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To view a Motion Photo on a Samsung Galaxy, open it in Gallery and tap View motion photo. To change how it plays, tap the upper-right dropdown and choose an available effect, such as Boomerang or Slow-mo. The controls and effects vary by model and software version.
How do I view a Motion Photo on my Samsung Galaxy?
- Open Camera and select Photo mode.
- Turn on Motion photo. Its icon resembles a play button; on some versions, find it under Quick controls, shown as four dots.
- Take the picture, then tap its thumbnail to open it in Gallery.
- Tap View motion photo to play the clip associated with the still image.
How do I change the view or effect on a Samsung Motion Photo?
With the Motion Photo open in Gallery, tap the dropdown in the upper-right corner. Select an available effect, such as Boomerang or Slow-mo. The same menu can turn Motion Photo off. Effect options depend on the device and software version. Samsung US support documents this Gallery control.
Change the capture window, not the playback effect
If you want to change which part of the moment the camera records, use the capture setting instead of the Gallery effect menu. On the interface documented by Samsung US, go to Camera viewfinder → Quick controls → Settings → Advanced picture options → Motion photo capture, then choose Before and after shutter or Before shutter only. These options change the capture window; they do not change how an existing Motion Photo plays.
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Save a different moment as a still image
- Open the Motion Photo in Gallery and tap its playback thumbnail or View motion photo.
- Move the playback bar to the moment you want, or pause there.
- Tap the Quick Trim icon to save that moment as a still image.
This produces a separate still rather than changing the playback effect. Samsung Japan also documents exporting a Motion Photo from Gallery as a video or GIF, which can be more suitable for sharing outside Galaxy devices. Some third-party messaging and social apps, as well as PC viewers, may show the content as a still image. See Samsung Japan’s Motion Photo guide for its export and frame-saving instructions.
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Why Motion Photo may be unavailable or missing
Motion Photo is not available in every Galaxy camera mode or under every setting. Samsung Australia documents examples where the icon may be unavailable: the highest resolution, such as 50MP or 200MP; a strict aspect ratio; forced-on flash; and certain night or macro conditions. Its guide also says the feature cannot be enabled in Portrait, Panorama, or Hyperlapse. These are documented examples for Australian device variants, not universal rules for every Galaxy model.
- Check the mode: Use standard Photo mode, not Portrait, Panorama, or Hyperlapse.
- Check camera settings: Try a lower resolution, a different aspect ratio, or turning off forced-on flash. Scene optimization switching to Night mode can also disable the feature on devices covered by Samsung Japan’s guide.
- Check the model and software: Availability, label, and control placement vary across models, regions, and Android versions. Samsung Japan lists selected S, Note, A, Z Flip, and Z Fold devices, but that list does not establish worldwide compatibility.
- Check internal storage: Samsung Australia identifies critically low internal storage as one possible reason a Motion Photo clip may not be present even when the feature appears enabled.
For model-specific guidance, consult the applicable regional support page: Samsung Australia’s Motion Photo troubleshooting guide.
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- 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.
Motion Photo tools for group shots are model-specific
On supported devices, Samsung US describes a separate Choose best face option under a photo’s Details. Its Galaxy A27 support page identifies Best Face as A57-only and requires Motion Photo to be enabled. The page lists up to 3 seconds of capture, results for up to 5 people, and an output image up to 12MP; these are capability limits for that documented model context, not general Motion Photo specifications. See Samsung US’s Best Face support page.
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- 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.
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