Samsung Cloud is built into your Samsung device and opens through Settings
Samsung Cloud is a backup and storage service that comes with most Samsung phones and tablets. You reach it by opening Settings, scrolling to Accounts and Backup, and tapping Samsung Cloud. On a computer, you log in at samsung.com/account. The service stores photos, videos, contacts, messages, and app data — you do not need to read a separate app or pay to set it up, though storage limits vary by device.
Your Samsung account is the key. If you already set one up when you first turned on your device, you are already registered. If not, you can create one free during the setup process or later through Settings. Once you are signed in, Samsung Cloud syncs automatically in the background.
Key Takeaways
- Open Samsung Cloud on a phone or tablet by going to Settings, then Accounts and Backup, then Samsung Cloud.
- On a computer, visit samsung.com/account and sign in with your Samsung account credentials.
- You need a Samsung account to use the service; creating one is free and takes a few minutes.
- Samsung Cloud backs up photos, videos, contacts, messages, and app data automatically once you turn it on.
- Free storage is limited; the exact amount depends on your device model and region.
Accessing Samsung Cloud on a Samsung Phone or Tablet
Start by opening the Settings app on your device. Scroll down until you see Accounts and Backup — the exact position varies slightly by model and Android version, but it is always in the main Settings menu. Tap Accounts and Backup, then tap Samsung Cloud.
If you are already signed into a Samsung account, you will see your backup status and storage usage right away. If you are not signed in, you will be prompted to enter your Samsung account email and password. Once you sign in, the screen shows what is backed up: Photos, Videos, Contacts, Messages, and App Data each have a toggle you can turn on or off. By default, most are turned on.
To start a backup when ready instead of waiting for the automatic sync, tap the three-dot menu (or Backup Now, depending on your device) and select Back Up Now. The backup runs in the background and may take several minutes depending on how much data you have.
Accessing Samsung Cloud on a Computer
Go to samsung.com/account in any web browser. Click Sign In at the top right and enter your Samsung account email and password. Once you are logged in, you can view your backed-up photos, videos, and other data in the web interface.
From the computer version, you can read backed-up files, manage your storage, and adjust backup settings. You can also delete old backups or restore data to a new device from this page. The web version does not let you back up new files from your computer — it is mainly for viewing and managing what has already been backed up from your phone or tablet.
Creating a Samsung Account if You Do Not Have One
If you have never set up a Samsung account, you can create one free. On your phone or tablet, open Settings, go to Accounts and Backup, and tap Add Account. Select Samsung Account, then tap Create Account. You will need an email address and a password you choose.
You can also create an account at samsung.com/account by clicking Create Account instead of Sign In. Either way takes less than five minutes. Once your account is created, you can sign in on any Samsung device you own.
Understanding Samsung Cloud Storage Limits
Samsung Cloud comes with free storage, but the amount is not the same for every user. Most newer Samsung phones include 15 gigabytes free for the first year, though some models or regions offer different amounts. After the free period ends or if you run out of space, you can buy more storage through the Samsung Cloud settings, or your data stops backing up.
You can check how much storage you are using by opening Samsung Cloud in Settings and looking at the storage bar at the top. If you are running low, you can delete old backups, remove photos or videos from the backup, or purchase additional storage. Paid plans start at a few dollars per month for 100 gigabytes.
Turning Backup On and Off for Specific Data Types
Once you are in Samsung Cloud, you can choose exactly what gets backed up. Photos, Videos, Contacts, Messages, and App Data each have their own toggle. If you do not want your messages backed up, for example, turn off the Messages toggle. Only the data types you enable will sync to Samsung Cloud.
You can also set Samsung Cloud to back up only when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, which saves mobile data. Look for the settings icon (usually a gear) within the Samsung Cloud menu and tap Backup Settings. From there you can choose Wi-Fi Only or allow backups over mobile data as well.
Restoring Data from Samsung Cloud to a New Device
When you set up a new Samsung phone or tablet, the setup wizard asks if you want to restore from Samsung Cloud. Sign in with your Samsung account, and the device will read your backed-up photos, videos, contacts, messages, and app data. This usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.
If you skip this step during setup, you can restore later by going to Settings, Accounts and Backup, Samsung Cloud, and tapping Restore. Select which data types you want to restore and tap Restore Now. The process runs in the background, and your device may restart during the restore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to use Samsung Cloud?
Yes. Samsung Cloud requires a Samsung account to sign in and sync your data. Creating one is free and takes a few minutes. You can use the same account on multiple Samsung devices.
What happens if I do not back up my data?
If Samsung Cloud is turned off or you do not sign in, your photos, videos, contacts, and messages are stored only on your device. If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, that data is gone. Turning on Samsung Cloud protects you against that loss.
Can I access Samsung Cloud on an iPhone or non-Samsung Android phone?
You can view your Samsung Cloud data on a computer at samsung.com/account, but Samsung Cloud itself is designed for Samsung devices. Other phones have their own backup services — iPhone uses iCloud, and other Android phones typically use Google One.
Is Samsung Cloud the same as Google Drive or OneDrive?
No. Samsung Cloud is separate from Google Drive and OneDrive, though your Samsung device may also have those apps installed. Samsung Cloud is built into Samsung devices and backs up specific data types like contacts and messages. Google Drive and OneDrive are general file storage services you can use on any device.
What if I run out of free storage?
When you reach your storage limit, new backups stop syncing until you delete old data or purchase more storage. You can delete individual backups, remove photos or videos from the backup, or buy a paid plan. Your existing backed-up data stays safe even after you hit the limit.