Samsung Gallery syncs photos and videos with Google storage, goodbye OneDrive

On November 10, 2026, Samsung announced that Samsung Gallery now syncs with Google storage. Photos and videos from Galaxy phones can be saved to the cloud directly from the gallery app, using the Samsung and Google accounts already on the device. The service replaces OneDrive, whose integration ended in September. It matters if you are switching phones, use several Galaxy devices, or have little internal memory.

A few terms before we get into the facts. One UI 9 is Samsung's interface on Android 17, required for the feature. Sync means keeping the same content aligned across several devices through the cloud. Thumbnail is a preview of a photo, which stays visible even when the original file is no longer on the device. Google One is Google's paid subscription for more space beyond the free 15 GB.

What does Samsung Gallery sync do?

According to Samsung's press release , the service syncs photos and videos to Google storage and makes them accessible from compatible Galaxy devices. A shot taken with your smartphone also appears in the Gallery on your tablet, provided you use the same accounts and turn on sync on each device.

No extra cloud account is needed. If Samsung and Google are already set up, just turn the feature on inside the app.

How does moving to a new Galaxy change things?

After signing in with the same accounts and turning on sync, the new device shows previews without downloading the whole collection. The originals stay in the cloud and are downloaded when needed.

There is also the "Free up space" feature. As Engadget explains, it deletes the original files from the device and keeps the thumbnails visible in the Gallery. On the subject of paid plans tied to Galaxy devices, see also the Galaxy AI Premium subscription in testing .

How do you turn on sync?

On a compatible device, tap the cloud icon in Samsung Gallery and choose "Start now" in the suggestions card. Alternatively, open Gallery, go to settings and turn on "Sync photos and videos". Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Punto Informatico advises watching the space used, because videos take up far more room than images.

How much space is there, and what happens to OneDrive?

Sync uses the quota of the Google account, shared with Gmail, Drive and Photos. Samsung indicates up to 15 GB free and notes there is no separate quota. More space requires Google One plans.

For OneDrive, Samsung states that files already synced remain accessible from the app and website, but direct sync with Gallery ended on September 30, 2026.

Availability varies by market and model, and for now it covers some devices running One UI 9. Sources do not agree on the rollout – 9to5Google speaks of a broad rollout, while Samsung and Android Authority describe a gradual start. Reports also differ on the free quota, and we follow the press release, meaning up to 15 GB. At launch, content already in Google storage does not appear in Gallery. Timing for extending the feature to other models is unclear.

What changes for people who work with digital tools

For those who use Galaxy devices at work, photos of job sites, products or documents can end up in personal or company Google storage without other apps. Check which account is linked, because deleting a synced file also removes it from the Google cloud and from other connected Galaxy devices, as Samsung points out. If the data is sensitive, consider alternatives such as a private Nextcloud cloud . Anyone who had OneDrive active should check where their files are now.

The move makes sense, because it fills a gap left by the end of OneDrive and uses accounts many people already have. But the convenient "Free up space" option has a downside – the original stays only in the cloud, and the free quota runs out quickly with videos. Deletion also spreads everywhere, which is a real risk for less careful users. The service needs to be explained better to users, not just announced.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a new account to sync Samsung Gallery?

No. If your Samsung and Google accounts are already set up on the device, you just turn on sync inside the app. No extra cloud account is needed.

Which devices support it?

Some Galaxy smartphones and tablets running One UI 9, with a gradual rollout. Availability depends on market and model.

Do photos already in Google Photos show up in Gallery?

No, not automatically. At launch, Gallery only shows content synced through the service after you turn it on.

What does the Free up space feature do?

It removes the original files from the device after syncing. Thumbnails remain visible in Samsung Gallery and the originals stay in Google cloud storage.

What happens to OneDrive?

Direct sync with Gallery ended on September 30, 2026. Files already uploaded remain accessible from the OneDrive app or website.

What to check when sync arrives on your Galaxy

The service is rolling out in stages, so it is worth following how compatibility grows and how the Google quota behaves.

Check whether your model receives One UI 9 and whether the feature appears in Gallery settings.

See whether Samsung extends visibility to content already in Google storage.

Watch whether Google changes quotas and plans, including for backups of other services such as Microsoft Authenticator on Android .

punto-informatico.it, Samsung Gallery fa l’upload sul cloud di Google (addio OneDrive)

engadget.com, Samsung Gallery now syncs with Google to back up your photos

androidauthority.com, It’s official – Samsung Gallery now uses your Google storage to sync your photos and videos

9to5google.com, Samsung Gallery officially adds Google Photos backup, but not for all Galaxy users

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