For most Samsung Galaxy owners, Google’s Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync is the closest replacement for an integrated Gallery backup. It keeps selected Gallery folders connected to a Google Account, stores media in Google Photos at original quality, and lets you continue browsing through Samsung Gallery. The trade-off is important: it uses Google Account storage and synchronizes deletions, so it is not an undeletable archive.
If you previously relied on Samsung Gallery’s OneDrive connection, Microsoft ended that direct integration after September 30, 2026. The supported replacement is camera roll backup in the OneDrive app. Choose that route when your priority is continuing to upload to OneDrive rather than keeping a live Samsung Gallery connection.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick answer: which service should you choose?
Your best choice depends on what “backup” means to you:
- Keep Samsung Gallery connected: Use Google Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync.
- Continue using OneDrive: Turn on camera roll backup in the OneDrive app. Do not look for a new direct Gallery link; Microsoft says those links stopped being available on May 1, 2026, and direct synchronization ended after September 30, 2026.
- Protect against accidental deletion: Use either cloud service for online access, then maintain a separate downloaded copy on a computer or USB-C SSD. A synchronized library alone is not an independent archive.
- Preserve every Samsung album exactly: Neither provider’s current guidance guarantees that custom Samsung Gallery album layouts, edits, and metadata will be reproduced perfectly in the cloud. Test a small set before moving your entire library.
There is no universally cheapest or largest option for every reader. Storage quotas, plan prices, account types, regions, phone models, carriers, and app versions affect what you can use. Check the storage and availability shown in your own account before committing.
#1 Best Overall
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Google Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync
What it does
Google’s Samsung Gallery feature connects selected Gallery folders to a Google Account. Synced photos and videos are stored in Google Photos and can be viewed in the Google Photos app or on the web. Google states that synced files are stored in original quality, and they count against the storage available to that Google Account.
You can choose which device folders participate. The camera folder, screenshots, downloads, and other folders can be selected individually, so you do not have to upload every image on the phone.
How to turn it on
- Open Samsung Gallery and open its menu, then select Settings. The wording can vary slightly between One UI versions.
- Choose the option for syncing Gallery with a Google Account, such as Sync with Google Account, and sign in to the account that should own the library.
- Select the device folders you want synchronized. Include the camera folder for new photos and add screenshots or downloads only if they belong in the backup.
- Leave the phone on Wi-Fi and power while the first upload runs. Open Google Photos afterward and confirm that recent items appear before deleting anything locally.
The deletion rule you must understand
This is synchronization, not a one-way vault. Deleting a synced photo or video in Samsung Gallery or Google Photos removes the corresponding synced item from the other app and from cloud storage. If you need a copy that survives deletion in either app, download it to a separate computer or external drive before cleaning up the phone.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Google Photos feature limits
Google says Gallery-synced items support basic actions such as viewing and sharing, but some Google Photos features do not include them unless you also back them up through the Google Photos app. The documented examples include Memories, Live albums, and Search. That means a photo can be safely synchronized yet still be absent from some automated Google Photos experiences.
To use those features, enable backup for the relevant folders in the Google Photos app as well. Doing so can create an additional backup relationship and may use more of the account’s storage, so check which folders each app is handling.
Rank #2
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Edits and duplicate-looking files
Samsung Gallery edits can appear as new copies in Google Photos. Editing or deleting one version may not produce the result you expect with the other version. When an edited image matters, compare the original and edited files in Google Photos before removing either one.
OneDrive after Samsung Gallery integration ended
What changed
Microsoft Support states: “Starting September 30, 2026, Samsung Gallery will no longer sync directly with Microsoft OneDrive.” Microsoft also says new Gallery links stopped being available on May 1, 2026. As of October 2026, the old Gallery setting is no longer the current setup path.
The former connection was bidirectional: deletions in Samsung Gallery or the linked OneDrive folder could propagate to the other endpoint. Existing users should not treat that relationship as a permanent archive or assume that old behavior continues unchanged.
