Samsung Ends OneDrive Support for Gallery

Samsung is officially discontinuing support for Microsoft OneDrive in its Gallery app, a move that forces users to switch to Google Photos for cloud backup. The update begins rolling out now across Android devices running version 13 or later, marking a significant shift in how the company handles photo storage.

This change ends years of integration with the Microsoft service and aligns Samsung more closely with the Google ecosystem. While the transition offers a familiar interface for many, it also introduces specific limitations that users must accept before connecting their accounts.

OneDrive support ends in September

The deadline for OneDrive functionality is September 30, after which the link between Samsung Gallery and Microsoft’s cloud storage will cease to work. Tech Advisor notes that this abrupt end requires users to export their data or switch providers immediately to avoid losing access to their backups.

To make the switch, users must navigate to the settings menu within the Samsung Gallery app and select the option to sync photos and videos with a Google account. The process is straightforward, but it replaces a service that had been a standard part of the Samsung experience for several years.

Key limitations in Google sync

Despite the convenience of using a major cloud provider, the new integration is not seamless. Photos synced from Samsung Gallery will not appear in Google Photos’ Memories, highlights, or live albums, nor will they be fully searchable within the Google app.

Furthermore, the feature does not support Google Workspace accounts, which excludes many business users from using this specific sync method. This trade-off means that while backup becomes easier for personal accounts, the experience remains fragmented compared to native Google devices.

Late arrival to cross-brand sync

Competitors such as Xiaomi and Oppo have offered similar Google Photos integration for some time, making Samsung’s adoption feel delayed. By finally joining this standard, Samsung addresses a long-standing user request but does so with restrictions that keep its ecosystem distinct from the open web.

The update highlights the complex reality of modern smartphone ecosystems, where convenience often comes at the cost of full interoperability. Users must weigh the ease of Google sync against the loss of OneDrive and the specific features that remain unavailable in the new setup.