The Samsung Gallery Google Photos sync feature is rolling out now, and it replaces the OneDrive backup that used to live in the Gallery app. Turn it on and your Galaxy photos and videos back up to your Google account automatically. There are catches, though, and they decide whether it’s worth switching on.
Here are the quick facts, so you can decide in ten seconds whether this applies to you.
- Needs Samsung Gallery version 15.9.01.7 and Android 13 or newer.
- Google Workspace (work or school) accounts are not supported.
- The rollout is staged, so many phones don’t show the option yet.
- Samsung’s OneDrive integration was set to end on September 30.
- Path: Menu > Settings > Sync > Sync photos and videos.
That list is the whole setup. The sections below cover what it actually does for you.
Why Samsung swapped OneDrive for Google Photos
Samsung confirmed it’s replacing the Microsoft OneDrive integration in Gallery with Google Photos sync, according to 9to5Google. The OneDrive link was due to end on September 30.
If you used OneDrive backup, check that your photos are safe somewhere else. Don’t assume the old sync kept running after that date.
Other Android brands already work this way. Android Authority notes that Xiaomi, OnePlus and OPPO added similar Google Photos backup to their gallery apps in 2024.
How to turn on Samsung Gallery Google Photos sync
First, update the Gallery app, plus the Gallery Sync and Samsung Cloud apps. 9to5Google says those updates arrived first, and Gallery 15.9.01.7 is the version that switches the feature on.
Then open Gallery, tap the menu, go to Settings, then Sync, and choose Sync photos and videos. If you don’t see that option, the rollout hasn’t reached your phone yet. Both outlets couldn’t see it on their own devices at launch, so waiting is normal.
Here’s how the requirements line up.
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Phone | A Samsung Galaxy running Android 13 or newer |
| Gallery app | Version 15.9.01.7 or later |
| Google account | A personal account; Workspace accounts aren’t supported |
| Setting location | Menu > Settings > Sync > Sync photos and videos |
Once it’s on, give it time. Your first sync may be large if you’ve got years of photos, so plug in the charger and connect to Wi-Fi. Check your Google account storage too, because a full account quietly stops new uploads.
To confirm it worked, open Google Photos on another device or in a browser and look for a recent shot from your Galaxy. If it shows up, you’re covered. Don’t delete anything from your phone until you’ve seen that.
One thing worth knowing: neither report lists specific Galaxy models or countries. Don’t expect a date from Samsung either, as the rollout is gradual.
What the sync can’t do
This isn’t a full Google Photos replacement inside Gallery. Per Google’s support page, as cited by 9to5Google, photos synced from Gallery don’t work with Memories and highlights, Live albums, or search in Google Photos.
It also works one way for browsing. Samsung Gallery only shows items that were synced from Gallery on a Samsung device, not photos you backed up directly through the Google Photos app. Android Authority points out that rival brands let you browse the full library, so Samsung’s version is more limited.
In plain terms, synced photos are stored safely but sit apart from the smart features. You can still view and download them in Google Photos. They just won’t show up in suggested collages, memory reels or searches by person or place. That gap is the main reason some readers online question whether the sync is worth it.
Here’s the practical difference.
| Feature | Gallery sync | Google Photos app backup |
|---|---|---|
| Backs up photos and videos | Yes | Yes |
| Memories and highlights | No | Yes |
| Live albums | No | Yes |
| Search in Google Photos | No | Yes |
| Shows full Google Photos library in Gallery | No | Not applicable |
If smart search and Memories matter to you, the Google Photos app is still the better backup route.
Should you use Gallery sync or the Google Photos app?
Pick based on how you browse your photos. If you live in Gallery and just want a safety copy off the phone, the new sync is enough. It’s built in and needs no extra app.
If you search your library by people, places or things, install Google Photos and back up from there instead. Running both can leave you with confusing duplicates, so choose one. If you’ve just updated your phone, our guide to the One UI 9 update for Galaxy S25 covers what to check first, and the October 2026 Samsung security update post explains the latest patch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung Gallery Google Photos sync free?
The reports don’t mention any charge for the feature. Your photos count against your Google account storage, so a full account will stop backing up.
Why can’t I see the sync option on my Galaxy?
The rollout is staged. Update Gallery, Gallery Sync and Samsung Cloud from the Galaxy Store, then check again in a few days.
Does it work with a work or school Google account?
No. Google Workspace accounts aren’t supported, so you’ll need a personal Google account.
What happened to the OneDrive backup in Samsung Gallery?
Samsung’s OneDrive integration was scheduled to end on September 30. Google Photos sync takes its place.
The verdict
Turn it on if you want a hands-off safety net and rarely open Google Photos. Skip it, and use the Google Photos app, if you rely on search or Memories. For most Galaxy owners the app is still the smarter backup, and the Gallery sync is the easy fallback.
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