Choose a backup around the photos, documents and device information you need to recover, rather than assuming that a successful sync or file copy is enough. Before replacing or wiping a device, check account access, included folders and data, available capacity and recovery options, then test restoring files; a synchronised photo library is not necessarily a separate historical backup.
If you are moving to another phone or computer, check which photos, documents, settings and app data will actually restore—not just which files appear in a storage account. The National Cyber Security Centre advises people to back up important data, including when they have a new device.
If you want to keep an expanding collection of photos, videos and documents, consider both usable capacity and whether you can carry out the restore yourself. Apple Support and Microsoft Support describe backup options for Mac and Windows files respectively.
If you want another copy less exposed to the original device or sync account, consider how and where it is stored, and whether it is disconnected between backup sessions. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping an offline backup digitally disconnected when it is not in use.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Restoring the right data | Check selected data categories and folders, replacement-device compatibility, backup completion and a sample restore. | If I am changing devices, I want the files and device information I rely on to return, not just a list of uploaded files. Consumers who prioritise restore completeness account for around 25%. |
| Independent protection | Check deletion behaviour and recovery periods, and whether another copy is disconnected and stored separately. | If a device is lost or files are deleted, I want another copy that is not exposed to the same account or incident. Consumers who put independent protection first account for around 25%. |
| Capacity and ongoing commitment | Measure the files to keep, include other use of shared cloud storage and allow for additions or retained versions. | When my photo and document collection grows, I want enough usable space without overlooking other storage needs or an ongoing subscription. Consumers who prioritise capacity and cost account for around 25%. |
| Compatibility and upkeep | Check connectors, readers or power needs, supported file systems, largest individual file, backup scheduling and restore steps. | If I use removable storage, I want it to connect to my devices and fit a routine I can keep up with. Consumers who prioritise practical compatibility and maintenance account for around 25%. |
With iCloud Photos enabled, deleting a photo also deletes it from devices using that sync. Apple Support explains that iCloud Photos content is not also included in the daily iCloud device backup.
Check how deletion and recovery work for your service. If you need an independent copy, keep another copy through a separately maintained backup process.
Moving files off a device can leave you with just one surviving copy, rather than a separate backup.
Before deleting anything, check what copies remain and whether you can open the files from the backup.
Keeping another copy may require additional storage.
A suitable connection and file system matter, and FAT32 cannot store an individual file of 4 GiB or larger. Apple Support also notes that external hard drives often need additional power with iPhone.
Check the whole connection path and the largest file you plan to copy. Test copying and reopening files on the devices you intend to use.
A reader, adapter or additional power supply may be needed for your setup.
Samsung says the T7 Shield IP65 rating is based on controlled internal testing and that liquid and dust damage are excluded from its warranty. A drive’s physical characteristics do not show whether its data can be restored.
Check the exact model’s warranty terms and keep another tested copy of important files.
Damage outside warranty terms may leave you needing a replacement drive.
Apple offers distinct iCloud options for device backups and photo syncing, as well as Time Machine for Mac files.
Google Account and Google One backup options are relevant to Android users and shared cloud-storage planning.
OneDrive recovery and Windows File History provide distinct account-based and external-drive workflows.
The T7 Shield 1 TB, model MU-PE1T0S/EU, is a portable SSD option for a separately maintained local copy.
Kingston DataTraveler removable storage is relevant to defined file-copy workflows.
Seagate’s Backup Plus Portable line has documented Toolkit support for backing up computer files.
These products cover portable SSDs and removable microSD cards for keeping a local copy of photos, videos and documents. Check device compatibility and test the file-copy and restore process before relying on any storage device.
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A portable local-storage option for keeping photos, videos and documents together or moving files between compatible devices.
2 TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2; USB-C and USB-A cables listed; Windows, Mac and Android use listed. Optional AES 256-bit encryption is described for this model.
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A portable local-storage option for photo libraries, videos and documents when the selected files fit the available capacity.
1 TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2; USB-C and USB-A cables listed; Windows, Mac and Android use listed. Optional AES 256-bit encryption is described for this model.
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A removable-media option for saving photos and videos when the source device supports microSD cards.
128 GB; Gen 3; A1; read speeds up to 150 MB/s; SD adapter included. Check device support and the file system needed for your files.
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A portable SSD option for keeping a local copy of important files; retain another copy and test restoring from it.
1 TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2; read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s. The description advises against long-term submersion and recommends keeping a separate backup.
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A removable-media option for Android-device storage when the device supports microSDHC or microSDXC cards.
256 GB; read speeds up to 150 MB/s; SD adapter included. Check the host device’s card format support before choosing this card.
Check which data categories and folders are included, confirm the backup has completed and practise restoring representative files. Google Android Help notes that a backup from a higher Android version cannot be restored to a phone running a lower version, and not every app restores all its data.
Measure the files you intend to preserve using consistent units, then account for other use of the same storage allowance and any versions you retain. Google storage is shared across services. For Time Machine specifically, Apple Support ideally recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity, while noting that a smaller disk may still work and older backups are removed as space runs low.
A FAT32-formatted drive cannot store an individual file of 4 GiB or larger. Use a file system supported by both the source and restore devices; formatting erases existing data, so preserve anything you need before reformatting.
No; unplugging a drive does not guarantee protection. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping a backup offline and not connecting every copy at once, because connected USB, network and cloud locations have been affected in ransomware incidents. Maintain the copy and test restoring from it; being disconnected does not verify its contents.
Check the file formats and test them in the destination apps before relying on an export. Apple Support documents HEIF and HEVC support on iOS 11 and later and macOS High Sierra 10.13 and later, with limitations on some older devices. The Most Compatible camera setting creates new photos and videos as JPEG and H.264; it does not mean existing files have been converted.