Do I Need a Samsung Account to Use My Galaxy Phone

Samsung asks you to create a Samsung account during Galaxy device setup or while browsing the Settings app. This is optional but that does make one wonder – do I need a Samsung account to use my Galaxy phone? The short answer is no.

So why does Samsung keep prompting you to set up an account, especially when you already have a Google account? While your Galaxy phone works fine with a Google account, some Samsung apps and services require a Samsung account to function. Samsung, over the years, has built its ecosystem of apps and services that work across different Samsung products like phones, tablets, and even non-Samsung Windows PCs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the extra features that come with a Samsung account, helping you decide if it’s worth creating one. Plus, we’ll also suggest alternatives for some Samsung apps and services, just in case you’d rather skip the Samsung account altogether.

1. Galaxy AI

Galaxy AI is one of the biggest features you’ll miss if you don’t set up a Samsung account. If you don’t already know, it’s a suite of AI features that include Generative Edit, Call Assist, Browsing Assist, Interpreter, and more. You need to create or sign in to a Samsung account to use Galaxy AI. Plus, we believe that not having a Samsung account means you’re missing out on features you already paid for. The smartphone’s price carries the cost of extra services including apps and AI.

Tip: If you’re only signing in to a Samsung account just for the Generative Edit feature, you can try the Magic Editor on the Google Photos app without needing to set up a Samsung account on your Galaxy phone.

2. Galaxy Store

For most users, the Google Play Store is more than enough to find apps and games, but some apps are exclusive to Samsung, and you’ll need a Samsung account to download them from Samsung’s Galaxy Store. It’s an alt Android apps store. One well-known app is Good Lock. Additionally, if you want to update Samsung apps on your Galaxy phone, you’ll need the Galaxy Store for that too.

Tip: Here is how the Galaxy Store and Play Store differ from one another.

3. Samsung Members

Samsung Members app offers personalized support, device diagnostics, and access to exclusive benefits for Samsung users. While you might be reluctant to create a Samsung account just for this basic feature, there’s one important feature that may catch your attention – early access to new One UI software updates. You’ll need a Samsung account to join the One UI beta program when it’s available for your device. Other settings include self-diagnostic tools.

4. Samsung Health

If you use or plan to buy a Galaxy Watch, you’ll need to use a Samsung account on your phone for both devices to work seamlessly. Without this app, you won’t be able to see insights into your workouts, sleep, and daily routine.

5. Cross-Platform Sync

Have you noticed how, when someone calls an iPhone, it shows up on a Mac or iPad screen thanks to the Apple ecosystem? You’ll need the same Samsung account on all your Galaxy devices to benefit from Samsung’s rich ecosystem and sync calls, texts, browsing data, clipboards, and even apps across devices.

Also Read: Talking about ecosystem and sycn, Samsung makes both phones and laptops but should you get a Samsung Galaxy Book if you have a Galaxy phone?

6. Samsung Pay/Wallet

Samsung Wallet, earlier Samsung Pay, is a mobile payment and digital wallet service that stores your payment cards, loyalty cards, and even digital keys securely on your Galaxy phone. You need a Samsung account to use this too. However, if you’re looking for a better alternative to avoid using a Samsung account, you can try Google Wallet which offers similar services.

7. Samsung SmartThings

With SmartThings, you can connect and control Samsung smart devices in your home, like TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, smart bulbs, security cameras, and more. As you may have guessed, this also requires a Samsung account. But hey, if you don’t have any other Samsung home products, you can easily skip this one. Plus, other companies offer smart products you can use if you want and connect and control them using Alexa.

More Apps and Services Connected to Samsung Account

There are still many other apps and services Samsung offers if you open a Samsung account. They might not be as widely used or popular, but some of you may find them useful.

We hope this guide helped you decide whether you need a Samsung account on your Galaxy phone or if you can live without it. Before you go, share this article with a friend, family member, or someone else who might have the same question.