar, then choose Help & Settings or the gear icon, and select Quit OneDrive.

Wait a moment for it to fully close. Search for OneDrive in Spotlight and open it again from your Applications folder if needed. The app restarts, reconnects to your account, and checks for pending syncs.

This step takes just seconds and solves many problems caused by background freezes or minor bugs. If the cloud icon does not come back, restart your Mac for good measure.

How to Reset OneDrive for Mac the Easy Way

Resetting OneDrive refreshes its settings and forces a clean start. It does not remove your files from the cloud or your Mac folder. Microsoft provides a built-in script for this on Mac.

Follow these steps carefully to reset safely.

End OneDrive processes

Open Activity Monitor by searching in Spotlight or going to Applications > Utilities. In the search box at the top right, type “OneDrive.” Select any processes named OneDrive or related, then click the X button at the top to force quit them.

This stops all running parts of the app. Confirm that no OneDrive items remain in Activity Monitor before continuing.

Delete OneDrive Keys

Open Keychain Access from Spotlight or Applications > Utilities. In the search field, type “OneDrive” to find related items like “OneDrive Cached Credential.”

Select each relevant entry, right-click, and choose Delete. Enter your Mac password when prompted. This removes stored login details that might be outdated or corrupted.

Use the Secret Reset OneDrive Script

Quit OneDrive if it is still open. Go to your Applications folder in Finder. Right-click (or Control-click) the OneDrive app and select Show Package Contents.

Navigate inside to Contents > Resources. Find the file named ResetOneDriveApp.command or ResetOneDriveAppStandalone.command (use the standalone one if that matches your version). Double-click it to run the script.

A Terminal window opens briefly and runs the reset commands. When it finishes, open OneDrive again. Sign in and select your existing OneDrive folder location when asked. OneDrive re-checks files and syncs as needed. This often resolves deep sync issues.

Clear OneDrive Cache and Credentials

Clearing cache removes old temporary data that causes conflicts. After unlinking, open Keychain Access and delete any leftover OneDrive entries as described earlier.

In Finder, press Command + Shift + G and go to ~/Library/Containers/. Look for folders starting with com.microsoft.OneDrive and move suspicious ones to Trash (only after quitting the app). Also check ~/Library/Group Containers/ for OneDrive cache folders and clear contents if needed.

Re-link your account afterward. This forces a clean cache rebuild. Restart your Mac if sync still lags.

With these steps, your OneDrive sync should run smoothly again. Once fixed, you can easily add OneDrive to Mac Finder by making sure the folder appears in the sidebar and pinning it for quick access. Files will update reliably across your devices. If issues come back, repeat the status check first and work down the list. Your files remain protected in the cloud throughout.

Reinstall OneDrive/Office 365 apps

If resetting does not work, reinstall the app to replace any damaged parts. First, quit OneDrive completely. Drag the OneDrive app from your Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.

Download OneDrive again from the Mac App Store or through your Microsoft 365 account. Install it fresh and open the app. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

When setup asks for the folder, choose your current OneDrive folder to reconnect without re-downloading everything. This step fixes problems from corrupted app files.

Check File Permissions and Attributes

Sync can fail if Mac permissions block OneDrive from reading or writing files. In Finder, right-click a file or folder in your OneDrive directory that shows issues. Choose Get Info.

Scroll to Sharing & Permissions at the bottom. Your user name should show Read & Write access. If not, click the lock icon, enter your password, and change it. Click the gear icon and select Apply to enclosed items to fix subfolders.

Avoid file names with special characters like / : * ? ” < > | or emojis, as they prevent sync. Rename any problem files to simple letters and numbers. Check for leading or trailing spaces too, and remove them.

Caveats for the Fix above

Resetting or reinstalling makes OneDrive verify all files again, which takes time with large folders or slow internet. Your Mac may run hotter or use more battery during the re-sync.

Avoid pausing or quitting during the process, as it can cause incomplete syncs. If you have multiple OneDrive accounts (personal and work), apply fixes to each one separately. Back up any unsynced local changes first for peace of mind.

These steps work for most cases, but if errors persist after everything, consider checking for macOS updates or contacting Microsoft support.

Unlink and Re-link Your OneDrive Account

Unlinking breaks the connection to refresh it without losing data. Click the cloud icon > Help & Settings > Preferences. Go to the Account tab and select Unlink this Mac. Confirm the action.

OneDrive stops syncing. To re-link, open the app again and sign in with your Microsoft account. When it asks for the folder, pick your existing OneDrive location to reconnect.

This refreshes credentials and often clears login-related sync blocks. Any offline changes sync once connected again.