In an era where photos are an integral part of our daily lives, having a user-friendly and feature-rich gallery app can make all the difference. Samsung Galaxy S21 users often find themselves with a plethora of options for photo management, one of the standout choices being Google Photos. In this article, we’ll explore how to set Google Photos as your default photo application on the Samsung Galaxy S21, ensuring that you have the best experience while capturing and managing your cherished memories.
Why Choose Google Photos?
Before diving into the setup process, let’s take a moment to understand why Google Photos is a preferred choice among smartphone users, especially for Samsung S21 owners.
Unlimited Storage Options
One of the most attractive features of Google Photos is its unlimited storage for photos and videos. Although Google has changed its policy to no longer offer unlimited storage at high quality, it does provide a generous space for standard quality uploads. Moreover, you can easily share space across your Google account with other services.
Smart Organization
Google Photos employs machine learning to help you sort and search through your photos effortlessly. With built-in features like face recognition, object detection, and geolocation, finding that perfect shot is just a few taps away.
Seamlessly Backup Your Photos
By setting Google Photos as your default, all taken pictures can be automatically backed up to your Google account. This cloud integration ensures that your photos are safe and accessible from any device with internet connectivity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Google Photos as Default on Samsung S21
Now that you understand the benefits of Google Photos let’s dive into the process of making it your default photo application on the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Step 1: Download Google Photos
If you haven’t already installed Google Photos, you can easily obtain it from the Google Play Store.
- Open the Google Play Store on your Samsung S21.
- Search for “Google Photos” in the search bar.
- Select the app from the search results and tap “Install”.
Step 2: Set Up Google Photos
After successfully installing the app, it’s time to set it up. Follow the instructions below:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- You will be prompted to sign in with your Google account. If prompted, allow Google Photos access to your device’s storage.
- Once signed in, you will have the option to begin backing up your photos. Choose your backup settings based on your preferences.
Step 3: Make Google Photos Your Default Gallery App
Now that Google Photos is installed and set up, the next step involves making it the default gallery app. Here’s how:
Access Settings
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel.
- Tap on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
Apps Selection
- In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on Apps.
- On the Apps screen, tap on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select Default apps from the dropdown menu.
Choose the Default Gallery App
- Tap on Photo viewer or Gallery app depending on your version of Android.
- A list of the installed gallery applications will appear. From this list, select Google Photos.
Step 4: Remove Permissions from Other Gallery Apps
To ensure that Google Photos is indeed set as your default gallery application, you may want to remove permissions from other gallery apps. Follow these steps:
- Go back to the Apps section in Settings.
- Find and select the other gallery app (e.g., the default Samsung Gallery).
- Tap on Permissions and toggle off all the permissions that allow access to your photos.
Step 5: Customize Google Photos Settings
Now that you’ve made Google Photos your default app, let’s make the most of it by customizing its settings:
Backup and Sync
To ensure your photos are automatically backed up, you can adjust the backup settings:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select Photos settings and then tap on Backup & sync.
- Toggle the switch to turn on Backup & sync.
Storage Management
Google Photos provides various storage management options that allow you to optimize space on your device:
- Head back to Photos settings.
- Tap on Manage storage to remove backed-up photos and videos from your device without losing them in the Google Photos app.
Utilizing Google Photos Features
Setting Google Photos as your default gallery app opens up access to a host of excellent features designed to enhance your photo management experience.
Shared Albums
You can create shared albums with family and friends, allowing them to upload their photos directly to the shared space. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Select Albums from the bottom menu.
- Tap on + Create Album and choose the photos you want to include.
- Click on Share to send invitations to others to join the album.
Editing Tools
Google Photos comes equipped with a variety of editing tools:
- Open a photo you want to edit.
- Select the edit icon (represented by a pencil).
- Utilize the various tools for adjustments, filters, and cropping.
Google Photos Memories
One of the most delightful features of Google Photos is the Memories function, which automatically curates moments from the past and brings them to your attention.
- Simply open the app, and navigate to the For You tab to see highlights and animations based on your stored content.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the steps provided will generally lead to a successful integration of Google Photos as your default gallery app, there may be a few hiccups along the way. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Not Backing Up Photos
If your photos are not backing up, check the following:
- Ensure that you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is preferable).
