David Bridges
Samsung ended Gallery’s Microsoft OneDrive integration in September and has now introduced syncing with Google accounts.
Key takeaways: Google sync lets eligible Samsung Galaxy devices back up photos and videos from the native Gallery app. Device availability is currently limited to select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, with a phased rollout planned. Free up space removes original files from a device while leaving their thumbnails visible in Gallery. Google storage starts with 5GB free per account and is shared across Google services.
Samsung Gallery can now sync photos and videos with a Google account, following the end of its Microsoft OneDrive integration in September. The feature lets eligible users back up media through Samsung’s native Gallery app and access synced items on another Galaxy device.
Previously, Samsung phone owners who wanted to back up media to Google storage had to use Google Photos instead of, or alongside, Gallery. The new sync feature is available on select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, Samsung’s Android interface, and Samsung says it will reach more devices in phases. The feature connects the Gallery app with Google account storage for photo and video backups.
Samsung
To turn on Gallery sync, tap the Cloud icon in Gallery or open Gallery Settings and enable Sync photos and videos. The setting is available on supported devices running One UI 9.
Synced photos and videos can appear in the Gallery app on another Samsung Galaxy device when the same Google account is signed in and sync is enabled there. Gallery shows previews of synced media; selecting an item and downloading it retrieves the original file.
The Free up space option in the Sync photos and videos settings deletes original files from the phone or tablet after they have synced to Google storage, while keeping thumbnails visible in Gallery. This can reduce the media stored on the device, but accessing an original file requires downloading it.
Google account storage is used for Gallery sync and is shared with other Google services. Each account includes 5GB of free storage by default, which can increase to 15GB after verifying a valid phone number. For more storage, the source lists Google One plans at $2 per month for 100GB or $3 per month for 200GB.
Daniel Mercer
