Choose cloud storage for automatic off-site copies and access across signed-in devices; choose an external drive for a separate local copy that can be disconnected; and choose NAS when a shared local archive is worth the additional setup. For irreplaceable files, use more than one recovery path, keep at least one copy separate from the home, and make sure both account access and file restoration can be tested.
Automatic phone capture, an off-site copy and an account-recovery route matter when a primary phone is lost or unavailable. The Information Commissioner’s Office and the National Cyber Security Centre both describe keeping important files in a separate location as part of a backup arrangement.
Families using different phones and computers need to decide whether they need cross-platform access, pooled storage, private individual files or selected shared folders. Google, Apple and Microsoft apply different storage and family-sharing conditions.
A sizeable photo and video library may benefit from a local archive, but a NAS or external drive still needs separation from the main devices and another recovery destination. The National Cyber Security Centre and Synology both caution against relying on one local copy alone.
Start by deciding where the separate copy will live, then check storage limits, sharing rules and how you would regain access if a device or account becomes unavailable.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate recovery copy | Keep copies on separate media; retain an off-site destination; disconnect a local drive when it is not needed. | I want to restore files if a phone, computer or home-stored equipment is lost, damaged or affected by malware. |
| Storage capacity | Measure the existing library; allow room for new photos and videos; check whether email and other files share the same quota. | My archive needs to fit before automatic uploads begin, without unexpected interruptions when the allowance is full. |
| Access and sharing | Check supported devices; review family-plan eligibility; set folder and album permissions separately from account access. | I need the archive on the devices that matter, while keeping private household files separate from material I choose to share. |
| Account recovery | Use strong, unique passwords; set up alternative verification; store recovery information away from the primary phone. | I want access to remain recoverable if the only sign-in phone is lost or an account needs to be recovered. |
Connected USB, network and cloud locations can be affected in the same ransomware incident, while a drive kept only at home can be lost alongside the original devices in a fire, flood or theft.
Keep separate copies on different media, maintain one off-site copy for irreplaceable files, and avoid leaving every backup continuously connected or available through the same credentials.
Google’s allowance is shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos, while Microsoft shares storage across OneDrive files and photos, Outlook attachments and Microsoft 365 apps. A full allowance can interrupt uploads, edits or syncing.
Measure the current library, leave room for future media and review the provider’s storage breakdown before selecting a plan or enabling camera backup.
A paid storage upgrade may be needed when shared storage is exhausted; check the current plan and availability in the relevant account and UK storefront.
Apple says that with Advanced Data Protection it does not hold the keys needed to recover protected data, so recovery becomes the account holder’s responsibility.
Set up a Recovery Contact or Recovery Key before enabling the setting, store it separately from the primary device and make sure the responsible person understands the recovery process.
A NAS can offer local multi-version recovery, but drive failure and local damage can still affect it. An external drive also needs a deliberate or scheduled copying routine and physical separation from the main devices.
Decide which devices and folders are covered, how often copies run, where another copy will be kept and how you will test a restoration before buying hardware.
A NAS setup may also require storage drives, replacement capacity or a second backup destination.
A cloud-first option for households using Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail and Android devices, with backed-up photos and videos available on signed-in devices.
An integrated cloud route for households centred on iPhone, iPad and Mac devices, using iCloud+ storage and Family Sharing options.
A cloud-storage route for Windows and Microsoft 365 households that need OneDrive file and photo storage alongside recovery features.
A NAS-focused route for households that want a central local archive and are prepared to manage local storage, versions and an additional backup destination.
An external-drive route for households wanting a portable or desktop local copy for computer-based archives.
These Joybuy options cover external-drive and NAS routes for a separate local household archive. They are most useful as part of a wider arrangement that also includes an off-site recovery copy for irreplaceable files.
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A portable local destination for a computer-based household archive, with stated scheduled backups through Acronis True Image for Western Digital.
1 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection; stated 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password setup.
It is pre-formatted for Windows; macOS read/write use requires a downloadable driver. Keep a separate off-site copy for irreplaceable files and disconnect the drive when it is not backing up.
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A 2 TB local copy option for households moving photo and video archives between compatible Windows, Mac and Android devices.
Stated 2 TB capacity; USB-C connection; supplied USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables; optional password protection and AES-256 hardware encryption.
Check the backup software and restore process you plan to use. This portable SSD is a local destination, not an off-site backup arrangement on its own.
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A central local archive option for several household computers, with stated file sharing, photo storage and personal-cloud functions.
2-bay diskless design; stated automated backup destinations include cloud services, external drives and remote NAS; stated RAID and snapshot features.
Storage drives are required before it can hold files. Plan the usable capacity, home-network setup and a separate external or cloud destination rather than treating the NAS as off-site recovery.
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A portable local copy for files carried between compatible Macs, PCs and Android devices or stored away from the main computer.
1 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection; stated AES-256 password setup; stated IP65 rating and up-to-3-metre drop resistance.
The IP65 statement is for temporary water exposure and does not permit submersion. Confirm the backup software and test a restore, then keep an additional off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
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A 2 TB portable local archive for large files copied from compatible USB-C equipment.
2 TB capacity; USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection; stated 256-bit AES hardware encryption, password authentication and up-to-3-metre drop protection.
The supplied cable is USB-C to USB-C, so check household computer ports and any adapter requirements. Confirm the backup and restoration workflow before relying on it.
It can provide a separate off-site copy, but it is not automatically resilient against every failure. The National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a separate copy that can be restored and warns that ransomware incidents have affected connected USB, network and cloud storage locations. Keep more than one recovery path for irreplaceable files, with at least one copy offline or digitally disconnected when not in use.
Google states that a Google Account includes up to 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos. Apple states that iCloud includes 5 GB free, while Microsoft states that a personal Microsoft account includes 5 GB shared across OneDrive files and photos, Outlook attachments and Microsoft 365 apps. Check current availability and existing use before enabling automatic photo backup.
Often, yes, but the service and setup matter. Apple says Family Sharing can share an iCloud+ plan while each person’s files and documents remain private, although members can see storage use. Google says family-plan members can see shared-storage use but cannot access one another’s files without permission. Do not share a personal login simply to share capacity.
Set up a recovery route first. Apple says Advanced Data Protection requires arrangements such as a Recovery Contact or Recovery Key and that the user is responsible for recovering protected data if access is lost. Store the recovery information separately from the primary device and make sure it can be used when needed.
Use a recovery method that is not only on that phone. Google lists options including another signed-in phone, an additional phone number, saved backup codes, a hardware security key or a passkey on another device. Set up and protect at least one alternative before a device is lost.