Guide to using Samsung Galaxy AI to erase objects in photos

If you've ever taken the perfect photo only to have an unwanted subject, a trash can, or a cable sneak into the picture, Samsung Galaxy phones make it easy. Thanks to their AI features , you can remove unwanted objects from your photos in seconds without any editing skills.

Modern Galaxy phones offer two approaches: the classic "Object Eraser" built into the Gallery app and the newer "Generative Editing" from Galaxy AI. Both tools are powerful, but each excels in different situations. Here you'll learn when to use each option, how to configure them, and how to get the most out of them to achieve clean and natural-looking images.

What AI features are used to erase objects on Samsung Galaxy?

Samsung offers several tools within Gallery that help you retouch photos without complications. The first is the "Object Eraser ," a feature that uses AI and context filling to try to reconstruct the background when you remove something from the scene.

With the arrival of One UI 6.1, some models incorporate " Generative Editing " (Galaxy AI). This option takes erasing to the next level: it not only removes objects but also recreates the background with AI and allows you to reposition or resize elements for more natural results in complex scenes.

In addition to basic erasing, the Gallery app includes complementary tools like "Erase Shadows" and "Erase Reflections," ideal for cleaning up glass, shop windows, or photos with harsh lighting. And if you're looking for even more control, the Galaxy Enhance-X app (downloadable from the Galaxy Store) adds cleaning and enhancement modules that can further enhance your workflow.

Compatible models and requirements

The "Object Eraser" feature arrived with the Galaxy S21 series and One UI 3.1, and has since been rolled out to many subsequent mid-range and high-end Galaxy devices (S22, S23, S24, recent Fold and Flip models, and higher A-series models depending on the One UI version). On older models, it was initially offered in "Labs" within the Gallery app and was later integrated natively with updates.

Galaxy AI's "Generative Editing" feature is available as standard on the Galaxy S24 series and has been rolled out to other recent devices (e.g., S23, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 with updates to One UI 6.1 or higher). This feature requires you to be signed in with your Samsung account and have an internet connection , as the processing is done in the cloud.

Note that "Generative Editing" may insert a discreet watermark and metadata indicating that the image has been modified with Galaxy AI. Samsung has stated that Galaxy AI features will be free at least until the end of 2025 ; after that, the terms may change.

To avoid compatibility issues, it's advisable to keep the Gallery app, AI Services, and One UI system updated from Settings and the Galaxy Store. Feature availability may vary by region or local agreements in some countries.

How to delete objects with the Object Eraser (One UI 3.1 to 6.0)

The "Object Eraser" tool is fast and works very well with small to medium-sized objects on relatively uniform backgrounds. This makes it safe to use for achieving clean and believable results.

1. Open the photo in Gallery and click Edit.
2. Tap the tools icon and choose object eraser (it may be in the more options menu if it doesn't appear in the main bar).
3. Point to the object to be removed with your finger. You can paint it, surround it, or touch it; AI will detect edges.
4. Tap Erase. The app will fill in the background. If you're not satisfied with anything, repeat the area erase. in several passes to improve integration.
5. Keep a copy so as not to overwrite the original and to be able to revert changes whenever you want.

A trick that works really well is to zoom in on the image a lot before selecting, to define the edges more precisely. And if the background has repeating patterns (e.g., tiles), try deleting in sections, following the lines of the pattern.

If your version of Gallery doesn't show the tool, look for the " Labs " section within the three-dot menu in the editor, or update the app from the Galaxy Store. On compatible models, the option will appear integrated after the update.

How to use Generative Editing (Galaxy AI) in One UI 6.1

 

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"Generative editing" goes beyond simply erasing: by selecting an area, AI reconstructs the background with greater context and coherence , and allows you to reframe or move elements. It's especially useful in complex scenes or when the object occupies a large part of the image.

1. Open the image in Gallery and tap Edit.
2. Click on the icon «Generative editing» (usually identified with stars or wand).
3. Circle or mark the object you want to remove. You can combine automatic selection and manual settings for precision.
4. Tap “Generate.” The system will create several options; select the one you prefer. better integrate with the background.
5. If you wish, reposition objects, straighten the frame or enlarge the canvas; AI will fill in the edges with plausible content.
6. Save the result. A copy of the original and the edited copy will be kept. AI watermark where appropriate.

This feature requires a stable connection. If you're using mobile data, make sure you don't have any data or battery saving restrictions that might limit the process. It's usually faster and more consistent over Wi-Fi.

When the object is large or in an area with complex textures (grass, waves, crowds), "Generative Editing" usually offers more natural transitions and fewer artifacts than the classic Eraser. Even so, it's a good idea to thoroughly check the image to detect subtle imperfections.