- Check if the Backup & sync option is turned on in Google Photos settings.
Slow Performance
If Google Photos is lagging or crashing, consider the following:
- Check for any available updates in the Google Play Store.
- Clear the app’s cache by going to Settings > Apps > Google Photos > Storage > Clear Cache.
Final Thoughts
Setting Google Photos as the default gallery on your Samsung Galaxy S21 not only simplifies accessing and organizing your photos but also provides an array of powerful features that elevate your photography experience. From smart backup options to sophisticated editing tools and shared albums, Google Photos stands as a necessary companion in a world filled with snapshots of life.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a seamless transition to Google Photos, making every click of your camera count. So go ahead, embrace the magic of memories with Google Photos on your Samsung Galaxy S21, and enjoy a more organized and feature-rich photo management experience!
What are the benefits of setting Google Photos as default on my Samsung S21?
Setting Google Photos as the default gallery app on your Samsung S21 allows you to take full advantage of its robust features, such as automatic cloud backup, advanced search capabilities, and powerful editing tools. This ensures that your memories are not only stored safely but also easily accessible from any device, given that Google Photos is cloud-based.
Additionally, Google Photos offers intelligent categorization and facial recognition, making it simpler to find specific images among thousands. The app also provides seamless sharing options with friends and family, enhancing your overall experience when showcasing your favorite photos.
How do I set Google Photos as my default gallery app?
To set Google Photos as your default gallery app, start by downloading and installing the app from the Google Play Store if you haven’t done so already. Once installed, navigate to the Settings app on your Samsung S21, and scroll down to the ‘Apps’ section. Find the default gallery app currently in use.
Once you’ve selected the existing gallery app, tap on the ‘Open by default’ option, then choose ‘Clear defaults’ if necessary. After clearing defaults, return to Google Photos and open an image. You will be prompted to set it as the default app. Select ‘Google Photos’ and then choose ‘Always’ to complete the process.
Will I lose my existing photos if I set Google Photos as default?
No, you will not lose your existing photos when you set Google Photos as the default app on your Samsung S21. All your current images will still be stored in the same location on your device. Setting Google Photos as the default gallery app simply allows it to handle the viewing and organizing of your images rather than your old gallery app.
You may also want to back up your existing photos to Google Photos if you haven’t already done so. This way, you ensure that all photos are securely stored in the cloud, providing an additional layer of protection against data loss, while still maintaining access to them on your device.
Can I still use my original gallery app after setting Google Photos as default?
Yes, you can still use your original gallery app after setting Google Photos as the default. Setting Google Photos as the default simply changes the app that opens when you view your photos from other applications, but it does not delete or disable your original gallery.
If you prefer to switch back to your original gallery app, you can do so by following a similar process in the settings. Just locate the original gallery app and reset its defaults to make it your primary option for viewing photos again, while still having Google Photos available.
Are there any storage costs associated with using Google Photos?
Google Photos offers 15GB of free cloud storage shared across multiple Google services, including Google Drive and Gmail. This is usually sufficient for most users who occasionally back up their photos. However, if you exceed this limit and need more storage, you will need to subscribe to Google One, which offers various plans at different price points for additional space.
When using Google Photos, pay attention to the option for ‘High Quality’ backup, which compresses images and videos to save space, versus ‘Original Quality,’ which uploads them at their full resolution. Choosing ‘High Quality’ can help you manage your storage quota more effectively while still maintaining good quality for most uses.
How can I edit photos in Google Photos after setting it as default?
Editing photos in Google Photos is straightforward and user-friendly. Once you have set Google Photos as your default app, simply open any photo you wish to edit. Tap on the pencil icon located at the bottom of the screen, which will bring you to the editing interface where you can apply various adjustments, such as filters, cropping, and enhancements.
Google Photos provides a range of editing tools including light adjustments, color corrections, and even advanced features like facial recognition. Once you’re satisfied with the edits, simply save your changes, and the edited version will replace the original automatically, or you can choose to save it as a separate copy, allowing you to maintain both versions.