Samsung Link Vs Allshare Why Did They Get Rid Of Allshare And Is Link Even Better

For years, Samsung users relied on AllShare to wirelessly connect devices, stream media, and manage content across their smart TVs, phones, tablets, and home appliances. But over time, the name faded from menus and settings, replaced by something newer: Samsung Link. Many long-time users were left wondering—why was AllShare discontinued, and what exactly does Samsung Link offer in its place? More importantly, is Samsung Link actually an improvement?

The shift wasn’t just a rebranding exercise. It reflected deeper changes in how Samsung envisions device connectivity in a world increasingly dominated by cloud integration, mobile-first design, and cross-platform compatibility. Understanding this transition reveals not only Samsung’s strategic direction but also helps users make smarter decisions about managing their digital ecosystems today.

The Rise and Fall of AllShare

AllShare debuted in the early 2010s as Samsung’s answer to DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) standards for local network sharing. It allowed users to:

• Stream photos, music, and videos from a smartphone or PC to a Samsung Smart TV.
• Control media playback remotely using one device as a remote for another.
• Share files between compatible Samsung devices over Wi-Fi.

At the time, AllShare was revolutionary—especially because it worked without requiring internet access. Everything happened locally through your home network. However, limitations quickly emerged. The interface was inconsistent across devices, setup often required technical know-how, and performance varied depending on router quality and signal strength.

“While AllShare was ahead of its time in concept, its execution struggled with usability and reliability—two critical factors in consumer tech.” — David Kim, Senior Analyst at TechInsight Asia

By the mid-2010s, user expectations had shifted. People wanted seamless, cloud-backed experiences that didn’t require being on the same Wi-Fi network. They expected automatic syncing, remote access, and tighter integration with mobile apps. AllShare, built primarily for local sharing, couldn’t keep pace.

Enter Samsung Link: A Cloud-Centric Evolution

Samsung Link launched as the successor to AllShare, designed with modern usage patterns in mind. Unlike AllShare’s focus on peer-to-peer streaming within a single network, Samsung Link emphasized cloud-based synchronization and remote access. Key features included:

• Remote photo, video, and document backup from Galaxy devices to the cloud.
• Access to backed-up content from any web browser or compatible device.
• Integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, including Smart TVs, refrigerators with displays, and wearables.
• Automatic upload of camera roll content when connected to Wi-Fi.

This shift aligned with broader industry trends. Apple had iCloud Photos, Google offered Google Photos, and Microsoft provided OneDrive integration. Samsung needed a competitive cloud solution—and Samsung Link was its attempt to fill that gap.

Tip: If you're still relying on local file sharing, consider enabling auto-backup in Samsung Cloud—it's the spiritual successor to both AllShare and Link.

Key Differences: Samsung Link vs AllShare

Feature	AllShare	Samsung Link
Primary Function	Local media streaming via DLNA	Cloud backup & remote access
Network Requirement	Same Wi-Fi network	Internet connection required
Cross-Network Access	No	Yes (via web portal)
Device Syncing	Limited, manual	Automatic, cloud-based
Supported Devices	Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, older Galaxy phones	Galaxy smartphones, tablets, some SmartThings-compatible screens
Data Storage	On-device or local server	In Samsung Cloud (limited free tier)

The table highlights a fundamental shift: AllShare was about connecting devices *in the same room*, while Samsung Link aimed to connect them *anywhere in the world*. That change in philosophy explains why Samsung eventually phased out AllShare—it no longer fit the vision of a unified, always-connected ecosystem.

Why AllShare Was Discontinued

The decision to retire AllShare wasn’t sudden. It unfolded gradually as Samsung pivoted toward cloud services and centralized account management. Several factors contributed:

1. Declining Relevance of DLNA: As streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube became dominant, the need to manually stream personal media dropped.
2. Rise of Cloud Services: Users preferred automatic backups over manual transfers. Samsung Cloud absorbed many of Link’s functions, making standalone apps redundant.
3. Security and Maintenance Costs: Supporting legacy protocols like UPnP/DLNA introduced security risks and required ongoing maintenance.
4. Ecosystem Consolidation: Samsung streamlined its software under SmartThings and Samsung Cloud, reducing fragmentation.

By 2017, Samsung officially ended support for Samsung Link as well, redirecting users to Samsung Cloud and the SmartThings app for device management and media access.

Mini Case Study: The Park Family’s Transition

The Park family used AllShare daily in 2013 to show vacation photos on their Samsung HDTV from their Galaxy S4. When they upgraded to a Galaxy S21 and a QLED TV in 2021, they found AllShare missing. Initially frustrated, they discovered that Samsung Cloud automatically backed up their photos and synced them to their TV’s “Family Board” screen—without needing to be on the same network. While the learning curve existed, the convenience of remote updates and shared albums won them over.

Is Samsung Link Better Than AllShare?

The answer depends on what you value.

If you prioritize simplicity, offline use, and full control over your media, AllShare may have felt more reliable. There was no dependency on internet speed or cloud storage limits. You owned your data locally, and it played instantly.

But if you want automatic backups, remote access, and integration with modern smart home features, then Samsung Link—and its successors—are objectively superior. The ability to access your phone’s photos from a TV in another country, or to let family members contribute to a shared album, represents a leap forward in usability.

That said, Samsung Link itself is now deprecated. Its core functionality lives on in:

• Samsung Cloud: For photo, contact, and note syncing.
• SmartThings: For device mirroring and media casting.
• Quick Share: Samsung’s version of Apple’s AirDrop, enabling fast local sharing.

Checklist: Migrating From AllShare to Modern Alternatives

Action Steps:

1. Enable Samsung Cloud backup on your Galaxy device (Settings > Accounts and backup).
2. Install the SmartThings app and link your TV and other Samsung devices.
3. Use Quick Share to transfer files between nearby Samsung devices.
4. Set up Family Sharing in Samsung Cloud for photo collaboration.
5. Replace old DLNA servers with Plex or Synology if you still want local media streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use AllShare on my old Samsung TV?

Yes, if your TV runs an older Tizen OS version or Legacy Samsung OS, AllShare may still appear in the menu. However, Samsung no longer supports it, and firmware updates may remove it entirely. For newer devices, use SmartThings or Screen Sharing instead.

What replaced Samsung Link after it was discontinued?

Samsung Cloud and SmartThings are the primary replacements. Samsung Cloud handles file and media storage, while SmartThings manages device connectivity and media casting. Quick Share also fills the gap for instant local sharing.

Do I need a Samsung account to use these services?

Yes. Nearly all post-AllShare services require a Samsung account for synchronization, remote access, and cross-device functionality. This allows Samsung to maintain continuity across devices but also means your data is tied to their ecosystem.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Seamless Connectivity

The retirement of AllShare and the short lifespan of Samsung Link reflect a period of rapid evolution in how we interact with our devices. What once required complex network setups can now happen automatically, invisibly, and securely across continents. While nostalgia for simpler, local solutions remains valid, the future belongs to integrated, intelligent ecosystems.

Samsung didn’t just replace AllShare with Link—they began a journey toward a fully connected experience powered by cloud intelligence, AI-driven suggestions, and unified account management. Today’s tools do more than stream media; they anticipate needs, protect memories, and bring families together digitally.

🚀 Ready to optimize your Samsung ecosystem? Audit your current devices, enable Samsung Cloud backups, and explore SmartThings—your gateway to the next generation of seamless connectivity.