Choose a backup route by the files you need to recover, the devices that must read them, your internet access and how you will test a restore. An external drive gives you a local copy, cloud storage can keep an off-device copy, and a USB stick can suit a smaller set of files; using separate cloud and removable copies reduces reliance on one route. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping removable backups disconnected when they are not in use and storing them securely.
If you need to move photos, contacts and documents to a new device, check which items your chosen service or removable copy actually includes. The National Cyber Security Centre notes that backup coverage can depend on which data you select.
For operational files, assign responsibility for making backups and testing restoration. If you handle personal information, the Information Commissioner's Office advises regularly testing backup and recovery processes.
If losing access to a drive, device or cloud account would leave you without a usable copy, consider keeping separate recovery routes and testing each one. The National Cyber Security Centre discusses keeping an offline backup.
Start with the files you must recover and how you will test a restore, then choose a local, cloud or combined approach that fits your access and backup routine.
For personal and small-organisation backups, the National Cyber Security Centre emphasises keeping recoverable copies and disconnecting removable devices when they are not being used for a backup.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Restoring the right files | List the files and folders you need; check deletion or version recovery and test restoring a representative file. | I need the photos, contacts or work files I choose to be present and restorable, not just synced. Around 33% of consumers put recovery of the right files first. |
| Keeping copies up to date | Check the backup schedule, completion notices and date of the last successful restore. | If I rely on a recent copy, I need a routine that does not depend on remembering every time. Around 25% of consumers prioritise keeping backups current. |
| Separating and protecting copies | Check secure storage and disconnection for removable devices; for cloud accounts, review access protection and recovery arrangements. | For work or sensitive files, I want a copy separated from the device and access I can still recover. Around 25% of consumers put separation and security first. |
| Capacity and ongoing commitment | Measure the current backup set and expected growth; check usable capacity and any continuing cloud-plan terms. | I need enough room for my files without taking on an unsuitable ongoing commitment. Around 17% of consumers put capacity and cost first. |
A synced deletion may also affect the other devices using that service. Apple says iCloud Photos deletions propagate across devices, so sync alone may not give you the separate recovery copy you expect.
Check deletion and version-retention terms for the specific files you need, and keep another copy if those terms do not meet your recovery needs.
Keeping a separate copy also means maintaining another storage location and backup routine.
If the selected files do not all fit, some may be left out of the backup and unavailable when you need them.
Measure the files you intend to protect, allow for expected growth and test that the copy includes the right folders.
Formatting needs and warranty terms can differ by model and region. The Joybuy listing for a WD 2TB Elements drive states a three-year manufacturer's warranty, while Western Digital's data sheet lists two years worldwide and three years in China.
Before relying on a warranty or connecting a drive to a particular device, check the exact model, formatting requirements and applicable UK terms.
WD Elements Portable is an external hard-drive line to consider for local file copies.
Seagate Basic is another portable hard-drive line to compare for local backups.
Kingston's ordinary DataTraveler drives and IronKey Vault Privacy 50 are distinct removable-storage lines.
OneDrive may be relevant when your files are stored in the Microsoft ecosystem.
iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive are relevant to Apple-device users checking what sync and backup cover.
Google Drive is a cloud-file option to compare if you use a Google account.
These Joybuy options are removable local-storage choices for backups. Compare the stated capacity with your measured file set and check that your device accepts the connection type.
Image unavailable
Consider it for a local removable copy if your measured backup set fits within its stated 2 TB capacity.
Product name specifies USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Blue. Disconnect the drive between backups and store it securely.
Image unavailable
Consider this removable option if your measured backup set fits within 128GB.
Check that your device has a compatible USB-A port. Disconnect the stick between backups and store it securely.
Image unavailable
Consider it for a removable local copy if the files you need to protect fit within 128GB.
The product name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Black + Red. Check for a compatible USB-A port, then disconnect and securely store the stick between backups.
Image unavailable
Consider this removable option if your measured backup set fits within 512GB.
Check that your device has a compatible USB-A port. Disconnect the drive between backups and store it securely.
Image unavailable
Consider it for a smaller removable backup set that fits within 64GB and is used with a USB-C device.
The product name specifies USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 1. Check that the device has a compatible USB-C port, then disconnect and securely store the stick between backups.
Identify the files you need, confirm they appear in the backup and restore a representative selection to a device that can read them. For organisational personal data, the Information Commissioner's Office advises regularly testing backup and recovery processes.
Disconnect a removable backup drive when you are not making a backup, and keep it in a secure location. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected devices can also be affected when a computer is infected.
Not necessarily. Western Digital says its WD Elements Portable may require reformatting for other operating systems, while Seagate says Basic requires reformatting for Mac use. Check the exact model and destination device before relying on the drive as your only backup.
Do not assume it is. Apple says iCloud Photos deletions propagate across devices, those photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup, and deleted photos can be recovered for 30 days. Keep another copy if you need longer or independent recovery.
The cited guidance does not establish a single rule applying to every personal backup. The Information Commissioner's Office says purely personal or household processing is outside the UK GDPR; organisations processing personal information must use appropriate security measures, with encryption assessed according to risk. An organisation making a restricted international transfer must also assess the applicable transfer rules and mechanism.