# Google Photos and Samsung cloud synchronization developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-photos-and-samsung-cloud-synchronization-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-18T11:14:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Google is reportedly developing an ‘Overnight backup’ feature for Google Photos to address incomplete backups caused by Android background limitations and Doze mode. This feature would allow the app to bypass restrictions by remaining in the foreground while the device is connected to a charger and the screen is unlocked.

Concurrently, Samsung is transitioning its Gallery app cloud services. The company is phasing out its integration with Microsoft OneDrive, which is scheduled to officially end on September 30, 2026. In its place, Samsung is rolling out a direct synchronization feature with Google Photos via the ‘Gallery Cloud Sync’ service, allowing users to sync specific albums and monitor Google account storage space.

As the OneDrive integration nears its end, Samsung is deploying the new Google Photos integration via Gallery Cloud Sync and Samsung Cloud services. The feature is being rolled out gradually to users, typically requiring a personal Google account and a device running Android 13 or newer. This allows for the backup of camera rolls, specific albums, and device folders like screenshots or downloads.

However, the new service has specific limitations. Google Workspace accounts and parent-supervised Google accounts are ineligible for the sync. Furthermore, synced items may not appear in certain Google Photos features, such as ‘Memories, highlights, or live albums,’ and edited photos may appear as separate items within the Google Photos app.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: Samsung Gallery integrates with Google Photos as OneDrive support ends

Samsung is replacing its Microsoft OneDrive integration with a native Google Photos sync feature for Galaxy users, following the scheduled end of OneDrive support for the Gallery app.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samsung-gallery-replaces-onedrive-integration-with-google-photos-sync

### 2026-09-16: Samsung Gallery to replace OneDrive backup with Google Photos sync

Samsung is replacing its OneDrive cloud backup integration in the Gallery app with a new direct synchronization feature for Google Photos.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samsung-gallery-to-replace-onedrive-backup-with-google-photos-sync

### 2026-08-19: Google develops Overnight backup feature for Google Photos

Google is reportedly developing an ‘Overnight backup’ feature for Google Photos to bypass Android background restrictions and ensure more reliable cloud synchronization.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-develops-overnight-backup-feature-for-google-photos

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Cite as: Google Photos and Samsung cloud synchronization developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-photos-and-samsung-cloud-synchronization-developments