Syncing iPhone photos to OneDrive is as seamless as it can ever get. It’s a pretty secure and reliable way to sync your photos with your Windows device. However, if you’re facing issues where your iPhone photos aren’t showing up in OneDrive on Windows 11, don’t worry! In this extensive guide, I’m going to discuss the 14 proven ways to fix this frustrating syncing issue. Read on to…
Fix iPhone Photos Not Syncing with OneDrive on Windows 11
What prevents the iPhone photos from syncing via OneDrop? From the wrong configuration to the malfunctioning internet connection to the software glitches, the OneDrive syncing issue occurs due to many reasons.
1. Ensure Camera Upload is Enabled on iPhone
Note that OneDrive won’t sync your photos unless the Camera Upload feature is active. Therefore, be sure it’s enabled.
- To get going, launch the OneDrive app on your iPhone > tap your profile icon > Settings > Camera Backup > toggle it ON.
2. Check iPhone Internet Connection
Bear in mind that a weak or unstable internet connection can come in the way of photos from uploading to OneDrive.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to a strong Wi-Fi or mobile network.
- After that, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to reset the network.
3. Keep OneDrive App Open on iPhone
It’s also important to point out that iOS sometimes tends to restrict background uploads if the app isn’t active.
- To do so, launch the OneDrive app and keep it in the foreground until all photos are uploaded.
4. Turn Off Low Power Mode on iPhone
It’s worth noting that the Low Power Mode limits background activity, including OneDrive sync.
- On your iPhone, head over to Settings > Battery and disable Low Power Mode if it’s turned on.
5. Give OneDrive Access to Photos on iPhone
OneDrive can’t upload images if it doesn’t have permission to access your photo library.
- On your iPhone, fire up the Settings app > Privacy & Security > Photos > OneDrive > choose “All Photos.”
6. Enable Background App Refresh for OneDrive
Disabling this feature may prevent OneDrive from syncing in the background.
- Head to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Ensure OneDrive is toggled ON.
7. Sign In with the Same Account on iPhone and PC
Ensure the Microsoft account used on the iPhone matches the one used in the OneDrive app on Windows 11. Mismatched accounts can lead to confusion or missing photos.
8. Check OneDrive Sync Status on Windows 11
If OneDrive is paused or facing sync issues on your PC, photos may not appear.
- Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray > ensure sync is active and not paused.
9. Restart OneDrive App on Windows 11
Temporary glitches in the desktop app can block sync updates.
- Right-click the OneDrive icon > Close OneDrive > relaunch it from the Start menu.
10. Force Photo Upload Again from iPhone
Many a time, just forcing a refresh can let you resolve upload problems.
- Simply, launch the OneDrive app > go to Photos > tap the “refresh” or re-upload icon, if available.
11. Update OneDrive
Keeping the OneDrive app updated is important for several reasons. First, updates often bring security enhancements that protect your files and personal data from potential threats. They also deliver bug fixes, ensuring smoother performance and fewer crashes.
In addition, updates often introduce new features or improve existing ones—like better photo backup, faster syncing, or improved sharing options—making the app more efficient and easier to use. Staying updated ensures you’re getting the best experience Microsoft offers.
- On iOS: Navigate to the App Store on your iPhone > your profile > Scroll down to find the OneDrive app and hit the Update button next to it.
- On Windows: Open Microsoft Store > check for OneDrive updates and proceed to update it.
12. Update Your iPhone and Windows PC
Should your iPhone photos still refuse to sync with OneDrive, try updating both devices. There is a high chance that a software bug is coming in the way, blocking the path of the photo syncing.
- On your iPhone, get into the Settings app > General > Software Update > Install the latest update.
- On Windows, go to the Settings app > Windows Update > download and install the latest Windows update.
13. Check OneDrive Storage Space
No luck as yet? Be sure to check if your OneDrive account is full, no new photos can be uploaded or synced.
- Head over to OneDrive app > Me > Storage to check how much space is left. Upgrade if necessary.
14. Clear OneDrive Cache
Beware of the fact that the corrupted cache may prevent new uploads from appearing. Hence, I’d recommend you clear the OneDrive cache on your PC.
- Dive into the File Explorer on your Windows 11 device > OneDrive folder > delete the
.tmpor cache files if present, then restart the app.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! When iPhone photos aren’t syncing with OneDrive on your Windows 11 PC, it can be a huge inconvenience—especially if you rely on OneDrive for backups or quick transfers.
Fortunately, the 14 methods above cover everything from app settings and permissions to network and sync troubleshooting. By following these steps, you can identify and fix the issue blocking your photos from syncing. And once things are back on track, your iPhone and Windows 11 will work together seamlessly again.
