For years, Samsung Galaxy users facing cloud backup setup were forced into an awkward compromise. You either used Microsoft OneDrive integration natively inside the Samsung Gallery app or bypassed the native Gallery entirely to rely on the standalone Google Photos app.
That friction is officially over.
Samsung is sunsetting its legacy OneDrive integration for Gallery Cloud Sync and bringing direct, native Google Photos backup straight into the Samsung Gallery app. Galaxy owners can now back up full resolution media directly to their Google Account without managing secondary sync services.
Why This Change Is Huge for Galaxy Users
When Samsung retired Samsung Cloud photo storage years ago, it partnered with Microsoft to integrate OneDrive directly into the Gallery app. While functional, it created a fragmented experience for Android users who relied on Google One for their primary cloud storage ecosystem.
With Microsoft OneDrive support phasing out on Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync, Google Photos steps in as the default native sync engine.
Key Highlights of the Integration
Granular Folder Control: You can choose to back up your main Camera roll, or toggle off the main camera roll while selectively syncing specific local folders like Screenshots or Downloads.
Cross-Device Sync: Edits made in Samsung Gallery sync across connected Galaxy devices while uploading the updated version securely to Google Photos.
View-Only Mode: Disabling backup for local albums while keeping Cloud Sync active allows Samsung Gallery to act as a lightweight cloud viewer for media stored on other devices.
How to Enable Google Photos Sync in Samsung Gallery
Setting up the new integration takes less than two minutes once the update rolls out to your region and device.
Step 1: Open Samsung Gallery -> Tap the Menu (three lines) at the bottom right.
Step 2: Select "Settings."
Step 3: Tap "Sync photos and videos."
Step 4: Choose your personal Google Account and grant permission.
Once connected, your backing-up progress will display directly within your Gallery app settings.
Technical Details & Limitations
Before turning on the feature, keep these requirements and system behaviors in mind:
| Feature / Detail | Operational Rule |
| Account Compatibility | Personal Google Accounts on Android 13 or higher. (Workspace & supervised child accounts are excluded). |
| Storage Allocation | Backups use your primary Google Account / Google One storage tier in Original Quality. |
| Editing Behavior | Edits in Samsung Gallery save and sync to Google Photos as new copies, preserving original local data. |
| Feature Exclusions | Synced media from Gallery Cloud Sync will not auto-populate Google Photos Live Albums or native Google Memories. |
Device & Regional Availability
Samsung is rolling out this integration via updates to the Gallery Cloud Sync system application across Galaxy S, Z, and A-series devices running One UI. Because rollout schedules vary by carrier, region, and account status, check the Galaxy Store for available app updates if the toggle hasn’t appeared on your phone yet.
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