Transferring photos s Samsung Galaxy to cloud storage is not only a way to free up smartphone memory, but also reliable insurance against losing pictures if the device breaks or is reset. However, many users are faced with confusion: which cloud to choose, how to set up automatic downloading and not lose image quality. This is especially true for owners Samsungwho have a choice between branded Samsung Cloud, Google Photos and other services.

In this article we will analyze all the available ways to transfer photos to the cloud - from standard tools Android to third-party applications. You will learn how to set up automatic synchronization, what restrictions apply to free accounts, and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also compare cloud services according to key parameters: storage volume, compression quality and ease of access.

Why you should transfer photos to the cloud and not store them on your phone

Modern smartphones Samsung (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy A54) equipped with cameras with resolution up to 200 MP, and one photo in format RAW can weigh 50–100 MB. Even with memory on 256 GB the free space quickly runs out if you actively take pictures. Cloud storage solves this problem, but not only:

  • 📱 Free up memory: automatically delete downloaded photos from your phone, saving space for new pictures.
  • 🔒 Security: even if your smartphone breaks or is stolen, the photos will remain in the cloud.
  • 🌍 Access from any device: view and edit photos on a PC, tablet or other phone.
  • 🔄 Backups: some services (for example, Google Photos) save the history of file changes.

However, cloud services also have disadvantages. For example, Samsung Cloud offers everything 15 GB free (of which some are system backups), and Google Photos since 2021 it has ceased to provide unlimited storage for high-quality photos. It is important to assess in advance how much space you need and whether you are willing to pay for the expansion.

📊 What cloud do you use for photos?
Google Photos
Samsung Cloud
OneDrive
Yandex Drive
Other/I don’t use

Method 1: Automatic upload via Google Photos

Google Photos is the most popular service for storing photos among users Android, and for good reason. It is integrated into the system, supports automatic uploading and offers convenient tools for searching and editing images. To set up synchronization:

  1. Open the application Google Photos (if it is not there, download from Galaxy Store or Play Market).
  2. Log in to your account Google (the same as on your phone).
  3. Tap on your avatar in the upper right corner → Photo settings → Backup and synchronization.
  4. Activate the switch "Backup".
  5. Select upload quality:
    • Original quality — photos are saved without compression (counts as quota Google Drive).
    • High quality — photos are compressed up to 16 MP, videos up to 1080p (free, but limited to 15 GB of shared storage Google).

After activation, all new photos will be automatically uploaded to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi (or mobile network, if allowed in the settings). To delete photos from your phone after uploading, go to Settings → Free up space.

Install/update the application|Sign in to your Google account|Enable backup|Select download quality|Check your Wi-Fi connection-->

⚠️ Attention: If you select Original quality, photos will take up space in your Google Drive (along with documents and letters). If you exceed the 15 GB quota, downloading new photos will stop. Check the occupied space in drive.google.com.

Method 2: Using Samsung Cloud (only for Samsung owners)

Samsung Cloud - proprietary cloud storage for devices Galaxy, which offers 15 GB for free (of which up to 5 GB can be used for photos and videos). The main advantage is deep integration with the ecosystem Samsung: for example, not only photos are stored here, but also notes, contacts, and application data. However, since 2021, the service has undergone changes:

  • 📸 Photos and videos synchronized only in original quality (without compression).
  • 🔄 Automatic upload works only when connected to Wi-Fi.
  • ⏳ File size limit: maximum size of one photo - 50 MB, video - 1 GB.

To configure the download:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Log in to your account Samsung (if not registered, create it).
  3. Tap Gallery → turn on the switch "Synchronize".
  4. Select which folders to synchronize (for example, Camera, Screenshots).

Photos will be uploaded in the background. To delete them from your phone after synchronization, go to Gallery, select photo → More → Delete from device (they will remain in the cloud).

