Samsung Electronics has introduced a Gallery sync service in collaboration with Google, allowing users to access photos and videos across supported Galaxy devices. It works through Samsung Gallery using Google storage linked to their Google accounts, without requiring a separate cloud account.
Samsung Gallery Sync: Access photos and videos across Galaxy devices
Users can sync photos and videos between Galaxy phones and tablets by signing in with the same Samsung and Google accounts and enabling sync on each device. Photos taken on a Galaxy phone, for example, can be viewed in Gallery on a Galaxy tablet without manually transferring the original files.
- On a new Galaxy device: Sign in with the same Samsung and Google accounts used for Gallery sync on the previous device and enable sync to view previews of synced photos and videos. The original files remain in Google storage and can be downloaded individually. Samsung Gallery displays only content synced through the app after the service is enabled. Existing photos and videos already stored in Google storage will not automatically appear.
- Free up space: After syncing photos and videos to Google storage, users can remove the original files from their devices to free up local storage. Thumbnails remain visible in Gallery, and users can download the original files again when needed.
Storage and deletion
Gallery sync uses the storage available in the user’s Google account, which is shared with Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Google accounts include up to 15GB of free storage, with the available space depending on existing usage. Users can get additional storage through Google One and should select the Google account linked to their subscription.
- Photos and videos previously synced to OneDrive remain accessible through its app or website. Direct synchronization between Samsung Gallery and OneDrive ended on September 30, 2026.
- Deleting a synced photo or video in Samsung Gallery also removes it from the linked Google storage and other connected Galaxy devices signed in with the same Samsung and Google accounts.
Availability
Samsung Gallery sync with Google storage is available on select Galaxy phones and tablets running One UI 9, with support expanding in phases.
To enable sync, tap the Cloud icon in Samsung Gallery, select Get started on the tip card, or open Gallery Settings and turn on Sync photos and videos. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Note: Availability varies by market and device model.