Question How can I replace the default Samsung Gallery with Google gallery?

[Alan0354]

Hi

I am learning my Samsung Android phone J3V which is using Android 6( very old version).

When I text and want to attach photo, it shows it's from Samsung Gallery. I want to replace it with Google Gallery which I already INSTALLED. I went online and look, I tried to follow but I can't find what they described. This is the link from google:

https://support.google.com/photos/answer/14216276?hl=en

it is likely that the description is for newer version of Android.


I went through "Setting>Apps", scroll to Samsung Gallery and STOP the program, I try to click Google Gallery but it does not allow me to set it as default.

Anyone has suggestion?

thanks

Alan

 

[B. Diddy]

Try resetting all app preferences -- the location of this option can vary, and since you have such an old device, I can't tell you exactly where it is (since I don't have a similarly old device to test with). Try opening your App Drawer and seeing if there's a 3-dot menu button at the upper right or left -- if so, tap that and look for it there. You can also look in the system settings to see if there's also a 3-dot menu button there (or you can use the search bar in the system settings, if present).

In any case, after resetting all app preferences, try attaching a photo again in your messaging app. If the system allows the Google Gallery app to be the default, then the system will ask you which app you want to use to complete the action. If Google Gallery doesn't show up as an option, or if the system doesn't ask you at all, then you can't use it as your default in that situation.

 

[Alan0354]

Try resetting all app preferences -- the location of this option can vary, and since you have such an old device, I can't tell you exactly where it is (since I don't have a similarly old device to test with). Try opening your App Drawer and seeing if there's a 3-dot menu button at the upper right or left -- if so, tap that and look for it there. You can also look in the system settings to see if there's also a 3-dot menu button there (or you can use the search bar in the system settings, if present).

In any case, after resetting all app preferences, try attaching a photo again in your messaging app. If the system allows the Google Gallery app to be the default, then the system will ask you which app you want to use to complete the action. If Google Gallery doesn't show up as an option, or if the system doesn't ask you at all, then you can't use it as your default in that situation.

I try follow what your suggestions. Here are the steps I did.

1) I hit Settings to open, then scroll down to Apps and enter. I scroll to Google Gallery and Samsung Gallery as shown, I hit the 3 dots and touch "Reset app preference" as shown:



2) I entered in and touch "Reset" to reset as shown.



3) I go back to main setting and touch "Samsung Gallery" and this is what I see, you can see none is set as default:



4) I go back and touch Google Gallery symbol and you can see there is no way I can set it as default:



I tried all these even before, I have been playing around already, nothing help. When I go to "Text" and try to attach photo, Samsung Gallery showed up even after all these steps to reset preference. I even STOP the Samsung Gallery and still show up.

This supposedly a simple thing, how can it be that hard? If it is just Windows, I would have figure it out in minutes.

If you have any other ideas, let me know.

Thanks

 

[Madd62]

If you are using the Google Messaging app, try selecting Files instead of Gallery. This would allow you to scroll horizontally across to other file location options apart from Gallery and you can select from the Photos icon that way.

I don't know a way of making Photos the default choice though (I never tried tbh), and I don't use a Samsung.
The Samsung messaging app should be similar.
My Xiaomi has a similar native Gallery (Xiaomi) app.

 

[Alan0354]

If you are using the Google Messaging app, try selecting Files instead of Gallery. This would allow you to scroll horizontally across to other file location options apart from Gallery and you can select from the Photos icon that way.

I don't know a way of making Photos the default choice though (I never tried tbh), and I don't use a Samsung.
The Samsung messaging app should be similar.
My Xiaomi has a similar native Gallery (Xiaomi) app.

You mean Google Messaging app can do texting and I can select photos from any folders? Just like I can do in Windows? That I don't have to use the Samsung text app anymore?

Is it a mistake to get Samsung? I am totally ignorant about phones, I am just learning from ground scratch. I am just using experience working with Windows to try to navigate this. If not for grandkids, I don't even think I like smart phone. I am on computer all day long, I have no desire to be on the phone when I go out. But kids don't check email, they only do text.

thanks

 

[Laura Knotek]

You mean Google Messaging app can do texting and I can select photos from any folders? Just like I can do in Windows? That I don't have to use the Samsung text app anymore?

