Google has recently unveiled a new integration feature within Google Photos, known as 'default gallery access,' which allows selected smartphones to access and share Google Photos content directly from their default gallery apps. However, this feature is currently limited to devices from OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and Xiaomi, excluding iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users.
With default gallery access enabled, users can seamlessly access their Google Photos libraries without the need to switch to the Google Photos app. This feature enables browsing, downloading, editing, and sharing of content stored in Google Photos directly from the system-provided gallery app, enhancing user convenience.
Devices such as Xiaomi 14 smartphones have begun syncing images with Google Photos in the background upon enabling default gallery access. While the syncing process may take time for larger photo libraries, users can continue using the gallery app during this period.
One notable limitation of default gallery access is the absence of support for existing albums created in the Google Photos library within the gallery app. All photos not categorized are grouped together in an album labeled 'All photos.'
Furthermore, users must maintain their device's configuration to back up photos to Google Photos for the sync to function. Disabling Google Photo backup will result in the deactivation of default gallery access and the disconnection of all synced images.
Despite its benefits, default gallery access may encounter synchronization issues, such as edits made on different devices or via the Google Photos website not syncing correctly with connected gallery apps. In some cases, album names and duplicate images may fail to sync accurately.
Given these considerations, users are advised to utilize the Google Photos app primarily until the aforementioned issues are addressed and resolved.
