Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides 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
Samsung Gallery Sync and a photo backup are not the same thing. Gallery Sync was a two-way link between Samsung Gallery and Microsoft OneDrive: additions, edits and (historically) deletions were mirrored between the two services. A backup workflow is meant to upload a recoverable copy, with its own rules for deletion and restoration. Samsung ended Gallery Sync on September 30, 2026. Photos that had already synced remain in OneDrive, but they are no longer displayed through Samsung Gallery. To keep saving new photos, use OneDrive Camera Backup or another backup service such as Google Photos, and verify that the service’s deletion and restore behavior meets your needs.
What was the difference between Samsung Gallery Sync and photo backup?
The distinction is about purpose and failure behavior:
| Question | Samsung Gallery Sync (legacy) | Photo backup workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Keep one collection aligned between Samsung Gallery and OneDrive. | Upload a copy that can be recovered if the phone is lost, damaged or replaced. |
| Changes | Samsung’s Hong Kong support description from February 26, 2026, said additions, edits and deletions were reflected in both services. | Behavior depends on the backup app. Uploading is usually separate from local-file management, so you must check how that app handles deletes, archiving and trash. |
| Where you could view files | Before discontinuation, the OneDrive-linked collection could be viewed from Samsung Gallery. | Photos are viewed in the backup service’s app or website unless you download a local copy. |
| Current status | Ended September 30, 2026; it no longer accepts or displays new Gallery-linked media. | OneDrive Camera Backup and Google Photos backup are options Samsung identifies for continuing uploads. Availability and screens vary by country, carrier and software version. |
| Recovery | It was not an independent, deletion-proof archive because a deletion could propagate. | Recovery depends on the service’s recycle bin, trash and retention rules. Samsung’s United States guidance says OneDrive’s Recycle bin retains deleted Gallery files for 93 days, but readers should confirm the period for their account and region. |
Calling Gallery Sync a “backup” can therefore create a dangerous expectation. A synchronized collection can reproduce an accidental deletion just as faithfully as it reproduces a new photo.
If I delete a photo from Gallery, does it delete from OneDrive too?
Under the former Gallery Sync behavior, it could. Samsung Hong Kong’s February 2026 description said that adding, editing or deleting a synced item in one service applied the change in the other. That was the behavior of the linked feature, not a promise that every current backup app works the same way.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Gallery Sync has now ended. A new deletion in Samsung Gallery is no longer being sent through that discontinued link. However, a photo that was uploaded by a replacement backup app may still be subject to that app’s own deletion rules. Before deleting local files, read the app’s explanation of “delete from device,” “free up space,” “remove from cloud” and its trash or recycle-bin process. Do not assume that a cloud copy is protected merely because an upload completed.
If a previously synced item was deleted from OneDrive, check the OneDrive Recycle bin promptly. Samsung’s current US support guidance gives a 93-day retention period for deleted Gallery files. That period is a recovery window, not a permanent archive, and it may vary with account or regional policy.
Why did Samsung Gallery photos disappear after September 30, 2026?
Samsung discontinued Gallery sync to Microsoft OneDrive on September 30, 2026. Samsung’s US notice explains the result plainly: “Sync with OneDrive is no longer available in your Gallery app because the feature is no longer supported.” This affects the Gallery view, not necessarily the stored files.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Easily move files off your device, freeing up valuable space so you can store your favorite photos, movies, music, games, and more.
- Say goodbye to emailing photos between devices. Once they’re on your SanDisk Phone Drive, read speeds up to 100MB/s let you transfer files fast. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. USB Type-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support required.)
- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
- DATA RECOVERY. Recover deleted files with the included RescuePRO Deluxe software.(Registration and download required; terms and conditions apply. See RescuePRO page on SanDisk site.)
- CONVENIENT DESIGN. Attach your drive to your keyring to help keep it secure so you can have storage wherever you are, whenever you need it.
- Files that had already synced remain in the connected OneDrive account, according to Samsung’s discontinuation notices.
- Those files are no longer viewable through the Samsung Gallery app’s OneDrive-linked view.
- You can open the OneDrive app or website to locate the cloud copies and download originals.
- New Samsung Gallery photos are not added through the discontinued sync feature.
Older setup pages can still appear in search results or on devices. They describe a service that is no longer available, so do not use an old “sync with OneDrive” walkthrough as evidence that the feature is active on your phone.
