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For dependable protection, use at least two paths: back up photos and videos to OneDrive or Google Photos, then back up broader Galaxy data with Samsung Cloud, Google, or Smart Switch. Check each service’s backup status before deleting files, resetting the phone, or trading it in—syncing a gallery is not the same as backing up the whole device.
Choose a backup method for each kind of data
Galaxy phones offer several backup options, but they cover different content. Use a photo service for your camera library, a device-backup service for supported phone data, and a computer or compatible memory card for a separate local copy.
| Method | Best for | How it works | Important limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| OneDrive Gallery sync | Photos and videos in Samsung Gallery | Cloud sync through a personal Microsoft account | Samsung lists 5 GB of free OneDrive storage; check your account’s available space. It is not a complete phone backup. |
| Google Photos | Photos and videos | Automatic backup through the Google Photos app | Check backup status, storage, selected folders, and video inclusion in the current app. |
| Samsung Cloud or Google backup | Supported device data, such as settings, apps, contacts, or messages | Cloud backup associated with your Samsung or Google account | Coverage, availability, and settings vary by model, software version, region, and account. |
| Smart Switch on a computer | A local 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 | Use Smart Switch and follow its current prompts for your computer and phone. |
| microSD card | Selected files you copy manually | Copy files in My Files to a supported card | Only models with compatible removable-storage support can use this option. |
Back up photos and videos
Option 1: Sync Samsung Gallery with OneDrive
- Open Gallery on your Galaxy phone.
- Tap Menu, then Settings.
- Choose Sync with OneDrive or Cloud sync. The label can vary.
- Sign in to your personal Microsoft account and complete the prompts.
- Check OneDrive to confirm the photos and videos appear in its Gallery folder and that the sync has finished.
Samsung says synced Gallery photos and videos can be viewed from a computer after signing in to OneDrive. The free storage amount listed on Samsung’s US support page is 5 GB; available space can affect whether uploads finish. See Samsung’s OneDrive Gallery sync instructions.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesOption 2: Back up with Google Photos
- Open Google Photos and sign in to the Google account you want to use.
- Tap your profile picture or initials to open the profile menu.
- Check the backup status and available storage.
- Review the current app settings for which device folders are included and whether videos are being backed up.
- Wait for the app to report that backup is complete before relying on the cloud copy.
Google Photos is a separate photo-and-video backup route, not a full backup of phone settings, messages, or app data. Samsung’s Germany support guidance on photo and video backup identifies Google Photos alongside OneDrive; check the current app because its settings may change.
#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 files and broader Galaxy data
Check Samsung Cloud and Google backup
On the phone, start at Settings > Accounts and backup. Review the available Samsung Cloud and Google backup options; exact menu labels and coverage vary. Samsung lists Smart Switch, Samsung Cloud, OneDrive, and Google One among Galaxy backup and restore methods, but they do not all save the same data.
Samsung Cloud may cover items such as messages, contacts, settings, apps, and Samsung services, depending on the device and software. Samsung’s Singapore guidance notes that contacts and calendars associated with a Google account are not synced through Samsung Cloud. Check which account holds each important item rather than assuming one cloud service contains everything. See Samsung’s Samsung Cloud coverage information.
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.
Samsung Canada 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. It will not run automatically if storage is full, and individual files over 1 GB are not uploaded. Samsung Cloud is not available on every Galaxy device or in every country. These details come from Samsung Canada’s backup and restore guide, last updated August 11, 2026.
Use Google account backup
Samsung Philippines documents this path: Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Drive > Back up data. Menu names can differ by software version. Its guide describes backup coverage that can include photos, videos, apps and app data, contacts, call history, MMS, and device settings. Check the categories and latest backup time shown on your phone before relying on it.
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.
Samsung Philippines also warns that backed-up data other than Google Photos items may be deleted after 57 days of phone inactivity or if backup is turned off. That is regional Samsung guidance, not a guarantee of identical retention behavior for every account or location. Review the current backup status and Google account details. See Samsung Philippines’ Google account backup instructions.
Keep a computer or removable-storage copy
Save a backup with Smart Switch
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 data or transfer it to another phone. Install or open Smart Switch on the computer, connect the Galaxy phone, and follow the on-screen backup prompts. Afterward, check that the backup completed rather than treating a successful connection as proof that data was saved.
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.
Copy selected files to a microSD card
If your exact Galaxy model supports a microSD card, use My Files to select and copy files to the card. You can copy them back to the phone or access them on another compatible device. Card support depends on the phone’s hardware; do not assume a Galaxy model has a card slot. Samsung includes Smart Switch and microSD copying in its backup and restore guidance.
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Confirm the backup before deleting or resetting
- In OneDrive or Google Photos, verify the app reports backup or sync complete and that recent files are visible in the account.
- For device backups, check the last-backup time and included categories in the relevant account settings.
- Open a few important files from the cloud or computer copy. If practical, confirm you can restore or transfer the data you need.
- Keep a second copy of irreplaceable photos and files when possible; one service’s sync or backup does not cover every data type.
Only delete local originals or reset the phone after confirming the copy you intend to keep is complete and accessible. A cloud app being installed—or a phone being connected to a computer—does not by itself show that an upload or backup finished.
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
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