Samsung Migrated Gallery Sync to Google Photos
The integration replaces Microsoft OneDrive as the default cloud backup for photos and videos on Samsung devices.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Samsung has officially launched a Google Photos integration within the Samsung Gallery app, replacing its long-standing cloud backup partnership with Microsoft OneDrive. This synchronization feature is now rolling out to devices running Android 13 or later.
Why it matters
This shift marks a significant realignment in Samsung's mobile ecosystem as it consolidates media storage into the Google Photos infrastructure. The change terminates the previous cloud storage agreement with Microsoft, impacting how users manage their cross-platform media backups.
The integration is embedded in Samsung Gallery version 15.9.01.7 and requires a device running at least Android 13. Unlike previous configurations, this sync maintains media in original quality, with deletions in either the local Gallery or Google Photos reflecting across both environments.
The players
Samsung
A global electronics manufacturer known for its Galaxy line of smartphones and integrated software ecosystem.
Google Photos
A cloud-based image and video hosting service that provides storage and organization through AI-driven search capabilities.
Microsoft OneDrive
A cloud storage and file synchronization service that previously served as the primary backup solution for Samsung Gallery users.
The details
The new Gallery Cloud Sync service enables two-way synchronization between local device storage and Google Photos. Users can configure sync preferences for individual albums, including specific rules for mobile data and roaming usage, through the application settings menu. Once enabled, the system manages cloud storage centrally, ensuring that any deletions triggered in either the local Samsung app or the Google Photos interface are automatically synchronized across all linked platforms.
Timeline
September 2026: Samsung initiated the rollout of the Google Photos integration.
Late September 2026: Samsung will conclude its cloud backup partnership with Microsoft OneDrive.
The Tech Race
This transition consolidates Samsung's mobile media strategy directly into the Google-led Android cloud ecosystem. It follows a broader industry trend of aligning hardware-specific galleries with major platform-native cloud providers to reduce reliance on third-party storage partnerships.
Users with devices running Android 13 or later can now enable the sync feature via the Settings menu under Sync options. Existing users of the Microsoft OneDrive backup service should monitor their accounts for the transition date in late September 2026 to ensure their media remains backed up.
The takeaway
This move signals a major consolidation of Android's cloud photo management under Google's service umbrella. Watch for updates to your Gallery app settings as the migration replaces the previous Microsoft backup connection by the end of September 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest hardware and software shifts, browse our Consumer Electronics section.
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