The current OneDrive method
Microsoft’s documented route for continued uploads is camera roll backup in the OneDrive app. This is a separate app-based backup workflow rather than a direct Samsung Gallery connection.
- Install or update the OneDrive app and sign in with the personal account that should store the photos.
- Open the OneDrive app, open your account or profile menu, and select Settings.
- Open Camera upload or the equivalent camera-backup setting and enable it.
- Choose whether additional device folders should be uploaded if the app offers that choice. Confirm that the camera folder is included.
- Allow the initial upload to finish, then open OneDrive on the web or in the app and check several recent photos and videos.
Menu names can change with app releases. The decisive check is that OneDrive reports camera upload enabled and that new test photos appear in the OneDrive photo view.
Rank #3
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Who could use the old connection?
Microsoft’s documentation says the former Samsung Gallery connection was limited to certain carriers, phone models, and markets, and worked only with personal OneDrive accounts—not work or school accounts. Those restrictions explain why some Galaxy owners never saw the old option. They do not restore the discontinued integration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsComparison: Google Gallery Sync versus OneDrive camera backup
| Decision factor | Google Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync | OneDrive camera roll backup |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Gallery integration | Direct Gallery-to-Google Account sync is documented. | No current direct Gallery link; uploads are handled by the OneDrive app. |
| Upload scope | Choose selected Gallery folders, including camera, screenshots, and downloads. | Camera roll is the primary route; additional folder choices depend on the app version. |
| Cloud location | Google Photos under the connected Google Account. | OneDrive under the signed-in personal account. |
| Deletion behavior | Deleting a synced item in Gallery or Google Photos removes the cloud copy too. | The discontinued Gallery link propagated deletions bidirectionally; the current camera-upload workflow should be tested before you rely on it for a particular cleanup routine. |
| Photo features | Some Google Photos features, including Memories, Live albums, and Search, require backup through the Google Photos app as well. | Equivalent OneDrive feature coverage for Gallery-synced albums is not established by the current guidance. |
| Quality | Google documents original-quality storage for Gallery-synced media. | The reviewed transition guidance does not state a universal quality setting for every camera-upload configuration. |
| Storage impact | Uses Google Account storage. | Uses the storage quota of the OneDrive account. |
| Availability | Depends on supported Samsung Gallery, Google Account, device, and regional rollout. | Requires the OneDrive app and an account; the old Gallery integration had additional carrier, model, market, and account restrictions. |
| Album preservation | Folder selection is documented; exact preservation of every custom Samsung album is not guaranteed. | Camera upload does not establish that Samsung Gallery album organization will be reproduced. |
Samsung Cloud and Google One device backup are different
Samsung’s US support instructions describe device backup under Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data, including backup destinations associated with Google Drive or Google One. That function is useful for restoring device data, but it should not be confused with a continuously browsable, photo-focused library.
A device backup or migration package can help when replacing a phone. It does not automatically give you the same photo browsing, folder selection, and cross-device access as Google Photos or OneDrive camera upload. Use the photo service separately when your goal is to see individual images and videos from another device.
Choose by priority, not by brand
Choose Google Gallery Cloud Sync when Gallery convenience is essential
This is the strongest fit if you want Samsung Gallery to remain the main place where you browse, organize, and share photos while Google stores the synchronized media. It is also the clearest documented option for selecting specific Gallery folders and retaining original-quality storage.
Accept the synchronized deletion model and the fact that some Google Photos automation will not apply unless the Google Photos app backs up the same media.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #4
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Choose OneDrive camera upload when your existing library is already there
Use this route if your household, work tools, or existing storage are centered on OneDrive and you are willing to manage uploads in a separate app. It avoids depending on a discontinued Gallery link, but it changes the day-to-day workflow: Samsung Gallery is no longer the service endpoint that controls OneDrive synchronization.
Use a second copy when deletion protection matters
If an accidentally deleted phone photo must remain recoverable, maintain an independent copy. Download important folders from the cloud to a computer or a portable USB-C SSD, then open several files from that copy to verify that the transfer completed. A drive is an archive destination, not another cloud service; check that your Galaxy’s port and file-transfer support work with the accessory you choose.
