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How to Fix Samsung Gallery Photos Not Syncing to OneDrive
Question details
Users are experiencing a synchronization failure where Samsung Gallery photos do not automatically back up to OneDrive, displaying a network error despite an active internet connection.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to sync Samsung Gallery photos to OneDrive via the automatic Camera Backup integration.
- Observed behavior
- The sync fails with the error message 'Refresh failed. Please make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi or a network,' even though regular OneDrive file uploads work perfectly and the device has internet access.
Verify that your Samsung device has a stable internet connection by loading a web page, and make sure you know your Microsoft and Samsung account login credentials before adjusting sync settings.
Verify Account Linking and Camera Backup Settings
The most common cause of this issue is a disconnected account link or disabled backup permissions between Samsung and Microsoft services.
Samsung Gallery relies on a specific API link to Microsoft OneDrive. If the authorization token expires or gets corrupted, regular files will continue to sync through the OneDrive app, but Gallery integration will fail.
Open the Samsung Gallery app on your device. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom, then select 'Settings'.
Tap on 'Sync with OneDrive'. Ensure the main toggle switch is turned on. If the accounts appear disconnected, follow the on-screen prompts to sign in and re-link your Microsoft account.
Within the 'Sync with OneDrive' menu, verify that the 'Albums to sync' includes your Camera folder and that the backup feature is explicitly enabled for both Wi-Fi and mobile data if desired.
Clear Cache for Gallery and OneDrive
Clearing corrupted temporary files can resolve background synchronization glitches without deleting your actual photos.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While troubleshooting your cloud storage and photo syncing issues, you might also need a reliable tool for handling work files on your mobile device. WPS Office is a lightweight, powerful alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to view, edit, and sync documents across all platforms with ease.
- 1. Download the App: Install WPS Office from the Google Play Store or official website.
- 2. Sign In for Cloud Access: Create a free account or sign in to activate your complimentary cloud storage space.
- 3. Edit and Sync Files: Open any existing Office document to start editing, and let WPS seamlessly sync your changes across your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do regular files sync to OneDrive but not my Samsung Gallery photos?
Regular file syncing uses the native OneDrive upload protocol, whereas Gallery syncing relies on a specialized API integration between Samsung Cloud and Microsoft. If the authorization token between the two accounts is bugged or broken, only the Gallery automatic sync will fail.
Can I manually upload photos to OneDrive if the Gallery sync isn't working?
Yes. While waiting for a permanent fix, you can open the OneDrive app, tap the '+' (Add) icon, select 'Upload', and manually choose the photos you wish to back up directly from your device storage.
What should I do if this issue started immediately after an Android system update?
System updates can occasionally disrupt app permissions and background integrations. Ensure your OneDrive and Gallery apps are updated to versions optimized for the new OS. If the issue persists, contact Samsung Support or Microsoft Support with your specific device model and app version, as it may be a known bug requiring a patch.
