Samsung Gallery App Loses OneDrive Sync

Microsoft has announced that as of September 30, 2026, the Samsung Gallery app will no longer be able to back up data directly to OneDrive. Users of the Microsoft cloud storage should switch to the OneDrive app by then.

"Starting September 30, 2026, Samsung Gallery will no longer sync directly with OneDrive," writes Microsoft in a support document, first discovered by a Redditor. It further states that new users will no longer be able to link their Samsung Gallery and OneDrive apps after the deadline. Microsoft also points out that all photos stored in OneDrive from the Samsung Gallery app will disappear. However, they are not lost – they remain backed up in OneDrive in the cloud.

Users who have previously used the sync function between the Samsung Gallery app and OneDrive must update their settings for the "Camera Roll" to continue backing up new photos and videos and to access already backed-up photos via the OneDrive app.

Users who want to continue using OneDrive to back up their photos and videos on Samsung Galaxy devices must take action: First, the OneDrive app must be installed on the devices. Second, users must grant OneDrive the necessary permissions to access all photos and videos. Additionally, camera backup must be enabled.

OneDrive: Activate Camera Backup

Microsoft has published instructions with which users can continue to automatically back up photos to OneDrive:

• Open the OneDrive app.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account if you are not already signed in.
• Tap your profile in the top left of the app.
• Select "Camera backup".
• Ensure the correct account is selected.
• Activate "Camera backup".
• Grant access to photos and videos when prompted.

Hints of Removal Already Old

That Microsoft and Samsung are going separate ways regarding photo backup was already indicated last September: Android Authority had discovered hints of this in the code of a leaked version of One UI 8.5. At that time, however, there were no details about when OneDrive would disappear from the Gallery app.

However, it is currently unclear whether Samsung will offer an alternative option for cloud backup. A proprietary backup solution on Samsung servers would be conceivable here, but the manufacturer removed its own cloud from the Gallery app in favor of OneDrive about five years ago. Another option would ultimately be a link to Google Photos or Google Drive. However, nothing has been confirmed in this regard yet.

(afl)