Option Google Photos Samsung Cloud OneDrive
Free space 15 GB (shared with Drive) 15 GB (up to 5 GB for photos) 5 GB
Photo compression Yes (optional) No Yes (optional)
Auto-delete from phone Yes Yes No
Max. file size 200 MB (photo), 10 GB (video) 50 MB (photo), 1 GB (video) 100 MB (photo), 10 GB (video)
⚠️ Attention: As of November 1, 2023 Samsung Cloud no longer supports backup of some notes and data applications (for example Samsung Notes). Photos and videos are still synced, but check the current conditions in your device settings.

Method 3: OneDrive from Microsoft is an alternative for Office 365 users

If you use Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), then OneDrive can be a good choice: the subscription includes up to 1 TB cloud storage. Even without a subscription you receive 5 GB free. Advantages of the service:

  • 📁 Integration with Windows: photos automatically appear in the folder Images on the PC.
  • 🔍 Search by text: recognizes text in photos (for example, on screenshots).
  • 📱 Automatic downloading: works in the background, like Google Photos.

To set up upload:

  1. Download OneDrive from Galaxy Store or Play Market.
  2. Log in to your account Microsoft (or create a new one).
  3. Tap on the profile icon → Settings → Camera loading.
  4. Enable the option "Loading camera" and select:
    • When connected to Wi-Fi (recommended).
    • Only when charging (saves battery).
  • Specify download folder (default - Camera Roll).

    • OneDrive does not delete photos from your phone after downloading, but you can do it manually. To do this, open the application, go to Photos → Downloaded, select files and tap Delete from device.

    💡

    If you often take photographs of documents, turn on OneDrive option Scanning (in the camera loading settings). It automatically straightens and improves the quality of scans.

    Method 4: Yandex Disk - convenient for users from Russia

    Yandex Disk offers 10 GB for free and is well suited for users who often share photos via Yandex.Mail or Yandex.Photos. The service automatically recognizes faces, places and objects in the photo, and also supports automatic download from the phone.

    To set up synchronization:

    1. Install Yandex Disk from Play Market.
    2. Login to your account Yandex (or register).
    3. Tap on the icon ⚙️ → Auto-upload photos.
    4. Enable the option "Startup" and select:
      • Quality: Original or Compressed (saves space).
      • Network: Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and mobile network.

    Feature Yandex Disk -opportunity create public links to albums. For example, you can upload a photo from your vacation and send a link to friends, even if they do not have an account Yandex.

    How to increase free space on Yandex Disk?

    Yandex periodically holds promotions where you can get additional ones for performing simple actions (for example, installing applications or inviting friends). Monitor notifications in the application or on the website 1–10 GB. Monitor notifications in the app or website disk.yandex.ru.

    Method 5: Manually transferring photos via PC (for large archives)

    If you have hundreds of gigabytes of photos, and the mobile data is slow, it’s easier to transfer them via computer. This method is also suitable if you want selectively download only certain folders. You will need:

    • 🖥️ A computer with Internet access.
    • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (or adapter for older PCs).
    • 📁 Folder with photos on the phone (usually DCIM/Camera).

    Instructions:

    1. Connect Samsung to the PC via cable. On the phone, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
    2. Open This computer → find your phone (for example, Galaxy S22).
    3. Go to the folder Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (or other folder where photos are stored).
    4. Copy the files to your PC (for example, to Desktop).
    5. Upload photos to the cloud via the web version of the service:
      • Google Photos: photos.google.com → Upload → Select files.
      • OneDrive: onedrive.live.com → drag and drop files into the folder.

    This method takes longer, but is more reliable: you control the process and can check the quality downloaded photos. In addition, it is convenient to transfer photos to iCloudif you plan to switch to iPhone.

    💡

    Manual uploading via PC is the only way to transfer photos to the cloud if your phone has a weak Internet or little free memory for synchronization.

