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Samsung Gallery now offers direct Google Photos integration, allowing two-way sync for Galaxy users. This follows the end of OneDrive syncing on September 30
Samsung has officially activated direct Google Photos integration within its native Samsung Gallery application, shifting default cloud syncing for Galaxy smartphone owners toward Google's services [1]. This move simplifies cloud backups for millions of Android users, coming as Samsung retires its direct Microsoft OneDrive syncing on September 30, 2026 [1, 2].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Product | Samsung Gallery |
| New Feature | Google Photos integration |
| Sync Type | Two-way cloud synchronization |
| Rollout | Ongoing for Android 13+ devices |
The integration allows Galaxy users to directly sign in to their Google Account and grant backup permissions from within Samsung Gallery settings, eliminating the need to use the standalone Google Photos app [1]. Media files uploaded from Samsung devices will automatically populate the user's primary Google Photos cloud library in original quality, drawing from their unified Google storage pool [1]. Users can also view available Google account storage and toggle selective backup preferences for specific device folders, such as Screenshots and Downloads, directly within the Samsung Gallery interface [1].
This technical integration provides true two-way cloud synchronization between Samsung Gallery and Google Photos. Deletions and album maintenance are mirrored across both platforms, meaning if an image or video is moved to the trash in Google Photos, synced copies are simultaneously removed from Samsung Gallery, and vice versa [1]. Edits made within Samsung Gallery sync across other connected Galaxy devices while creating a new version in Google Photos. Conversely, edits made in Google Photos save as a new copy across both environments, preserving unedited originals [1].
The timing of this Google Photos integration coincides with Samsung's planned retirement of direct Microsoft OneDrive syncing, which officially ends on September 30, 2026 [1, 2]. Galaxy users previously linked to OneDrive will receive an on-screen prompt to unlink Microsoft services before enabling Google synchronization, though existing files on OneDrive will remain accessible within Microsoft's standalone cloud ecosystem [1]. Samsung had announced earlier in the year it would stop working with Microsoft OneDrive for image and video cloud storage [2, 3]. Options to sync with OneDrive began disappearing from Samsung Gallery in May, ahead of the September 30 end date [2].
The new feature is rolling out via server-side activation alongside Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync version 1.6.09.31 and newer builds, reaching devices running Android 13 or higher [1]. While some users are already seeing the "Sync photos and videos" option in Gallery Settings, the functionality may not yet be live for all [3]. The broad rollout across flagship Galaxy S series, Z Fold, and Z Flip lines is expanding globally [1].
This integration marks a significant shift in Samsung's cloud strategy, aligning its native gallery experience with Google's broader Android ecosystem and simplifying media management for its user base.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Sep 18, 2026 · How we report
As of September 18, 2026, Samsung Galaxy users can enable direct synchronization by selecting the 'Sync photos and videos' option within Samsung Gallery settings. This feature allows media to populate a user's Google Photos cloud library automatically while maintaining two-way synchronization for deletions and edits.
Samsung scheduled the retirement of direct Microsoft OneDrive syncing for September 30, 2026. Users are prompted to unlink their Microsoft services before enabling the new Google Photos synchronization feature.
Google is testing a pilot program that pays websites when their content contributes significantly to AI-generated responses in Gemini, AI Overviews, and AI Mode. As of September 2026, this program is by invitation only, and Google determines the criteria for payment internally.
Photos synced through the Samsung Gallery integration do not automatically gain access to Google Photos features like Search, Memories, or Highlights unless the user also backs up the content through the standalone Google Photos application. This limitation was noted by observers following the rollout on September 18, 2026.