Use at least two backup paths: one for photos and videos, and another for important phone data or files. You can sync Gallery with a personal OneDrive account or back up photos and videos in Google Photos; use Samsung Cloud or Google account backup for supported device data; and keep a separate copy on a computer with Smart Switch or on a microSD card if your exact Galaxy model supports one. Before deleting originals, resetting the phone, or switching devices, check that the backup has finished and that you can open or restore the files you need.
Choose a backup method for each kind of data
No single option necessarily backs up everything on a Galaxy phone. Photo-library sync, device backup, and a manual file copy serve different purposes. A cloud sync keeps selected photos and videos available through an account; a device backup may include supported settings and app data; a computer or card copy gives you another recovery location.
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| Method | Best for | How it works | Important limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallery sync with OneDrive | Photos and videos in Samsung Gallery | Cloud sync through a personal Microsoft account | Needs account sign-in and available storage. Samsung lists 5 GB of free OneDrive storage; check your account for current capacity. |
| Google Photos | Photos and videos | Backs up selected library content through the Google Photos app | Check the app’s current backup status, selected folders, video setting, and available storage. |
| Samsung Cloud | Supported Samsung device content, such as messages, contacts, settings, and apps | Cloud backup and restore for supported content | Availability and coverage vary by model, software, and country. Samsung Canada’s guide says individual files over 1 GB are not uploaded. |
| Google account backup | Supported phone data, apps, and settings | Device backup associated with your Google account | Coverage and retention guidance can vary. It is not a substitute for checking that photos and files are present in their respective apps or storage. |
| Smart Switch to a computer | A separate copy of contacts, photos, messages, and other important files | Save a backup to a PC or Mac; Smart Switch can also restore or transfer data | Requires access to a computer and use of Smart Switch. |
| Copy files to microSD | Selected files stored on a removable card | Manually copy files with My Files | Only works if the exact phone supports a microSD card. |
Back up photos and videos to the cloud
Option 1: Sync Samsung Gallery with OneDrive
- Open Gallery and tap Menu.
- Tap Settings, then choose Sync with OneDrive or Cloud sync. The label can vary by software version.
- Sign in to your personal Microsoft account and complete the on-screen prompts.
- Check the sync status in Gallery before assuming the upload is complete. Samsung says synced photos and videos appear in the Gallery folder in OneDrive, which you can view after signing in on a computer.
OneDrive Gallery sync is a photo-and-video path, not a complete copy of the phone. Ensure your OneDrive account has enough available space for the library you want to sync.
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- Open Google Photos and tap your profile picture or initial.
- Check the displayed backup status and available storage.
- Review the app’s current backup settings, including which device folders are selected and whether videos are included, then allow the upload to finish.
Google Photos is another route for photo and video backup. A photo visible on the phone does not by itself prove it has uploaded; use the app’s status to confirm completion.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Back up broader phone data
Check Samsung Cloud
Open Settings > Accounts and backup and look for Samsung Cloud or the available backup controls on your phone. Select the supported data you want backed up and check the latest backup status. Samsung Cloud can cover items such as messages, contacts, settings, apps, and Samsung services, but coverage depends on the device and software. Samsung’s Singapore guidance notes that contacts and calendars held in a Google account are not synced through Samsung Cloud.
Samsung Canada’s guide, last updated August 11, 2026, says automatic Samsung Cloud backup can run once every 24 hours when the phone is charging, connected to Wi-Fi, and its screen has been off for at least an hour. Automatic backup will not run when cloud storage is full. That same guide says individual files over 1 GB are not uploaded. Samsung Cloud is not available on every Galaxy device or in every country, so use the options actually shown on your phone.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check Google account backup
On supported phones, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Drive > Back up data, then review the account and backup status. Menu labels can differ by software version. Samsung Philippines describes this backup as covering photos, videos, apps, app data, contacts, call history, MMS, and device settings; the exact content available on your phone may differ.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSamsung Philippines also states that Google-account backed-up data other than Google Photos items may be deleted after 57 days of phone inactivity or if backup is turned off. Treat this as regional Samsung guidance rather than a universal retention guarantee, and check the current status in your own account and apps.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Keep a separate copy on a computer or microSD card
Use Smart Switch on a PC or Mac
Samsung describes Smart Switch as a way to save contacts, photos, messages, and other important files to a PC or Mac. It can also restore or transfer data. Use the Smart Switch backup controls for your device, wait for the process to finish, and verify that the backup is available before relying on it as your only copy.
Copy selected files to microSD
- Check the specifications for your exact Galaxy model to confirm that it supports removable microSD storage.
- Insert a compatible card, then open My Files.
- Select the files or folders you want to preserve and use the available copy or move controls to place them on the card.
- After copying, browse the card in My Files and open a few important items to confirm they are readable.
A microSD card is a manual file copy, not an automatic backup of the whole phone. Galaxy models differ, and many do not have a card slot.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Verify the backup before deleting or replacing anything
- Check the completion status in OneDrive, Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or Google backup rather than assuming an app opening means the upload finished.
- Confirm the account and available storage are the ones you intend to use.
- For cloud photos, sign in from another device or a computer and open a few items. For computer or card copies, browse the destination and test important files.
- Before a factory reset, phone replacement, or deletion of local originals, make sure the backup contains the data you actually need and that you know how to restore or access it.
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