How to find and download your old synced photos
Use OneDrive as the source for media that was synchronized before the shutdown. Samsung’s US and Australian notices describe both app and website downloads; the Australian notice also discusses downloading individual photos or albums.
- Open the OneDrive account that was linked to Samsung Gallery. If you see no photos, check other Microsoft accounts you use on the phone before assuming the files are gone.
- Browse the folders or albums containing the former Gallery uploads. Use OneDrive’s search and sort controls if you know a date, filename or location.
- Open a photo or video and choose Download. For a group, select the files or album and use the download command offered by the app or website.
- Choose a destination with enough free space. Samsung’s Australian notice warns that only originals fitting the device’s available storage can be downloaded. Large videos can consume space quickly.
- Confirm the local copy before deleting anything in OneDrive. Open several downloaded files, including videos and older items, and check that the resolution and dates are what you expect.
Menu names and the location of the download control can differ between the OneDrive Android app, mobile browser and desktop website. If the app offers a compressed archive for a batch, wait for the archive to finish and verify its contents before removing cloud copies.
Rank #3
- 【Important】: Default format of the usb flash drive 128gb is exFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These 128gb thumb drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the usb flash drive dual type c usb 3.0 OTG keep a check on the drive format
- 【Easy to Use】: Directly plug the 2-in-1 USB flash drive and play, no need to install any software. The jump drive is easy to be recognized by computer, laptop, notebook, PC, car audio, speaker, smart TV, vidoe projector etc
- 【Fast Speed】: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0 easy to complete the storage and transport functions. USB 3.0 and Class A chip help you transfer a 4G movie from the thumb drive to your smartphone in about 40 seconds, and reverse transfer in 2 mins to save memory for your smartphone with Type C port.Save your time
- 【Good Compatibility】: Dual connectors USB type C + USB 3.0. Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible withUSB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backwards USB1.1. Support videos formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, M P4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP; AUDIOS: FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV
- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
How do I get synced photos back into my phone’s Gallery?
Gallery can display media only after a local copy has been downloaded to the device. Download the originals from OneDrive, then locate them in the phone’s file browser. If they do not appear immediately in Gallery, check the download folder, confirm that the files have normal image or video extensions, and give Android time to index the media. Moving copies to a camera or pictures folder can make them easier to find, but keep one verified copy elsewhere before reorganizing a large library.
When the phone does not have enough space
- Download in batches rather than selecting the entire library at once.
- Keep the OneDrive originals until every batch opens correctly on the phone.
- Copy the originals to a computer or a portable external SSD if the library is larger than the phone’s free storage. Samsung’s notice supports the need for available storage but does not endorse a particular drive, capacity or model; choose capacity based on the size of your library.
When a download appears incomplete
- Compare the number of selected files with the number downloaded.
- Retry a failed album or large video separately; unstable connections and background restrictions can interrupt long downloads.
- Check OneDrive on the web to make sure the missing item still exists in the account and has not been moved to Recycle bin.
How can I keep backing up Samsung photos now?
Samsung identifies two continuing approaches: OneDrive Camera Backup and Google Photos backup. These are separate app workflows, not a revival of Gallery Sync. Their current prices, storage allowances and account-specific terms are not established here, so choose based on the account and retention controls you can verify in your own region.
Set up OneDrive Camera Backup
- Install or open the OneDrive app and sign in to the account where you want the photos stored.
- Open the app’s Camera Backup settings. The exact label and menu location can vary with app version, carrier and country.
- Enable backup and select the device folders or media types the app offers, such as photos and videos.
- Allow the requested photo, video and background-data permissions. If Android battery controls pause background work, allow OneDrive to run in the background or perform the first upload while the app is open and the phone is charging.
- Take a new test photo, wait for the upload indicator to finish, and confirm the item in the OneDrive app or website before relying on the workflow.
Camera Backup is an upload process. It does not recreate the old Gallery-linked view, and its handling of local deletion, cloud deletion, edits and duplicate files must be checked in OneDrive’s current help text and settings.
