Gmail cannot access Onedrive files on Apple Iphone. How to Fix? Prior access. But no longer able.

Elke Waterhouse 0 Reputation points
2026-03-12T21:49:45.37+00:00

I had a iPhone SE and had prior access to the Onedrive files for attachments to my emails. while in gmail I would attach a file from onedrive no problem. Then I had a system update and now I no longer have the file access. So I thought, Gee, maybe it because I have no storage in my SE. So I upgraded to a SE 12. tons of memory. got it all set up and tried to access Onedrive files through gmail, and Na-Da. no access. says theirs an error. or it just loads forever. not sure what the problem is. I've tried to get support from microsoft, but not easily done. Not sure if its a gmail problem either. Can not easily fix that either other than loose all your emails. need some assistance from anyone. I have had onedrive for years and been able to attach documents from Onedrive while in Gmail, so it has to be from the last apple upgrade. Cause it's only on my phone that this happens. Anyone have this issue?

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | iOS
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  1. IGYQ 22,055 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-07T14:35:49.5166667+00:00

    Hi!

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    This is a known type of issue on iOS where app-to-app file access (especially between Google and Microsoft apps) breaks after updates. Since it used to work, the problem is almost certainly due to recent iPhone update.

    First, you need to reconnect you OneDrive account. Open OneDrive app, once opened click your profile > Settings and sign out. Once signed out try to sign back in and restart your phone.

    Once done you check again and see if OneDrive can be detected.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-12T21:50:01.7233333+00:00

    On iOS, OneDrive access for attaching files in other apps (like Gmail) depends on the OneDrive app being installed, signed in, and allowed to access storage and run in the background.

    Try these steps on the iPhone 12:

    1. Confirm OneDrive is installed and signed in
      • Open the OneDrive app.
      • If prompted, sign in with the same account where the files are stored.
      • Make sure files are visible and can be opened directly in the OneDrive app.
    2. Allow OneDrive to refresh in the background
      • Go to iOS Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
      • Ensure Background App Refresh is on and OneDrive is enabled.
      • This helps OneDrive stay available when used from other apps.
    3. Check network and sign‑in status
      • In OneDrive, verify that files open normally over the same Wi‑Fi or mobile network used with Gmail.
      • If OneDrive shows any sign‑in or connection issues, resolve those first (for example, by re‑entering the password or checking that the internet provider/firewall is not blocking Microsoft 365 services).
    4. Re-add OneDrive as a file source in Gmail
      In the Gmail app when composing an email:
      • Tap the attachment icon.
      • Choose to attach from Files (iOS Files picker).
      • In the Files picker, tap Browse > … (More) and ensure OneDrive is enabled as a location.
      • If OneDrive is missing, close Gmail, open OneDrive once more, then try again.
    5. If it still fails, test with another app
      • In another app that uses the iOS Files picker (for example, the built‑in Mail app), try attaching a file from OneDrive.
      • If OneDrive works there but not in Gmail, the issue is likely specific to Gmail; if it fails in all apps, focus on OneDrive sign‑in, connectivity, and background settings.

    If OneDrive itself cannot connect or sign in reliably on iOS, follow the general OneDrive iOS troubleshooting guidance: sign out and back in, verify the account password, and confirm that the network or firewall is not blocking Microsoft 365 services.

    References:

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