Samsung Gallery finally integrates Google Photos for seamless cloud backups
What the new integration means
Samsung has announced that its Gallery app will now sync directly with Google Photos. The change replaces the long‑standing Microsoft OneDrive option and gives users of devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 a native way to back up photos and videos to the Google cloud.
How to enable the feature
To start using the sync, open the Samsung Gallery app, tap the menu icon in the lower right corner and select Settings. From there choose Sync photos and videos, then follow the prompts to sign in with a Google account. The option only appears on phones running Android 13 or later, so newer Galaxy models are ready out of the box.
Step‑by‑step guide
1. Update the Gallery, Samsung Cloud and Gallery Sync apps via the Play Store.
2. Launch Gallery and tap the three‑dot menu.
3. Go to Settings > Sync photos and videos.
4. Choose Add account and select Google.
5. Grant the requested permissions and confirm the sync direction.
What sync actually does
Once enabled, every new picture or video captured on the Samsung Galaxy S25, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 or any compatible device is uploaded to the user’s Google Photos library. Existing media in the Samsung Cloud is also migrated, giving a single view inside the Google Photos app on Android, iOS or the web.
Limitations to keep in mind
The integration does not feed synced images into Gallery Memories, live albums or the AI‑driven search features. It also excludes Google Workspace accounts, meaning corporate users will need a personal Google account for the backup.
Why Samsung waited
Other Android manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Oppo have offered Google Photos sync for years. Samsung’s decision to finally join the party aligns with its broader strategy to reduce reliance on Microsoft services and streamline the user experience across its ecosystem, which now includes wearables like the Apple Watch Series 10 for cross‑platform health tracking and tablets such as the iPad Air M2 for media consumption.
Impact on OneDrive support
Microsoft OneDrive integration in Samsung Gallery will be discontinued on 30 September 2026. Users who prefer OneDrive will need to switch to the new Google Photos option or use a third‑party file manager.
Benefits for everyday users
Google Photos offers unlimited high‑quality storage for most images, powerful search based on visual recognition, and easy sharing via links. By linking directly from Gallery, Samsung removes an extra step and ensures that photos taken on the go are safely stored without manual uploads.
What this means for the broader Samsung ecosystem
The move strengthens Samsung’s partnership with Google and signals a more unified experience for users who own multiple devices. Whether you capture a sunset on a Samsung Galaxy S25, view it later on an iPad Air M2, or share it through an Apple Watch Series 10 notification, the photo will be available instantly in Google Photos.
Final thoughts
Samsung Gallery’s Google Photos sync is a welcome upgrade that simplifies cloud backup for millions of Galaxy owners. The rollout is already in progress, so checking for the latest app version today will ensure you don’t miss out on this convenient feature.
