Samsung Gallery will stop OneDrive syncing on September 30, 2026

At a glance:

• Samsung Gallery will end direct OneDrive syncing on September 30, 2026.
• After this date, photos will vanish from Samsung Gallery but remain accessible via OneDrive's website and app.
• Users must follow Microsoft's steps to enable camera backup in the OneDrive app for uninterrupted service.

Samsung Gallery to discontinue OneDrive integration

Samsung has confirmed that its native Gallery app will cease direct synchronization with Microsoft's OneDrive cloud service starting September 30, 2026. This move marks a significant shift in Samsung's cloud strategy, as the company increasingly promotes its own Samsung Cloud solution for photo and video storage. The decision affects millions of users who have relied on the seamless integration between Samsung Gallery and OneDrive for automatic backups.

The integration, which allowed users to back up their camera rolls directly from the Gallery app to OneDrive, has been a convenient feature for Samsung device owners. However, with this change, Samsung is steering users toward its proprietary ecosystem, potentially to enhance user retention and data control within its services.

Background and leaked information

Rumors of this separation first emerged last September when code references were discovered in a leaked build of One UI 8.5, Samsung's Android skin. At that time, no official end date was provided, and speculation pointed to April 11, 2026, based on another screenshot from the same leak. That date proved inaccurate, but it set the stage for official confirmation.

The accurate deadline was recently spotted by a Reddit user who noticed an update on Microsoft's support page for Samsung Gallery syncing. This update solidified September 30, 2026, as the definitive date when the direct sync feature will be discontinued, ending months of uncertainty for users.

Official end date and user impact

According to Microsoft's support documentation, after September 30, 2026, users will no longer be able to sync photos directly from Samsung Gallery to OneDrive. Consequently, any photos currently stored in OneDrive will disappear from the Samsung Gallery app interface. However, Microsoft assures that these photos will still exist and be accessible through the OneDrive website and on devices where the OneDrive app is installed.

This change means that users who wish to continue using OneDrive for their photo backups must adapt their workflow. The immediate impact is the loss of a streamlined, built-in backup process, requiring manual intervention to maintain cloud storage habits.

Steps to migrate to OneDrive app

To ensure continuity, Microsoft recommends migrating to the OneDrive app for camera backup. Users should follow these steps:

• Open the OneDrive app.
• Log in with your Microsoft account if not already logged in. Note that this may differ from your Samsung account credentials.
• Tap your Account Profile in the top left corner.
• Select "Camera backup" from the menu.
• Ensure the correct Microsoft account is selected for backup.
• Turn the Camera backup toggle on.
• Grant the app access to your photos and videos if prompted.

After completing these actions, new photos and videos should automatically upload to OneDrive once again, restoring the backup functionality albeit through a separate app.

What this means for users

For active OneDrive users, this transition necessitates proactive preparation to avoid gaps in photo backups. Samsung device owners are advised to familiarize themselves with the OneDrive app and complete the setup before the September 2026 deadline. Those who have not been using OneDrive may need to evaluate whether to adopt it or switch to Samsung's cloud services.

The broader implication is a continued trend of smartphone manufacturers prioritizing their own cloud ecosystems over third-party integrations. This could lead to reduced interoperability and more vendor lock-in for consumers, as companies like Samsung seek to bolster their service revenues and user engagement.

Conclusion and looking ahead

As the September 30, 2026, date approaches, users should monitor official communications from both Samsung and Microsoft for any further details. In the meantime, exploring alternative backup solutions or consolidating data within Samsung's ecosystem may be prudent steps. This change underscores the evolving landscape of mobile cloud services, where partnerships can shift, and users must stay informed to manage their digital assets effectively.