# Samsung Gallery Integrates Google Photos as OneDrive Sync Ends

**Published:** 2026-09-18T13:40:24.247Z  
**Topic:** Google  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/4e978541-4650-4109-9a88-cbe3c7afb4a6

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 |

## New Cloud Sync for Galaxy Users

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].

## OneDrive Sunset and Rollout Details

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].

## What to watch

*   **Rollout completion:** Monitor the global expansion of the Google Photos integration across all eligible Galaxy devices, particularly for users on Android 13 or higher.
*   **User migration from OneDrive:** Observe how smoothly users transition from OneDrive syncing to Google Photos, especially regarding prompts to unlink Microsoft services.
*   **Feature parity:** Note any future updates that might allow users to browse their entire Google Photos library directly within Samsung Gallery, a feature present in some other OEM gallery apps [3].

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.

## Sources
1. Me — [Samsung Gallery × Google Photos integration is now live: Is it available on your device?](https://me.mashable.com/tech/76260/samsung-gallery-x-google-photos-integration-is-now-live-is-it-available-on-your-device)
2. Android Authority — [Looks like Samsung Gallery has already found its OneDrive replacement](https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gallery-onedrive-google-cloud-3711546/)
3. Androidauthority — [The good news is that Samsung Gallery is now getting Google Photos integration](https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gallery-google-photos-integration-3712690/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Samsung Gallery Integrates Google Photos as OneDrive Sync Ends", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/4e978541-4650-4109-9a88-cbe3c7afb4a6