iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On a supported Samsung device, use Gallery’s Sync photos and videos setting to connect Samsung Gallery with an eligible personal Google Account. Samsung says photos already uploaded through Google Photos backup will not be duplicated when Gallery sync is enabled. Check the account and folder selections first, and remember that deleting a synced item in either app can delete it from both.
Before you turn on Samsung Gallery sync
Google’s instructions list a supported Samsung device, Android 13 or higher, and a personal Google Account as requirements. Supervised Google Accounts and Google Workspace accounts are not eligible under that guidance. Availability can also vary by device model, account type, and region. See Google’s Samsung Gallery sync instructions for current eligibility details.
- Confirm which Google Account you want to use. Gallery sync and Google Photos backup each have account controls, so make sure they point to the account where you want your photos stored.
- Decide which albums and device folders should be included. Downloads and Screenshots are examples of folders that may be selected.
- Understand that synced media uses Google Account storage and is stored in original quality.
Connect Samsung Gallery to Google Photos
- On your Samsung phone or tablet, open Samsung Gallery.
- Tap Menu > Settings > Sync photos and videos.
- Follow the prompts to select and authorize the eligible Google Account. This connects Samsung Gallery’s cloud sync to that account.
- Review the albums and local folders selected for syncing. You can stop syncing the main camera roll while keeping selected local folders, such as Screenshots or Downloads, in sync.
Samsung’s India support guidance states: “Photos already uploaded via Google Photos backup will not be duplicated if you also enable Gallery sync.” Treat this as Samsung’s stated behavior for photos already uploaded through Google Photos backup, rather than a guarantee that every visually similar item across different folders, edited versions, or copies will be merged. See Samsung’s support explanation.
Check Google Photos backup and its folders
Gallery sync and Google Photos backup are related but separate controls. Gallery sync connects selected Gallery media with your Google Account; Google Photos backup has its own account and device-folder settings. Review both so you know which folders are being sent to Google Photos.
#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
- Open Google Photos and tap your profile picture > Photos settings > Backup.
- Check the backup account shown there. It should be the account you intend to use.
- Review Back up device folders. You can enable or disable backup folder by folder, or choose the option to back up all device folders automatically if available.
- To inspect local folders, go to Collections > On this device.
Google documents these controls in its Samsung Gallery sync guidance and Android backup instructions.
Verify that photos are backed up
In Google Photos, confirm the account displayed at the top of the app is the intended one. Check the overall backup status; Google lists status messages such as “Backup complete”, and backed-up items can show an individual backup indicator. Do not assume an item is backed up just because it appears in the app: Google Photos can display local device media as well as cloud-backed media.
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.
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.
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.
What sync changes—and what it does not
- Storage: Gallery-synced media uses Google Account storage and is backed up in original quality.
- Deleting items: Deleting a synced photo or video in Samsung Gallery or Google Photos can remove it from both apps and the cloud. Avoid deleting an item just to test whether sync is working. Google describes deletion behavior in its Google Photos deletion guidance.
- Turning off Gallery sync: New photos stop backing up through Gallery sync, but media already backed up remains in the Google Account and accessible in Google Photos. Turning off the Gallery setting does not itself remove previously stored media.
- Google Photos features: Gallery-synced media supports basic viewing and sharing, but may not appear in Memories, live albums, or Search unless it is also backed up through Google Photos.
- Edits: Edits made in Samsung Gallery or Google Photos are saved and backed up. The original and edited versions may both appear, and deleting one does not necessarily delete the other.
- Free up space: Removing local media with Google Photos’ Free up space feature can make those items disappear from local Samsung Gallery albums even while they remain viewable in Google Photos.
If photos are missing or appear twice
- Check the account shown in Google Photos and the account selected for Gallery sync.
- Review Photos settings > Backup > Back up device folders and confirm the expected folders are selected.
- Check Google Photos’ overall backup status and the backup indicator for an individual item.
- Use Collections > On this device to see which items are local device files.
- If two items look alike, consider whether one is an edited version; Google says both the original and edited photo may appear.
- Do not delete a suspected extra item as a test: deletion of synced media can propagate to both apps and the cloud.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

