Sync photos and videos with the Samsung and Google accounts you already use

Manal Saleh 

 

As people capture, store and revisit memories across multiple devices like mobile phones and tablets, keeping those moments safe and easily accessible has become increasingly important. To help meet this growing need, Samsung offers a Gallery sync service in collaboration with Google.[1]

Samsung Gallery sync with Google storage gives you access to photos and videos across supported Galaxy devices. Getting started is simple. If your Samsung and Google accounts are set up on the device, you can enable sync in Gallery without creating a separate cloud account.

You can also move easily between devices while keeping your photos and videos within reach. For example, take photos on your Galaxy phone and view them in Gallery on your tablet. Sign in with the same Samsung and Google accounts and enable sync on each supported device.[2]

When setting up a new Galaxy device, sign in with the same Samsung and Google accounts used for Gallery sync on your previous device. Turn on sync to see previews of your photos and videos.[3] If you need an original file, you can select the file you want and download it to your device easily.

To help you make room for more memories, Samsung introduces a new feature that lets you free up space on your device.[4] Once photos and videos are synced to Google storage, you can use the “Free up space” feature to remove the original files from the device and free up device storage, while keeping thumbnails visible in Gallery.

 

Gallery sync uses your Google account's available storage, which is shared with Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. Google accounts include up to 15 GB at no cost.[5]

Support has started with select Galaxy devices running One UI 9 and will expand in phases. To set up sync, tap the Cloud icon in Gallery or tap “Get started” on the tip card, or go to Gallery Settings, turn on “Sync photos and videos,” and follow the on-screen instructions.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Samsung Gallery sync with Google storage, and what are its benefits?

A: Samsung Gallery sync stores photos and videos in Google storage linked to your Google account, allowing you to access them across supported Galaxy devices. Each device must use the same Samsung and Google accounts and have sync enabled. On a new Galaxy device, you can view previews without downloading your full synced library first.

Q: Do I need a different app or a new account?

A: Samsung Gallery sync works in the Gallery app. With Samsung and Google accounts set up on your device, you do not need a separate cloud account.

Q: Which devices and markets support Gallery sync with Google storage?

A: Samsung Gallery sync is available on select Galaxy phones and tablets running One UI 9, with support expanding in phases. Availability varies by market.

Q: How do I turn on Gallery sync with Google storage?

A: On a supported Galaxy device, tap the Cloud icon in Samsung Gallery or open Gallery Settings and turn on “Sync photos and videos.” Follow the on-screen instructions. For access on another supported device, sign in with the same Samsung and Google accounts and enable sync there.

Q: Do I need to download my whole library onto a new Galaxy device?

A: No. On a supported Galaxy device, sign in with the same Samsung and Google accounts used for Gallery sync on your previous device, then enable sync. You can browse previews of your synced photos and videos while the originals stay in Google storage.

Q: How much storage can I use for Samsung Gallery sync?

A: Google accounts include up to 15 GB of free storage, shared by Gallery sync, Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. The amount available for Gallery sync depends on how much storage is already in use. More storage is available through Google One's paid plans. If you subscribe to Google One, select the account linked to your plan.

Q: Do photos and videos in my Google account appear in Samsung Gallery?

A: At launch, Samsung Gallery only shows photos and videos synced through Gallery after you enable Google storage sync. Content stored in Google storage before then does not appear automatically.

Q: What happens to photos and videos I synced from Samsung Gallery to OneDrive?

A: Photos and videos synced to OneDrive remain accessible through its app or website. Direct sync between Samsung Gallery and OneDrive ended on Sept. 30, 2026.

Q: What happens if I delete a synced photo or video in Samsung Gallery?

A: Deleting a synced item 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.

 


[1] The service may not be available in some markets due to regional service availability restrictions. The service is available on select devices running One UI 9, with support expanding to additional Galaxy devices in phases.

[2] At launch, cloud photos and videos shown in Samsung Gallery are limited to content synchronized through Gallery after the service is enabled. Photos and videos previously stored in Google storage will remain in the cloud but will not automatically appear in Samsung Gallery.

[3] The new Galaxy device must be signed in with the same Samsung and Google accounts used for Gallery sync on the previous device. When accessing synced content on a new Galaxy device, original photos and videos remain stored in the cloud, with previews displayed on the device.

[4] Feature availability may vary by market and device model.

[5] Google accounts include up to 15 GB of storage at no cost, shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. Available space depends on existing usage. Gallery sync does not add a separate storage allowance.