Samsung Gallery finally gets Google Photos sync — here’s what you need to do

What you need to know

• Samsung is officially ending its long-standing OneDrive integration on September 30 in favor of direct Google Photos backup inside Samsung Gallery.
• Starting with Gallery app update 15.9.01.7, you can link your backup by tapping Menu > Settings > Sync photos and videos and connecting a personal Google account.
• You can selectively sync specific local folders (like Screenshots or Camera) or toggle off main camera roll uploads entirely.

For many users, the transition from OneDrive to Google Photos within Samsung Gallery is a notable shift. Having relied on OneDrive for years, the impending change may evoke a sense of nostalgia. Yet, the prospect of integrating Google Photos into the Gallery app is met with curiosity rather than frustration. This new arrangement allows users to seamlessly backup their images while continuing to enjoy the familiar interface of Samsung Gallery.

As part of this transition, Samsung has begun rolling out the Google Photos integration with the latest Gallery app update, version 15.9.01.7. Users can expect to find a new option labeled “Sync photos and videos” upon opening the app. This feature enables direct connection to a Google account, facilitating effortless backup of photos and videos without needing to exit the Samsung Gallery.

How to enable Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync with Google

• Open the Samsung Gallery app on your Galaxy phone or tablet device.
• Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner, then tap Settings.
• Tap Sync photos and videos.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your Google Account.
• Grant Samsung permission to sync your photos and videos with Google.

It is important to note that this feature is available only on devices running Android 13 or later, and it requires a compatible Samsung device along with a personal Google account. The documentation clarifies that this integration is designed specifically for backing up photos and videos, rather than for browsing the entirety of one’s Google Photos library within the Gallery app.

For those who prefer not to utilize the new Google Photos sync, Samsung provides an easy option to disable it. Simply navigate to Samsung Gallery > Menu > Settings, and turn off Sync photos and videos. This action will halt new backups while still allowing access to photos already backed up to your Google account via Google Photos.