Is it a mistake to get Samsung? I am totally ignorant about phones, I am just learning from ground scratch. I am just using experience working with Windows to try to navigate this. If not for grandkids, I don't even think I like smart phone. I am on computer all day long, I have no desire to be on the phone when I go out. But kids don't check email, they only do text.

thanks

I have a Samsung S24 Ultra and use Google Messages, not Samsung Messages. I don't have any issues sending photos.

 

[Alan0354]

If you are using the Google Messaging app, try selecting Files instead of Gallery. This would allow you to scroll horizontally across to other file location options apart from Gallery and you can select from the Photos icon that way.

I don't know a way of making Photos the default choice though (I never tried tbh), and I don't use a Samsung.
The Samsung messaging app should be similar.
My Xiaomi has a similar native Gallery (Xiaomi) app.

I installed Google Messaging app, I don't see option of selecting folders to get photos. It shows choices between Samsung Gallery and Google Gallery. BUT when I click either one, MP4 videos won't show up as a choice. That's even worst than Samsung text app.

 

[Bkdodger1]

I installed Google Messaging app, I don't see option of selecting folders to get photos. It shows choices between Samsung Gallery and Google Gallery. BUT when I click either one, MP4 videos won't show up as a choice. That's even worst than Samsung text app.

If you're in the Google messaging app you would hit the attach and then you would choose files find the videos or photos

 

[Alan0354]

If you're in the Google messaging app you would hit the attach and then you would choose files find the videos or photos

Thanks for your time. Sadly my phone is nothing like this. This is how it looks when I enter into Google Message. I hit the "+" to go into attaching pictures, I checked the "Setting" this is the only one I can find:





After I click the "+", this is the screen shown. I went on all the other taps, they are not related.



After I hit the Media, this is how it looks. You can see there is only 3 choices, Samsung Gallery, Google Gallery and Google Photos. There is not option like what you show.



I am able to attach photos from all THREE of them. I cannot get MP4 from Google Gallery as it doesn't show any MP4.

I understand my phone is old and using Android 6 version. But I just downloaded Google Gallery, isn't it supposedly the latest Google Message version regardless of how old my phone?

I am really running out of ideas.

Thanks

 

[Bkdodger1]

Thanks for your time. Sadly my phone is nothing like this. This is how it looks when I enter into Google Message. I hit the "+" to go into attaching pictures, I checked the "Setting" this is the only one I can find:
View attachment 364965




After I click the "+", this is the screen shown. I went on all the other taps, they are not related.
View attachment 364966


After I hit the Media, this is how it looks. You can see there is only 3 choices, Samsung Gallery, Google Gallery and Google Photos. There is not option like what you show.
View attachment 364967


I am able to attach photos from all THREE of them. I cannot get MP4 from Google Gallery as it doesn't show any MP4.

I understand my phone is old and using Android 6 version. But I just downloaded Google Gallery, isn't it supposedly the latest Google Message version regardless of how old my phone?

I am really running out of ideas.

Thanks

Do you have a My Files app in your app drawer and if so when you open what do you see ?

 

[Alan0354]

Do you have a My Files app in your app drawer and if so when you open what do you see ?

I have the My FIles app. When I open it, I can see both internal storage and SDcard. I can go to any folder, folder within folder and all. That's not the problem.

My problem is as you can see in the pictures, It's very different, I even went on line to search. They said look for the PAPER CLIP!!
Of cause, If I see a paper clip, I know it's for attachment. There's no paper clip on the screen as you can see all the screen captures in my last post.

It works if I attach pictures in both the Samsung and Google Gallery. It's not that it's not working. BUT IT'S JUST SO DIFFERENT.

Like none on line help me at all. So far, even people suggested here is not the same.

I am trying to keep using this old phone as it's only 5" talk. All the new ones are like 6.5" tall. I really don't want a big phone. So I am trying desperately to make my phone works.

Thanks

 

[Bkdodger1]

I have the My FIles app. When I open it, I can see both internal storage and SDcard. I can go to any folder, folder within folder and all. That's not the problem.

My problem is as you can see in the pictures, It's very different, I even went on line to search. They said look for the PAPER CLIP!!
Of cause, If I see a paper clip, I know it's for attachment. There's no paper clip on the screen as you can see all the screen captures in my last post.

It works if I attach pictures in both the Samsung and Google Gallery. It's not that it's not working. BUT IT'S JUST SO DIFFERENT.

Like none on line help me at all. So far, even people suggested here is not the same.

