GoKawiilSamsung Gallery adds direct photo and video sync to Google account storage
Samsung has confirmed that its Gallery app can now back up photos and videos directly to a user's Google account storage, using both Samsung and Google account sign-ins. The update also adds a 'Free up space' option that removes locally stored originals once backed up, while keeping thumbnails that download the full file on demand. The feature is rolling out first to select Galaxy devices on One UI 9, with wider device support to follow in phases.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move fills the gap left after Samsung's Microsoft OneDrive partnership ended in September, giving Samsung a native cloud backup option again without requiring users to install Google Photos separately. Because Gallery sync only displays content synced through this new service, users with existing Google Photos backups may find their galleries don't immediately reflect prior cloud content, which could cause confusion during rollout.
- Samsung Gallery now syncs photos and videos to users' existing Google account storage.
- A new 'Free up space' feature deletes local originals after cloud backup, keeping only thumbnails.
- Rollout starts on select One UI 9 Galaxy devices and will expand in phases.
Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone — If you're syncing your Gallery photos to Google storage, a Samsung Galaxy device running One UI is the natural place to enjoy it. The Galaxy S24 pairs a great camera with the latest One UI features, so your synced shots look fantastic right out of the box and backups stay effortless across devices.
See Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-11-10
Published there as: “It’s official: Samsung Gallery now uses your Google storage to sync your photos and videos”
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