How to Fix OneDrive Not Syncing on Mac: 8 Quick Solutions

admin, How To , September 22nd, 2023 , 0

Cloud storage solutions have become an indispensable part of our lives. Among the plethora of options available, Microsoft’s OneDrive stands as a reliable choice for seamlessly syncing files across devices. However, even the most reliable systems can occasionally hit a snag, and for Mac users experiencing issues with OneDrive syncing, it can be a frustrating roadblock in their workflow.

Mac OneDrive not Syncing? If you find yourself in this situation, fear not. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons behind OneDrive not syncing Mac issues and walk you through a series of step-by-step solutions to get it back on track. Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or a casual user, this guide is tailored to provide solutions for all levels of expertise.

Let’s get started.

Why is OneDrive Not Syncing on MacBook?

Here are the top reasons why OneDrive might not be syncing on your MacBook:

• Unstable or slow internet connection can hinder the syncing process.
• Running an outdated version of the OneDrive app.
• Issues with your Microsoft account credentials or authentication can prevent syncing.
• If your OneDrive account has reached its storage limit, new files won’t sync until you free up space.
• Damaged or corrupted files can prevent successful syncing.
• Special characters in file names that are not supported by OneDrive can lead to errors.

Also read: How to Delete Other Storage on Mac

How to Fix the OneDrive Not Syncing on Mac Issue?

Solution 1: Restart your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can work wonders when it comes to resolving syncing issues with OneDrive on your Mac. It can often clear temporary glitches or conflicts that might be causing the syncing problem.

But yes, before you restart your Mac, make sure to save any ongoing work and close all the opened applications. Once your Mac is fully restarted, open the OneDrive application and check if the syncing issue has been resolved.

Solution 2: Check the Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for OneDrive to sync files seamlessly. If you’re experiencing slow or intermittent connectivity, power cycle your router or modem. Unplug it, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and allow it to reboot.

Also, ensure that your network settings or firewall configurations are not blocking OneDrive’s access to the internet. Consult your network administrator if needed.

Also read: How to Recover Deleted Data Files on Mac

Solution 3: Reset the OneDrive App on the Mac

Here are the steps to reset OneDrive on Mac:

Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in the menu bar. Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: In the OneDrive Preferences window, navigate to the “Account” tab.

Step 3: Click on the “Unlink Account” button.

Step 4: A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Reset” to confirm.

This process will reset the OneDrive application on your Mac, which can help resolve the OneDrive not syncing Mac issues. It essentially refreshes the application settings and can clear out any potential conflicts or glitches. Remember, any unsynced changes will need to be re-uploaded after the reset.

Solution 4: Update macOS

Updating macOS can resolve compatibility issues that might be causing OneDrive syncing problems. Here’s a quick guide to resolving OneDrive not syncing Mac issue:

Step 1: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Step 2: If available, click “Update Now” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: After updates are installed, restart your Mac.

Step 4: Launch OneDrive and check if syncing is now working.

Keeping your Mac’s operating system up-to-date ensures better compatibility with applications like OneDrive.

Also read: How To Install macOS Sonoma Beta on Your Mac

Solution 5: Check and Review OneDrive Storage

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s ensure your OneDrive has ample space for syncing. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the OneDrive website and log in.

Step 2: Check available space and ensure it’s not nearly full.

Step 3: Delete unnecessary or large files.

Step 4: Consider upgrading for more space.

Step 5: Check if syncing resumes on your Mac.

Adequate storage is crucial for smooth syncing on OneDrive. Keep an eye on your storage status to prevent syncing issues.

Solution 6: Check for File Name and Path Lengths

Long file names or paths exceeding the supported limits can lead to syncing problems. To resolve this:

1. Shorten File Names: Rename any files with excessively long names to something more concise.
2. Adjust File Paths: Try moving files to a location with a shorter file path.
3. Avoid Special Characters: Ensure file names don’t contain special characters that may not be supported.

By adhering to supported file naming and path conventions, you’ll enhance the likelihood of successful syncing on OneDrive. If the OneDrive not syncing Mac issue persists, we’ll explore further solutions.

Solution 7: Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Firewall or antivirus settings may sometimes block OneDrive’s syncing capabilities. To check if this is the case:

Step 1: Open System Preferences on your Mac. Navigate to Security & Privacy > Firewall.

Step 2: Click “Turn Off Firewall” (you may need to enter your administrator password).

Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus after testing. If this resolves the issue, you may need to adjust your security settings to allow OneDrive access.

Also read: How to Delete Messages on Mac

Solution 8: Reinstall OneDrive on Your Mac

If the previous steps didn’t resolve the syncing issue, consider reinstalling the OneDrive application. Here’s how:

Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in the menu bar and select “Quit OneDrive”.

Step 2: Open Finder and go to Applications. Find “OneDrive” and drag it to the Trash.

Step 3: Visit the OneDrive website and download the latest version. Install the application following the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Open the newly installed OneDrive app and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 5: Allow OneDrive some time to reinitialize and start syncing. Check if the issue is resolved.

Reinstalling OneDrive ensures that you have a fresh installation, which can help clear out any lingering issues.

Conclusion

In troubleshooting the Mac OneDrive not Syncing issue, we’ve covered several key solutions. From restarting your device to checking storage space, updating macOS, and even reviewing file names and paths, these steps address common culprits. Additionally, we explored resetting and reinstalling OneDrive, along with temporarily disabling firewall and antivirus settings.

Remember, a seamless syncing experience is crucial for efficient workflow management. By applying these solutions, you can overcome hurdles and enjoy uninterrupted file synchronization with OneDrive on your Mac. If your issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance from Microsoft’s support channels.

Which method did the trick for you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments box!