- Samsung Galaxy Sync backs up Gallery photos and videos to Google Photos automatically in the background.
- Synced media can appear in Gallery across supported Galaxy phones and tablets using the same accounts.
- One UI 9 rollout includes a “Free up space on this phone” option after backup.
Samsung Galaxy Sync is Samsung’s new feature for backing up photos and videos from the Samsung Gallery app directly to Google Photos in the background. Users can enable it with their existing Samsung and Google accounts, then access synced media across supported Galaxy devices without opening the Google Photos app.
The feature arrives after Samsung ended its Gallery integration with Microsoft OneDrive, with reports pointing to Google as the next cloud partner. Samsung’s new sync service is now official and is beginning to reach compatible Galaxy devices.
Samsung Galaxy Sync Brings Google Photos Backup to Gallery
The feature works from within the native Gallery app. Users need to sign in with their Samsung and Google accounts and switch on the sync option. Photos and videos then back up to Google storage in the background.
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With this sync enabled and the same accounts signed in on another supported Galaxy device, users can view synced media in that device’s Gallery. For example, photos taken on a Galaxy phone can be browsed from a Galaxy tablet without having to open Google Photos separately. The service is designed to make this cross-device Gallery access seamless for the newly synced items.
Free Up Phone Storage With Samsung Galaxy Sync
The feature also adds a “Free up space on this phone” option to Gallery. After photos and videos are backed up, the option can remove their original files from the device to reclaim local storage. This cleanup tool works with media already backed up through this backup integration.
The Gallery app continues to display thumbnails of the backed-up items. Users can download an original photo or video again whenever they need it. The feature is intended to free device storage while keeping synced content easy to browse.
Google Account Storage Limits for Gallery Sync
Samsung Galaxy Sync uses the storage already available in the user’s Google account. Google provides 15GB of free storage, shared across Google Photos, Gmail and Google Drive. This integration does not add a separate storage allowance, so available space depends on how much of the account’s quota is already being used. Users can review Google’s official Photos backup and sync help for information on managing photo backups.
Users who need additional capacity can choose a paid Google storage plan. Google’s AI Pro plan has also recently increased its included storage from 2TB to 5TB. Any media backed up through the feature counts towards the linked Google account’s storage limit.
Important Limitation: Old Google Photos Will Not Appear in Gallery
Samsung Galaxy Sync does not import a user’s existing Google Photos library into Samsung Gallery. Photos and videos that were already stored in Google Photos before Gallery sync was enabled will not automatically appear inside Gallery.
Only the photos and videos synced through Samsung Gallery after the feature is turned on will be visible across supported Galaxy devices through this integration. The older media remains available in Google Photos, and this sync service does not bring those existing items into Gallery.
One UI 9 Rollout and Device Availability
Samsung Galaxy Sync is rolling out to select Galaxy devices running One UI 9. The company says support will expand to more devices in phases, so availability may differ by model and rollout stage.
Samsung users can look for the sync option in the Gallery app settings. For more on the latest Samsung software rollout, see our coverage of the One UI 9 update for Galaxy phones and visit our Samsung mobile news section.
Conclusion
This integration brings Google Photos backup into Samsung Gallery and makes synced photos and videos accessible across supported Galaxy devices. Its storage cleanup option can remove local originals while keeping thumbnails available, but the service uses the user’s existing Google storage and does not bring older Google Photos items into Gallery. The rollout has started for select One UI 9 devices and will expand in phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Samsung Galaxy Sync?
The feature backs up photos and videos from Samsung Gallery to Google Photos in the background and lets users access synced media across supported Galaxy devices.
How do I enable the feature?
Sign in with your Samsung and Google accounts, open the Gallery app settings, and enable the photo and video sync option. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Can this feature free up storage on my phone?
Yes. The “Free up space on this phone” option can remove backed-up originals from the device while Gallery continues to show thumbnails. Originals can be downloaded again when needed.
Will my existing Google Photos library appear in Samsung Gallery?
No. At launch, only photos and videos synced through Samsung Gallery after enabling the feature appear across supported Galaxy devices. Older items remain available in Google Photos.
How much Google storage does the sync feature use?
It uses the linked Google account’s existing storage, which is shared across Google Photos, Gmail and Google Drive. Google accounts include 15GB at no cost, with paid plans offering more space.
Which Galaxy devices support the feature?
The feature is rolling out to select Galaxy devices running One UI 9, with support expanding to additional devices in phases.
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