Automatically upload iPhone photos to OneDrive

OneDrive Camera Upload can automatically copy photos and videos from an iPhone to OneDrive. This is a one-way upload, not a two-way sync: deleting an uploaded photo from the iPhone does not delete its copy in OneDrive.

Before you turn it on: Camera Upload uses the entire camera roll and can upload to only one OneDrive account at a time. Confirm that OneDrive is showing the intended USS work account. Do not enable Camera Upload on a personal phone or a mixed personal/work camera roll without IT approval. Turning Camera Upload off later does not remove photos that were already uploaded; contact IT if photos go to the wrong account.

Turn on Camera Upload

  1. Open the OneDrive app and sign in with the intended USS work account.
  2. Tap your account image, then Settings > Camera Upload.
  3. Turn on Camera Upload for the intended account.
  4. Allow OneDrive to access all photos when iOS asks.
  5. Turn on Include Videos if work videos should also upload.

Complete the first upload

  • Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi and a charger.
  • Leave OneDrive running in the background; do not force-close the app.
  • In the iOS Settings app, open OneDrive and make sure Background App Refresh is enabled.
  • If OneDrive shows photos as Remaining, tap Remaining > Get Started > Turn on Bedtime Backup while the phone is on Wi-Fi and charging.

Open OneDrive > Photos and confirm that a recent work photo appears before deleting anything from the iPhone. Keep project photos in the OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint location assigned by your team.

If uploads stop, check Wi-Fi, charging, Low Power Mode, Background App Refresh, and whether the OneDrive app was force-closed. If the problem continues, submit an IT support ticket.

Microsoft guidance: Automatically save photos and videos with OneDrive on iOS.