Where SyncGallery fits
SyncGallery is an independent Android gallery and cloud sync app. It does not depend on Samsung Gallery's OneDrive integration and it does not change Samsung Gallery settings.
You can use SyncGallery as a separate layer of control: your own sync rules, your own OneDrive folders, your own review steps, and your own safety settings. It is useful when OneDrive Camera backup is too automatic or too limited for the workflow you want.
When SyncGallery is useful with OneDrive
SyncGallery is designed for situations where normal automatic backup is not transparent enough, or where you want more precise control than one global camera backup workflow.
Review the first sync before anything moves
The first sync is the risky moment: your phone may already contain files, OneDrive may already contain files, and you may not know whether the app is about to upload, download, update, or delete.
SyncGallery scans both sides first and shows the proposed operations before executing them. After setup, routine sync can run automatically, while large or suspicious batches can still be paused by thresholds for review.
Send selected photos to specific OneDrive folders
SyncGallery is not limited to whole-folder backup. You can create destination rules such as Archive, Parents, Work, or Best Photos, then place those rules as buttons on the photo preview screen.
Tap once to upload a photo to that destination. Tap again to remove it from that file-level rule. This is useful when only some photos from an album should go to a specific OneDrive folder or shared folder.
Include sidecar and related files when needed
Some photo workflows produce extra files next to the image, such as XMP sidecars or other related formats. SyncGallery rules can use configurable file filters, so you can include more than only the visible photo or video when your workflow needs it.
Avoid downloading media you already have
When pulling from OneDrive, SyncGallery can search the device for existing media files using checksum comparison. If the same media already exists locally, SyncGallery can create a mapping instead of downloading another copy. If no match is found, it downloads the file to the device folder chosen for that rule.
Run sync under conditions you choose
Each rule has its own sync settings. You can separate backup rules, shared-folder rules, and one-tap destination rules instead of forcing every photo into one global behavior.
Samsung Gallery and OneDrive sync is changing
Recommended ways to use it
The cleanest setup depends on whether you want SyncGallery to complement Samsung Gallery or manage its own independent backup folder.
Use both apps, with separate folders
Use OneDrive Camera backup or Samsung Gallery as you prefer for your main viewing and backup workflow. For SyncGallery rules, create separate OneDrive folders such as SyncGallery Backup, Parents, Archive, or To Share. This avoids confusion about which app is responsible for a folder.
Use SyncGallery for selected sharing
Leave your normal backup unchanged, but create file-level rules for photos you manually choose from preview. This is the best fit when you want destination buttons without changing your main backup setup.
Use it carefully during phone setup or after the Samsung change
If the same photos already exist on the phone and in OneDrive, use the first-sync review and existing-file search before executing a large download. The goal is to create mappings where possible, not duplicate an entire library.
Important boundaries
SyncGallery gives you control over its own rules. It does not control Samsung Gallery, restore Samsung's OneDrive integration, or make OneDrive photos appear inside Samsung Gallery.
SyncGallery is not a Samsung Gallery migration or repair tool. Existing Samsung-managed OneDrive folders may vary by device, One UI version, and previous settings. SyncGallery can work with OneDrive folders you choose, but it should not be treated as a tool that absorbs, restores, or fixes a Samsung Gallery backup automatically.
SyncGallery does not modify Samsung Gallery settings. It signs in to OneDrive separately, stores its own rules, and writes to folders you select. It does not change where Samsung Gallery stores files, how Samsung Gallery syncs, or whether OneDrive photos appear inside Samsung Gallery.
Using the same OneDrive folder from two sync apps requires care. It can work, but it is easier to understand and safer to keep SyncGallery rules in separate folders unless you deliberately want both apps to manage the same location.
Try a more controlled OneDrive workflow
Start with one rule, choose a separate OneDrive folder, and review the first sync before anything moves.
Get it on Google PlayFrequently asked questions
Will SyncGallery duplicate photos already uploaded by Samsung Gallery?
Not automatically. SyncGallery creates operations based on the rule you configure. When matching existing files in a selected rule pair, it can map files that already exist instead of uploading or downloading them again. When downloading from OneDrive, the optional device-wide existing-file search can also avoid media duplicates using checksum comparison. The safest setup is still to use separate OneDrive folders unless you intentionally want both apps involved with the same folder.
Can SyncGallery run alongside Samsung Gallery?
Yes. They are independent apps. SyncGallery has its own OneDrive sign-in, rules, folders, history, and safety settings.
Does SyncGallery depend on Samsung's OneDrive integration?
No. SyncGallery connects to OneDrive directly through Microsoft's API. Samsung Gallery's integration and SyncGallery's rules are separate.
Does SyncGallery support Samsung Cloud?
No. SyncGallery supports OneDrive and Google Drive. Samsung Cloud is not supported.
Can I use SyncGallery on a non-Samsung Android device?
Yes. SyncGallery works on Android phones and tablets from different manufacturers. The Samsung page simply explains the common Samsung + OneDrive situation.