Samsung has quietly flipped the switch on a long-anticipated change: its native Gallery app can now sync and back up photos and videos directly to a Google account. The feature, rolling out to select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, marks the end of an era for OneDrive integration and simplifies cloud backup for millions of users who previously had to juggle multiple apps.
- Direct Google backup: Gallery now syncs photos and videos to your Google account without needing to open Google Photos.
- Limited rollout: Only select Galaxy phones and tablets with One UI 9 have the feature, with a phased expansion planned but no specific models or dates announced.
- Shared storage: Synced files consume your Google account’s free 15 GB (shared with Gmail, Drive, and Photos), with paid Google One plans available for more space.
How the new sync works
Activating the feature is straightforward. Users can tap the cloud icon within Gallery, tap “Get Started” on a suggestion card, or navigate to Settings > “Sync photos and videos.” Once enabled, the content is linked to the Google account and becomes visible on other Galaxy devices signed in with the same account and with sync turned on. On those devices, Gallery displays previews of the synced library, and original files are downloaded on demand—no need to pull the entire collection at once.
Samsung has also included a “Free up space” option that deletes original files from the device after they are uploaded to Google, while keeping thumbnails visible in Gallery. This helps users reclaim local storage without losing access to their memories, though the full-resolution file must be downloaded again if needed.
The move follows Samsung’s announcement last summer that Gallery sync with OneDrive would end, a shutdown that took effect on September 30. Photos and videos previously backed up to OneDrive remain accessible through Microsoft’s services, but they are no longer managed within Gallery. Importantly, the new Google sync does not automatically merge existing Google Photos libraries—only files synced after activation will appear in Gallery, though Samsung’s wording hints that this could change in a future update.
Storage constraints and device availability
The convenience comes with a caveat: synced content eats into your Google account’s storage quota. The free tier offers 15 GB shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, which can fill up quickly for users with large libraries. Google One subscriptions start at $2 per month for 100 GB or $3 per month for 200 GB. Samsung does not provide any additional storage for Gallery sync, so users are advised to check their available space before enabling the feature.
As for compatibility, the feature is currently limited to “select Galaxy devices” running One UI 9. Samsung has not published a complete list of supported models or a detailed timeline, and the rollout will happen in phases—meaning some markets may receive it later than others. Users who don’t see the option yet will need to wait for the rollout to reach their device.
“The change doesn’t require opening Google Photos to activate backup: the option is integrated into Gallery and uses your Google account storage.”
What it means for Galaxy users
For years, Samsung users faced a fragmented photo management experience: Gallery for local shots, Google Photos for cloud backup, and OneDrive as an awkward middleman. By integrating Google backup directly into Gallery, Samsung eliminates the need to manage multiple apps for a simple task. It’s a practical improvement that many users have been waiting for.
However, the shift also nudges users toward Google’s ecosystem and its paid storage tiers. Every photo synced fills the shared Google quota, and the jump from free to paid storage is precisely where Google’s business lies. Samsung solves a real inconvenience while gently pushing users toward Google One—convenient for the user, but a win-win for the companies involved.
As the rollout expands to more Galaxy devices, the key questions will be how well the preview system performs with large libraries and whether Samsung eventually allows existing Google Photos content to appear in Gallery. For now, the feature offers a welcome simplification, provided users keep an eye on their storage.
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