Use automatic cloud or device backup when you need a copy available to restore after changing devices, provided you can access the account and have enough storage for the data you need. An external drive suits recurring local computer backups; a USB drive or memory card is more appropriate for selected files than an assumed full-device backup. For important photos and documents, the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a separate removable copy disconnected when it is not in use.
Check that the latest backup completed before erasing or trading in the old phone. Review which photos, settings and app data the chosen iPhone, iPad or Android restore method covers, and make sure you can access its account on the replacement device.
Keep a copy apart from the original device so loss, damage or accidental deletion does not leave everything in one place. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting removable backup media when it is not in use; a cloud copy and a separate removable copy offer two locations to check and maintain.
An external drive can hold recurring copies of computer folders without relying solely on cloud storage. Apple’s Time Machine and Microsoft’s File History support this approach, but the destination needs suitable capacity and must be available when the backup runs.
Choose it when: you want a supported restore route for a replacement device without making every copy manually.
Trade-off: backup depends on account access, an internet connection and enough available storage; included data varies by service.
Choose it when: you want recurring local copies of Mac or Windows files using a compatible backup tool.
Trade-off: the drive must be available for backups, then disconnected when not in use to keep a copy separate.
Choose it when: you have a defined set of documents or photos to copy to compatible removable storage.
Trade-off: a manual file copy does not establish that device settings or app data can be restored.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverability | Confirm when the last backup completed, where its copy is held and whether the replacement device supports restoration. Keep a copy separate from the original device. | If my phone or computer is lost or reset, I need files I can actually retrieve, not just storage attached to the old device. |
| Cloud storage and access | Compare available account space with the data you intend to save. Check what else uses the allowance: Google says storage is shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Google Photos. | Photos and files need room to keep backing up, and I must be able to sign in when it is time to restore them. |
| Included data | Check the service’s backup and sync lists rather than treating them as identical. Apple distinguishes iCloud from computer backups; Google says Android app restoration varies by app, phone and Android version. | I want to know whether my photos, messages, settings and important app data will be available after the device change. |
| Local capacity and compatibility | Check the computer’s backup method, drive connection and space for future copies. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | For a growing collection of videos or documents, I need a local destination that works with my computer and has room for the backup I plan to keep. |
| Separate copies | Check that important files exist in another location and can be opened there. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting removable media when not in use. | If one device or connected copy is affected, I still want access to another copy of the files that matter. |
A completed device backup may cover different data from content synced through the same account. Google says a full shared storage allowance can stop photo and video backups.
Before erasing or replacing a device, check the last completed backup, available space, account access and the service’s list of included data.
Copying selected files does not establish that settings, apps or files stored elsewhere on the device can be restored.
List the folders you intend to keep, open a few files from the copy and safely eject the storage. Use a supported device-backup method if you need more than those files.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected removable or network storage can be affected in the same malware incident as the original computer.
Keep a separate copy and disconnect removable backup storage when it is not in use. Secure access to any cloud copy with a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Recurring backups need space beyond one current copy. Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
For Time Machine, use Apple’s capacity guidance; for selected manual copies, count the folders you will save and allow for their growth.
Apple offers iCloud or computer backups for iPhone and iPad, and Time Machine backups to external storage for Mac.
Google Account backup covers eligible Android device data, while Google Photos can automatically save photos and videos when its backup setting is on.
Windows Backup uses a personal Microsoft account for selected folders and settings on consumer PCs; File History provides recurring local copies of libraries.
These external drives, a USB flash drive and a microSD card are options for local computer backups or selected-file copies. Choose a compatible backup method separately if you need a restorable phone or computer backup.
No image availableA 1 TB local-storage option for files you want to copy separately from your device. Its name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check the connection on the device you will use and whether your chosen backup tool can schedule copies.
No image availableA portable 1 TB SSD to consider for a local copy of photos, videos or documents. The name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2; check the intended device and cable, and set up a backup schedule separately if you need recurring copies.
No image availableThe 4 TB capacity provides space to consider for a larger local collection of files. Check its format and connection before using it with your computer; a Mac may require reformatting. Arrange recurring backups through a compatible tool if that is your aim.
No image availableA removable option for a defined set of files rather than an assumed full-device restore. Its name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 1; confirm that the device you will use has a compatible USB Type-A connection, then check the copied files.
No image availableConsider this card for selected files on a device that supports its format and capacity; the included SD adapter offers another compatible slot type. Check exactly which files any backup app copies before relying on the card for a phone change.
Not necessarily. Apple Support says iCloud Backup excludes data already synced to iCloud, such as iCloud Photos. Check how synced content and device-backup data can each be recovered rather than assuming one setting creates a separate copy of everything.
Confirm the date and time of the last completed backup and check that the account has enough available storage. Apple Support also describes computer backup as an alternative; choose an encrypted computer backup if you need to retain Health, Activity or Keychain data through that route.
No. Google Help says restoration varies by phone and Android version, a backup from a higher Android version cannot be restored to a lower one, and some apps do not restore all settings or data. Check the replacement phone and the apps that matter before resetting the old device.
Apple Support recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity for Time Machine. That recommendation concerns recurring Time Machine backups, not a small manual copy of selected documents.
Disconnect removable backup storage when it is not being used, as the National Cyber Security Centre advises. A connected drive can be affected alongside the computer in a malware incident, so arrange access for backups without leaving your separate copy connected all the time.