I am trying to keep using this old phone as it's only 5" talk. All the new ones are like 6.5" tall. I really don't want a big phone. So I am trying desperately to make my phone works.

Thanks

I just wanted to make sure there was no issues opening my files app separately and that you were able to view stuff ..can you tell me what Google messages version you're running .

 

[Madd62]

So you can attach an image now just not an MP4 file?
The Google Messages app works fine now you have installed it, though I imagine previous "chats" didn't carry over from the Samsung messages app, I don't know.

Does your Carrier plan include unlimited "MMS" messages, which means any media attachments to a text means it's no longer SMS but MMS.

Do your regular contacts / family use WhatsApp? I have had to use it a year for a Chinese client though I no longer do. It is very useful and free to add as many files/images as you want. Whether it will work on your device though is doubtful.
By MP4 did you mean video files specifically? I don't think standard MMS would do those, but someone will correct me.

I think another phone is the only way to go. I'm 65 and have had all sizes. My main Poco phone has a large 6.7 inch diagonal screen but I have adapted to it, and the screen and responses / scrolling and loading speeds are excellent.
I also have a second number on a smaller, lighter Motorola with a 5.9 inch screen on Android 9 and Im very fond of it. Something like that would have served you well. It's a UK / European specific model but they have other newer models in the lower price range. You don't need much, but they will be a lot faster than you are used to.

Do you receive MP4 files as texts? What about emailing those files.

Let us know what you want to do from here.

 

[Alan0354]

I just wanted to make sure there was no issues opening my files app separately and that you were able to view stuff ..can you tell me what Google messages version you're running .

I just download yesterday, this is the screen shot.


Thanks

 

[Alan0354]

So you can attach an image now just not an MP4 file?
The Google Messages app works fine now you have installed it, though I imagine previous "chats" didn't carry over from the Samsung messages app, I don't know.

Does your Carrier plan include unlimited "MMS" messages, which means any media attachments to a text means it's no longer SMS but MMS.

Do your regular contacts / family use WhatsApp? I have had to use it a year for a Chinese client though I no longer do. It is very useful and free to add as many files/images as you want. Whether it will work on your device though is doubtful.
By MP4 did you mean video files specifically? I don't think standard MMS would do those, but someone will correct me.

I think another phone is the only way to go. I'm 65 and have had all sizes. My main Poco phone has a large 6.7 inch diagonal screen but I have adapted to it, and the screen and responses / scrolling and loading speeds are excellent.
I also have a second number on a smaller, lighter Motorola with a 5.9 inch screen on Android 9 and Im very fond of it. Something like that would have served you well. It's a UK / European specific model but they have other newer models in the lower price range. You don't need much, but they will be a lot faster than you are used to.

Do you receive MP4 files as texts? What about emailing those files.

Let us know what you want to do from here.

I don't know I have MMS or not, But I have no problem attaching MP4 video files in Samsung Messenger App that comes with the phone, only the Google Messenger that cannot get MP4 video files.

I am hoping to be able to attach files from any folder as the original thread question, They both can only get photos from gallery.

Thanks

 

[Alan0354]

I guess I am screwed until I buy a new phone!!! I am hitting brick wall every which way. Worst is nothing online, youtube, even here works. It just doesn't look the same at all.

 

[mustang7757]

I would suggest package disabler pro to disable Samsung gallery and see if it will default to Google photos.

Package Disabler

The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.

www.packagedisabler.com

 

[Alan0354]

I would suggest package disabler pro to disable Samsung gallery and see if it will default to Google photos.

Package Disabler

The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.

www.packagedisabler.com

Thanks

I have no problem choosing between the two and default to one or the other. My problem is what I have on the phone is completely different from Bkdodger1 described in post #8 as shown in post#9.

I went online and have no luck.

Thanks

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks

I have no problem choosing between the two and default to one or the other. My problem is what I have on the phone is completely different from Bkdodger1 described in post #8 as shown in post#9.

I went online and have no luck.

Thanks

He runs a newer device and Android version

 

[Alan0354]

He runs a newer device and Android version

Thanks

That's what I am afraid of. I am trying very hard NOT to buy a new phone not about the price, New ones are bigger and more importantly, I really don't use the phone except for emergency situation. I am not the kind that hold the phone in my hand everywhere I go. I am on computer all day long, when I go out, I really take a break.

I am more just want to learn about Android so my grandkids won't be able to laugh at me!!!