Practical tips for professional results

A good selection is half the battle. Avoid sharp lines; it's better to draw smooth contours and cover a few extra pixels of the background to help the algorithm blend the area.

Divide and conquer. Instead of deleting a complex object all at once, do it in several smaller selections . This allows the AI ​​to better recalculate the environment and reduces visible errors.

Pay attention to order. Start with the elements furthest away and leave those in the foreground for last. If you delete the nearer elements first, the algorithm sometimes creates a background that is then ruined when you delete the background elements.

Enhance what AI misses. After deleting, use " Remaster Photo " to recover detail or reduce noise in generated areas. You can also adjust Clarity, Structure, and Noise to match textures with the rest of the image.

Combine tools. If halos remain, apply " Erase Shadows " or " Erase Highlights " to the area. Often, the artifact is actually a residual shade or shine that can be corrected with these options.

Review at full size and also on a small screen. What looks perfect enlarged might look terrible on a mobile device, and vice versa. A quick check at different scales prevents surprises when publishing.

Limitations and when it won't work well

AI isn't magic: if the object covers a large part of the scene and the background is complex or unique (for example, irregular patterns, water reflections, or very sharp bokeh ), the fill may leave artifacts if you look closely.

In very low-resolution photos or those with aggressive compression (screenshots, extreme cropping), the algorithm has less information available, and the edges often betray the retouching. Try to work with the original image and avoid recompressing it multiple times.

When shadows are cast, simply erasing the object without addressing the shadow often looks odd. In these cases, combine erasing the object and the shadow , or reframe the image to make the editing less obvious.

Privacy, cost, and watermarking in Galaxy AI

In "Generative Editing," the processing is sent to the Samsung cloud, so you need to accept the Galaxy AI terms and log in. Data is transmitted securely, but if you're editing sensitive content, consider using the local Object Eraser when sufficient.

The generated image may include a watermark and metadata indicating the use of AI. These notices are intended to preserve transparency . Cropping the edge may hide the visible watermark, but it does not remove the metadata; keep this in mind if you plan to publish on platforms with strict policies.

According to Samsung, Galaxy AI is free until the end of 2025. Changes may be introduced after that time. Stay tuned to the Alerts app or Samsung Members for updates.

Useful alternatives and add-ons

If you use Google Photos, the " Magic Eraser " offers competent results and works on many images; it's especially convenient if you already have a backup in the Google cloud.

Snapseed (free) has a " Spot Remover " tool, which is very precise for small imperfections on edges and continuous textures. It's a great option for fine touch-ups after the main erasing.

Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop have more advanced Content-Aware Fill and Object Removal tools . They require a bit more practice, but offer professional control if mobile editing isn't quite right.

Galaxy Enhance-X adds AI-powered enhancement modules (sharpening, glare reduction, lens corrections) that can polish your final result before sharing. Download it from the Galaxy Store and apply it as a finishing step.

Troubleshooting common problems

The "Object Eraser" option is not appearing. Update the Gallery app from the Galaxy Store and restart your device. On some older models, check the editor's three-dot menu to see if it's located under " Labs ."

The "Generative Editing" option is grayed out. Check your connection, sign in with your Samsung account , and make sure you have One UI 6.1 or higher. Temporarily disable power saving.

The result looks odd on repeated textures. Try deleting in smaller sections , changing the selection pattern, and using "Remaster" to even out grain and detail. If it still looks off, try other apps for the final touches.

I want to restore the original. When you save, the Gallery usually creates a separate copy . If you've overwritten it, tap "Undo" or check the edit history in the Gallery to revert changes if available.

FAQ

Can I use these functions with RAW photos? In the Gallery, you edit developed images (JPEG/HEIF). Develop the RAW file first (in the editor itself or in Lightroom) and then apply the eraser to the exported file . Enhance-X can also help with the development process.

Is the loss of quality noticeable? With "Object Eraser," the file maintains its original resolution , although the filled area may show synthesized textures. With "Generative Editing," the AI ​​recreates areas with more context and usually integrates edges better.

Does it work with people and pets? Yes, but the larger and more complex the subject, the more likely you are to need multiple passes or fine-tuning. Always check the ground area and any residual shadows.

Can you remove the Galaxy AI watermark? There's no setting to disable it once the feature adds it. You can crop the border to visually hide it, but the metadata will still indicate the use of AI.

Choosing between "Object Eraser" for quick touch-ups and "Generative Editing" for difficult cases, combined with careful selections and smooth finishing, will allow you to clean up your photos credibly and effortlessly on any compatible Samsung Galaxy.