Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 6 hrs ago
Samsung Gallery adds Google Photos backup for Galaxy devices
Samsung has added Google storage sync to its Gallery app for photos and videos on Galaxy phones and tablets.
The feature replaces Gallery’s direct OneDrive sync, which ended on September 30.
It requires One UI 9 and is rolling out in phases, so availability depends on a device and market.
The backup uses your existing Google storage, including the free 15GB shared with Gmail, Drive and Photos, or extra space from a Google One subscription.
Gallery shows items synced through the app, not your full Google Photos library, so existing photos there will not automatically appear.
A new “Free up space” option removes synced originals from the device while leaving thumbnails in Gallery.
On a new Galaxy device signed into the same Samsung and Google accounts, users can see previews and download original files when needed.
Samsung has added Google Photos backup to its Gallery app for Galaxy devices running One UI 9.
The feature uses users’ existing Google storage, including the free 15GB shared with Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.
Availability is expanding in phases and may vary by market; devices must run One UI 9.
Gallery shows items synced through the app, but does not currently display users’ full Google Photos libraries.
A new “Free up space” feature can remove synced originals from a device while leaving thumbnails in Gallery.
- Who
- Samsung is adding the feature for Galaxy device users.
- What
- Samsung Gallery can sync photos and videos to Google storage through Google Photos.
- When
- The rollout began in September 2026, and Samsung officially detailed the feature on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- On Galaxy phones and tablets running One UI 9. Availability may vary by market.
- Why
- It replaces the previous direct OneDrive integration and lets users back up photos and videos using Google storage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Samsung Gallery began rolling out support for Google Photos backup.
Samsung officially detailed the feature as availability expanded to Galaxy devices.
- Minimum software
- One UI 9
- Free Google storage
- 15GB shared with Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos
- Previous cloud integration
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Gallery display
- Shows items synced through the app, not the full Google Photos library
- Storage feature
- Free up space” removes synced originals from the device while leaving thumbnails in Gallery
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What people are saying
expanding to additional Galaxy devices in phases