Samsung has altered the native cloud backup mechanisms in its Gallery application, officially ending native OneDrive integration on September 30, 2026. The Samsung Gallery app now offers direct cloud synchronization with Google Photos, allowing Galaxy users to back up media without relying on Microsoft's cloud platform within the built-in interface. Existing OneDrive backups remain unaffected, though future OneDrive uploads require the standalone OneDrive application.
Requirements and Account Setup
To utilize the new integration, devices must run Samsung Gallery version 15.9.01.7 or later, available via the Galaxy Store. The direct sync mechanism only supports personal Google accounts; Google Workspace accounts for work or school are not supported.
Users enable the feature within Gallery Settings by navigating to the photo sync menu and connecting a supported Google account. The app defaults to backing up the camera roll, with additional toggles to select specific local albums or permit sync over cellular data and roaming. Storage management tools inside the menu link to space-clearing options and Google One tier upgrades.
Cross-Platform Behavior and Editing Rules
Synchronization allows photos and videos backed up from Samsung Gallery to appear in the Google Photos mobile app and web interface. Deletions sync bi-directionally across both services.
Photo edits behave differently depending on the source app. Edits made within Samsung Gallery update across synced Samsung devices but upload to Google Photos as new files. Conversely, edits executed within Google Photos update directly within the Samsung Gallery app.
Feature Limitations and API Differences
Despite the native integration, backing up via Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync introduces notable functional trade-offs compared to using the main Google Photos application. Media uploaded through Gallery sync does not index for Google Photos Search, web search tools, Memories, Highlights, or Live Albums.
Additionally, Samsung Gallery only displays items uploaded via its own sync engine; media backed up to Google Photos from other devices will not populate in the Samsung Gallery timeline. Samsung Gallery also lacks manual single-file upload options, requiring users who rely on full feature parity or multi-device libraries to maintain the standalone Google Photos client.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: Your Samsung Gallery app finally syncs with Google Photos — how to set it up right now
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