    How to choose the best cloud for photos on Samsung

    The choice of service depends on your priorities. Here's a quick comparison:

    • 📸 For maximum quality: Google Photos (original quality) or Samsung Cloud (uncompressed).
    • 💰 To save: Google Photos (high quality, free up to 15 GB) or Yandex Drive (10 GB free).
    • 🖥️ For working with a PC: OneDrive (integration with Windows and Office).
    • 📱 For the Samsung ecosystem: Samsung Cloud (synchronization with Galaxy Watch, Samsung Notes etc.).

    If you are not sure which service to choose, try uploading test photos to several clouds and compare: Loading speed automatic uploading in one of them to avoid duplicating photos and wasting traffic.

    • Download speed.
    • Compression quality (open the photo on your PC and look at the details).
    • User-friendliness of the interface (for example, how easy it is to search for photos by date or location).

    Important: if you use several clouds at the same time, disable automatic uploading in one of them to avoid duplicating photos and wasting traffic.

    Frequent errors and how to avoid them

    When transferring photos to the cloud, users often encounter problems and ways to solve them:

    • 🚫 Photos are not loaded:
      • Check your internet connection (especially if you are using a mobile network).
      • Make sure that auto-download is enabled in the cloud settings.
      • Restart the application or phone.
    • ⚠️ Run out of space in the cloud:
      • Delete unnecessary files (such as old backups).
      • Buy additional space or compress photos (in Google Photos select High quality).
    • 🔄 Photos are duplicated:
      • Check whether auto-upload is enabled in several clouds at the same time.
      • U Google Photo use the function Clear duplicates (in settings).
    • 📵 Photos disappeared after being deleted from the phone:
      • Make sure that the photos were actually uploaded to the cloud (check through the web version of the service).
      • Recover photos from the cloud recycle bin (usually files are stored there for 30–60 days).

    If the problem is not solved, try update the cloud application or reinstalling it. Also check if your antivirus is blocking the download. antivirus or VPN.

    Is it possible to upload photos to the cloud via mobile data rather than Wi-Fi?

    Yes, but this is not recommended for two reasons:

    1. Uploading photos consumes a lot of traffic (for example, 100 photos of 5 MB = 500 MB).
    2. If the connection is interrupted, the photos may not be fully loaded.

    To allow downloading via a mobile network, find the option in the cloud settings Wi-Fi only and disable it In Google Photos this is done in Settings → Backup → Mobile data.

    How to transfer photos from Samsung Cloud to Google Photos?

    There is no direct way, but you can:

    1. Download photos from Samsung Cloud to PC via gallery.samsungcloud.com.
    2. Upload them to Google Photos via the web version photos.google.com.

    Alternative: use the application Google Photos on your phone and manually select photos to upload (they will be copied from Galleries, where they are already synchronized with Samsung Cloud).

    How long does it take to upload 1000 photos to the cloud?

    Depends on the Internet speed and photo size:

    • With Wi-Fi 50 Mbit/s and photo by 3–5 MB: ~1–2 hours.
    • With 4G mobile data: up to 5–8 hours (and ~5 GB of traffic will be spent).

    To speed up the process, charge the phone and connect it to a power source - this will prevent the download from pausing due to battery saving.

    Is it possible upload photos to the cloud in RAW format?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • Google Photos: supports RAW, but the files take up space in the quota (even when selecting High quality).
    • Samsung Cloud: downloads RAW without compression, but limits the size of one file 50 MB.
    • OneDrive and Yandex Disk: support RAW without restrictions on format.

    If you take photographs in RAW+JPEG, both files will be uploaded to the cloud.

    What to do if the cloud does not recognize geotags in the photo?

    The problem may be privacy settings:

    1. On your phone, check whether saving geotags is enabled: Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata (for camera).
    2. In the cloud (for example, in Google Photos), make sure that the function Places is not disabled in the settings.
    3. If photos were uploaded via a PC, geotags could be lost during copying. Try uploading them directly from your phone.