Rank #4
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED**: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 127,460 photos or maximum 24 hours of 4K video; With up to 512GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED***: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Consider Google Photos backup
Samsung Germany’s July 8, 2026 guidance names Google Photos backup as another option. Enable backup in the Google Photos app, select the account and quality settings shown there, and verify a newly captured photo in the web or app library. Treat “Free up space” and delete commands as separate actions: read the confirmation carefully so you know whether a file is being removed from the phone, the cloud library or both.
How to verify that a backup is actually working
An enabled switch is not proof that every item is safe. Use this short acceptance test after setup or after changing accounts:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Capture a new photo and a short video, then wait for the service to report completion.
- Open the cloud library from a second device or a browser, not only from the phone that created the files.
- Check that the original date, orientation and video playback are preserved.
- Temporarily disconnect from Wi-Fi and confirm that the app clearly shows pending work rather than silently treating it as complete.
- Review which folders are included; screenshots, downloads and messaging-app folders may be optional.
- Find the service’s trash or recycle-bin controls and note how long deleted items are retained.
- Download one test item and open it locally. A backup is useful only if restoration works.
What to do if a photo is missing
The photo is absent from Gallery but present in OneDrive
The discontinued sync explains this symptom. Open OneDrive, download the original, and check the device’s downloaded files. Do not keep trying old Gallery Sync setup screens; Samsung says the feature ended on September 30, 2026.
Best Value
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Easily move files off your device, freeing up valuable space so you can store your favorite photos, movies, music, games, and more.
- Say goodbye to emailing photos between devices. Once they’re on your SanDisk Phone Drive, read speeds up to 100MB/s let you transfer files fast. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. USB Type-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support required.)
- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
- DATA RECOVERY. Recover deleted files with the included RescuePRO Deluxe software.(Registration and download required; terms and conditions apply. See RescuePRO page on SanDisk site.)
- CONVENIENT DESIGN. Attach your drive to your keyring to help keep it secure so you can have storage wherever you are, whenever you need it.
The photo is absent from OneDrive
Confirm that you are signed in to the original Microsoft account and search all relevant folders and albums. If it was deleted, check Recycle bin immediately; Samsung’s US guidance cites 93 days for deleted Gallery files. If the retention window has passed or the bin was emptied, OneDrive may no longer provide a recovery path, so look for another verified copy on a computer, removable drive or another backup service.
Only recent photos are missing
Check whether Camera Backup is enabled, whether the correct device folders are selected, and whether the app is waiting for Wi-Fi, charging or permission. Capture a test image and watch the upload status. A successful old Gallery Sync connection does not automatically configure a new Camera Backup workflow.
Downloaded files cannot be opened
Retry the download from the OneDrive website or app, especially for large videos. Confirm that the device has free space and that the download completed rather than producing a partial file. Keep the cloud original until a replacement copy plays or opens correctly.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Regional, account and software caveats
Samsung states that settings and service availability can differ by carrier, software version and country. The February 2026 two-way-sync explanation comes from Samsung Hong Kong and describes the former service; the end-of-service and download guidance comes from Samsung US and Australia; Samsung Germany lists Google Photos as an alternative. Those pages are consistent about the September 30, 2026 end date but can show different menu names or options.
Use the current support page for your country and the software version installed on your phone. If a menu in these instructions is missing, look for the equivalent Camera Backup, download or recycle-bin control in the current app rather than enabling an unrelated Samsung Cloud setting. Samsung Cloud sync settings cover selected categories and should not be treated as proof that your camera library is backed up.
Practical rules for a safer photo library
- Use the word sync for a linked collection and backup for a copy you can restore; do not use them interchangeably.
- Keep at least one copy that is not governed by the same deletion action as your phone library.
- Verify uploads from a second device or browser before deleting local originals.
- Check trash retention whenever you change services; Samsung’s 93-day OneDrive figure is regional guidance, not a universal guarantee for every account.
- Download and verify important originals before closing an old account, emptying a recycle bin or resetting a phone.
- Recheck the workflow after major Android, OneDrive or Google Photos updates because labels and background-permission behavior can change.
Bottom line
Samsung Gallery Sync was a two-way convenience link, not a deletion-proof archive, and it ended on September 30, 2026. Your previously synced files should still be in OneDrive, but Samsung Gallery no longer shows them there. Download originals for local access, use OneDrive Camera Backup or Google Photos for new uploads, and test restoration and deletion behavior in the exact account and region you use.
Quick Recap
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.
