Pictures on Android phone are very slow to update

Slow or inconsistent camera uploads from Android to OneDrive are typically caused by how background activity, connectivity, and photo volume are handled. To reduce the delay and approximate a “force sync,” use these steps:

1. Keep OneDrive open to trigger upload
   The camera roll updates more reliably when the app is in the foreground:
   • Open the OneDrive app after taking photos and leave it open until the new pictures appear.
   • This is explicitly required for some scenarios: keeping the app open helps the camera roll update and avoids relying solely on background triggers.
2. Allow OneDrive to run in the background
   Android battery and app management can pause uploads:
   • Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage > OneDrive > Launch (options).
   • Select Manage Manually and enable Run in background.
     This prevents Android from suspending OneDrive and helps uploads start sooner.
3. Check camera upload settings and metered connections
   • In OneDrive, go to Me > Settings > Camera upload and ensure Camera upload is turned on and the correct account is selected.
   • If not on Wi‑Fi, verify that camera upload on metered connections is not disabled in OneDrive mobile settings, otherwise uploads may wait for Wi‑Fi.
4. Ensure Location Services are enabled
   Background activity can be triggered by location changes:
   • Turn on the device’s Location Services.
     This can help OneDrive wake up in the background and process new photos more quickly.
5. Reduce the size of the camera roll if very large
   A very large camera roll slows scanning and upload initialization:
   • Move some older photos from the default camera folder to another folder so OneDrive has fewer items to scan.
   • For large libraries, leave OneDrive running (ideally overnight) to let it catch up; signing out or reinstalling only restarts the process.
6. Confirm Microsoft storage is not exceeded
   Even if uploads eventually work, hitting the quota can intermittently block new uploads:
   • Check storage status on the Me tab in OneDrive or via the storage page.
   • If storage is exceeded, new files (including camera roll) will not upload until space is freed or storage is increased.
7. General connectivity checks
   • Ensure a stable internet connection (Wi‑Fi or mobile data).
   • If uploads are stuck, toggling Wi‑Fi off/on and reopening OneDrive can kick off pending uploads.

There is no documented “force sync” button in the current Android client; the closest behavior is achieved by opening OneDrive, ensuring it can run in the background, and keeping it active until the new photos appear.

References:

• Fix OneDrive sync issues on Android and iOS devices
• Troubleshoot OneDrive mobile app problems
• Fix problems uploading files on the OneDrive website
• OneDrive camera upload paused
• Automatically save photos and videos with OneDrive for Android
• Troubleshoot OneDrive for Android app problems