Samsung announces Google Photos backup integration for its Gallery app

Samsung announced on November 10 a new Gallery Sync service that connects supported Galaxy devices with Google storage, allowing users to back up photos and videos from the Samsung Gallery app directly to Google Photos without switching apps. The feature uses the storage attached to a user's Google account, which is shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, providing the same 15 GB of free storage that comes with a Google account. Gallery Sync does not provide an additional 15 GB allowance. The rollout begins on select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, with support for additional devices arriving in phases. Availability for the "Free up space on this phone" feature may vary by market and device model.

The integration replaces Samsung's previous partnership with Microsoft OneDrive, which ended on September 30. Users who previously backed up to OneDrive can still access those files through the OneDrive app or website, and can continue sending new photos to OneDrive by enabling Camera Backup in the OneDrive app. To activate Gallery Sync, users tap the cloud icon in Gallery, select "Get started" on the tip card, or open Gallery Settings and turn on "Sync photos and videos." The feature requires signing in with both Samsung and Google accounts.

Once enabled, photos and videos sync in the background. A photo taken on a Galaxy smartphone appears in the Gallery app on a Galaxy tablet when both devices use the same accounts and have syncing enabled. The Gallery app shows previews first; users can download original-quality files whenever needed. Users can also pick specific folders to sync, avoiding unwanted screenshots or footage. After syncing, the "Free up space on this phone" option removes local copies while keeping thumbnails visible in Gallery; full-resolution files remain in Google Photos and can be downloaded again.

Several limitations apply at launch. The integration is one-way: only photos and videos uploaded through Samsung Gallery after enabling the feature will appear across supported Galaxy devices. Older photos and videos already stored in Google storage will remain there but will not automatically appear in Samsung Gallery. While Gallery uploads can be viewed and shared in Google Photos, features like live albums and Google Photos Memories are not available unless photos are backed up directly through Google Photos. Samsung Gallery uploads at original quality, so 4K video can quickly consume the shared 15 GB. The Storage Saver setting in Google Photos can reduce upload size when backing up directly through Google's app.

For small businesses, the service offers a convenient way to keep visual assets accessible across devices — for example, a contractor photographing a worksite on a phone and reviewing images on a tablet, or a retailer moving product images between a sales floor and back office. The preview-based approach helps businesses that need occasional access to older media without storing every file locally. However, the shared 15 GB limit may require purchasing additional Google storage for large media libraries. Account management and data security are also considerations when employees use personal accounts for business files.