Samsung Gallery can now sync your photos to your Google account

Samsung adds Google sync to Gallery

Samsung has announced that its Gallery app can now sync photos and videos with a Google account, according to Engadget. The feature arrives on select Galaxy devices and removes the need to rely on a separate app for Google storage backups.

Until now, backing up media to Google storage on a Samsung phone meant using Google Photos instead of, or alongside, the native Gallery app. With this change, owners can stay inside Samsung's own app and still keep copies of their pictures and videos in their Google account.

Why the timing matters

The move follows Samsung's decision in September to end the Gallery app's integration with Microsoft OneDrive. For years, Samsung devices repeatedly prompted owners to back up their media to OneDrive, so the removal left a gap in the app's backup options.

The new Google partnership appears to fill that gap. Engadget notes that Samsung was likely preparing this arrangement behind the scenes while it quietly retired the OneDrive connection.

Which devices get it and how to turn it on

The feature is currently limited to select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, Samsung's latest custom interface on top of Android. The company says it will expand availability to more devices in phases, so not every Galaxy owner will see it immediately.

To enable syncing, users can tap the Cloud icon inside Gallery or open Gallery Settings and switch on the option to sync photos and videos. Once active, new media should copy to the linked Google account without needing Google Photos.

Storage costs to keep in mind

Synced photos and videos count against the storage quota of the Google account they back up to. Every account starts with 5GB of free storage, which can be raised to 15GB by verifying a valid phone number.

That allowance is shared across Google's services, so heavy photo libraries can fill it quickly. Beyond the free tiers, Google One subscriptions add more space, starting at $2 per month for 100GB or $3 per month for 200GB, according to the details reported by Engadget.

What it means for Galaxy owners

For anyone who prefers Samsung's own apps, the update removes a long-standing compromise. Media backups no longer require juggling Google Photos, and the familiar Gallery interface can handle both local viewing and cloud copies.

It also marks a notable shift in Samsung's cloud strategy, replacing Microsoft OneDrive with Google infrastructure for photo backups. Owners of older or unsupported devices should watch for the phased rollout rather than expecting the option to appear at once.