Storage, quotas, and cost
Google Gallery Sync stores media in the Google Account at original quality, so the relevant limit is the remaining Google Account storage, not an unlimited Samsung allocation. OneDrive camera upload similarly consumes the quota of the connected OneDrive account. The official pages reviewed do not establish one current price or quota that applies to every country, account, or subscription.
Before enabling a full-library upload:
- Open the account’s storage page and record the available space.
- Estimate whether videos, screenshots, and downloads should be excluded.
- Check whether other services already use the same account quota.
- Confirm the account type. The former Samsung Gallery link supported personal OneDrive accounts, not work or school accounts.
- Review regional availability and app-version requirements on the phone itself.
Do not choose a service solely from an advertised headline quota. Your usable capacity depends on what is already stored and on the plan offered in your region at the time you subscribe.
Recommended Free Tools
Migration checklist for former Samsung Gallery–OneDrive users
- Do not delete the old Samsung Gallery or OneDrive folders while checking the transition.
- Install or update OneDrive and sign in to the same personal account used previously.
- Enable camera upload and wait for new test photos to appear.
- Compare a sample of older photos in Samsung Gallery with the copies already visible in OneDrive.
- Export any albums or folders that are important but not clearly represented in the new upload workflow.
- Only after verification, remove obsolete sync settings or local duplicates.
Because the former connection could propagate deletions, keep the original files until you have confirmed that the replacement workflow contains everything you need.
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Troubleshooting common problems
The Google sync option is missing
- Update Samsung Gallery and the phone’s system software.
- Confirm that a Google Account is added under the phone’s account settings.
- Check whether the feature is available for your model and region.
- Open Gallery settings again after signing in; the label can differ by One UI version.
Photos appear in the cloud but not in the expected Google Photos features
Check whether those files were synchronized only through Samsung Gallery. Google says some features require backup through the Google Photos app. Enable the relevant folder in Google Photos if you want features such as Search, Memories, or Live albums, and monitor the additional storage use.
OneDrive still shows an old Gallery message
The message may refer to the retired integration. Microsoft’s end date was after September 30, 2026. Use OneDrive camera upload instead of trying to recreate the former direct link.
An album does not look the same after upload
The current documentation describes media and folder selection, not a guarantee that every custom Samsung album, edit history, or arrangement will transfer. Keep the original phone files until you have checked the cloud organization manually, and maintain an independent export for irreplaceable collections.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Deleting one copy removed another
That behavior is expected for synchronized Google Gallery media and was also part of the former Samsung Gallery–OneDrive relationship. Restore from the provider’s recovery tools where available, then change your process so important files are copied to an independent location before deletion.
Recommended setups by user type
| User situation | Recommended setup | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Gallery is your primary photo app | Google Gallery Cloud Sync, with only the folders you need | It is the current documented direct Gallery connection. |
| You already organize photos in OneDrive | OneDrive camera upload plus a verification pass on recent photos | It is Microsoft’s current replacement for the retired Gallery link. |
| You need protection from accidental deletion | Either cloud workflow plus a separately downloaded local archive | Sync alone can remove cloud files when an item is deleted. |
| You need Google Photos search and automated memories | Back up the relevant folders through the Google Photos app, not Gallery sync alone | Google excludes some features for Gallery-only synchronized items. |
| You are replacing a Galaxy phone | Use device backup for settings and app data, and a photo service for the actual library | Device backup and photo-library browsing serve different purposes. |
Bottom line
Google Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync is the best all-around fit when native Samsung Gallery access is the deciding factor. OneDrive remains a practical choice for people who want its storage and are willing to use camera roll backup in the OneDrive app, but the direct Samsung Gallery connection is over. Whichever service you choose, verify folders, understand deletion behavior, check your account’s remaining quota, and keep a separate copy of photos that cannot be replaced.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
