Microsoft OneDrive is a low-cost, user-friendly cloud storage utility that allows you to save space on your computer. The app is available on macOS, Windows, Android, and Web platforms. We explain OneDrive icons for Windows, Mac, Android, and Web versions below. This is a guide for understanding what the many OneDrive icons are trying to tell you.

OneDrive for Windows PC

OneDrive icon

Meaning
A red circle with a white X A file or folder sync has failed or can not be synced with OneDrive. Click on it to get more details about the issue.
Gray-colored OneDrive icon You are not signed in, or the OneDrive setup is incomplete
OneDrive pause icon Your files have paused syncing if a ‘’paused’’ symbol appears over the OneDrive icon. Click Activity Center in the notification area; select More> Resume syncing
OneDrive icon with circular arrows Sync is in progress. OneDrive is currently syncing new files to your computer or uploading files to the cloud.
Solid red with white bar (no entry) OneDrive icon Your account is blocked.
Yellow exclamation mark OneDrive icon A yellow warning triangle over the OneDrive icon signifies account issues. Click on it to read the warning message in the activity center.
Dash enclosed in a circle If you see this icon when you log into OneDrive, some files (Outlook files, for example) are blocked by your administrator.
People/heads icon next to a file or folder This is a shared file or folder.
Blue cloud icon next to OneDrive file or folder The file is only available online. You need an internet connection to view the file.
Green checkmark in a green circle icon The online file has been downloaded and is now locally available.
White checkmark in a solid green circle If this icon is next to a file, it means such a file will always be kept on your device.
Two OneDrive icons Two OneDrive accounts are active on the device. The blue and white icons are for your work or school account and your personal account, respectively.
Padlock icon A lock icon indicates that some settings prevent OneDrive from syncing files.

OneDrive for macOS

OneDrive icon

Meaning
Black circle with a white cross This icon in Finder or the OneDrive menu bar icons indicates that the file or folder cannot be synced. Click the icon to learn more about the problem.
Gray OneDrive cloud icon You are not signed in, or the OneDrive setup is incomplete.
OneDrive pause icon Your files have paused syncing if the ‘’paused’ symbol appears over the OneDrive icon. Select the icon in the notification area; select More> Resume syncing.
OneDrive icon with sync pending arrows Sync is in progress. OneDrive is currently syncing new files to your computer or uploading files to the cloud.
Solid red with white bar (no entry) OneDrive icon Your account is blocked.
Dash is enclosed in a solid gray circle If you see this icon when you log into OneDrive, some files (Outlook files, for example) are restricted by your administrator.
People/heads icon next to a file or folder This is a shared file or folder.
Cloud with an arrow icon or blue cloud The file is only available online. You need an internet connection to view the file.
Green checkmark in a green circle icon The online file is downloaded and is now locally available.
White checkmark in a solid green circle When attached to a file, this icon means the file will always be on your device.
Padlock icon A lock icon indicates that some settings prevent OneDrive from syncing files.

OneDrive for Web

OneDrive icon

Meaning
Glimmer marks (three little blue strokes) Glimmer marks next to a file or folder indicate that it is new.
Three squares in a solid gray square icon next to “Owner” or “Can edit.” This indicates a shared file collection.
Diamond icon This icon shows your OneDrive subscription status.
Link icon next to a folder A link icon attached to a folder indicates a shortcut to another shared folder.

OneDrive for Android

OneDrive icon

Meaning
Flashing OneDrive icon The application is busy. A file is being uploaded from your device.