For irreplaceable files, use more than one copy: a cloud or device-service copy for convenient access, plus a separate local copy for recovery if an account, device or synchronised files are compromised. Choose cloud storage around your device ecosystem and restoration needs, then choose external storage around capacity, connection compatibility and whether you need fast portable transfers; keep a recovery drive disconnected when it is not backing up or restoring.
You need recovery after loss, damage, accidental deletion or ransomware, rather than only convenient file access. A separate online and storage-device copy is the relevant starting point. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping online and storage-device backups.
Check whether photos, device settings, messages and app data are included, how automatic backup runs, and how restoration works when moving to a replacement device. Apple Support and Google One Help describe different backup and photo-storage arrangements.
You need a local backup disk sized for the computer and expected library growth, plus a route that fits Windows File History or Mac Time Machine. Microsoft Support and Apple Support provide guidance for these local backup tools.
Start with the files and devices you must recover, then confirm capacity, restore steps and account protection before relying on any one route.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Independent recovery | Keep a recent separate copy; check the latest successful backup and test restoring a small sample. Disconnect an external recovery drive when it is not in use. | I want to recover important files without relying on the affected phone, tablet or computer. |
| Access across devices | Confirm which devices can sign in, what happens when files are deleted, and whether version history or a separate local copy is available. | I want photos available on several devices without treating synchronisation as my only backup. |
| Capacity and growth | Measure used storage, allow room for new photos and backup versions, and check the exact capacity of the selected drive. For Time Machine, Apple Support advises a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | My backup needs room for today’s files and a growing photo or video library. |
| Account security | Enable two-factor or two-step verification, retain supported recovery methods, and check what encryption description applies to the service. | I want to protect cloud-held copies and avoid losing access to the backup account. |
| Device compatibility | Check the port standard, cables, operating-system support, formatting requirements and the exact data types included in phone or computer backups. | I need the backup route to work with the phone, tablet or computer I actually use. |
Synchronisation keeps devices up to date, so unwanted changes can also spread. Recovery may then depend on account access and service availability.
Keep a separate local copy of irreplaceable files and test restoring a small sample before relying on the arrangement.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect storage attached to an infected computer, including connected USB and network drives.
After a completed backup, safely disconnect the recovery drive and store it securely. Reconnect it only for backup, verification or restoration.
Photos, video and versioned backups grow over time, and a full destination can prevent a complete backup.
Measure current used storage, allow for future growth and backup versions, and use Apple’s at-least-two-times-Mac-capacity guidance as a starting point for Time Machine.
A USB-C connector alone does not confirm the transfer mode needed for a quoted maximum speed. Samsung states that its T7 maximum speeds depend on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 hardware, cable and UASP mode.
Check the exact port standard, supplied cable, operating-system compatibility and formatting requirements before choosing an SSD for fast backup or restoration.
Relevant to iPhone, iPad and Mac users who want integrated iCloud device backup, iCloud Photos and Time Machine support.
Relevant to Android users and households that want Google-account-based photo access across signed-in devices.
Relevant to personal Windows users who want Microsoft-account and OneDrive recovery alongside a local File History drive.
Relevant when considering a portable SSD for compact local copies and large-file transfers between compatible devices.
Relevant to users considering a high-capacity portable HDD for scheduled computer backups rather than fast portable transfer.
Joybuy product options for creating a separate local copy of photos, documents and computer files alongside a cloud or device-backup route.
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For computer users who want scheduled local copies of photos and documents.
2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity, bus power and scheduled-backup software are stated. The drive is pre-formatted for Windows; the listing states that macOS 11+ use requires a downloadable compatibility driver. Check whether 2TB covers your files, backup versions and expected growth.
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For compatible mobile workflows that need a separate local copy of media.
1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, claimed read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, IP65 protection and stated 3m drop resistance are listed. The Lexar App is stated to support media auto-backup; check the supported devices, included media and restoration process. Maximum speed may be lower on systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
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For moving a portable local copy between compatible Mac, PC and Android devices.
The listing states 1TB capacity, USB-C USB 3.2 Gen 2, claimed speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, plus IP65 and drop protection. Check capacity needs and supported operating systems for the stated password-protection and AES-256 hardware-encryption setup.
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For transferring copies between compatible USB-C phones, laptops or cameras.
The listing states 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, claimed speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, plus USB-C and USB-A cables. Initial formatting may be needed. Magnetic mounting for iPhone 15/16 requires the included case or ring, and MagSafe wireless charging is not supported.
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For carrying a sizeable separate local copy of a photo or document library.
The listing states 2TB capacity, read speeds up to 800MB/s, a supplied USB cable and up-to-2m drop protection. Confirm the connector, operating-system support, file-system format and any required backup or encryption features for your workflow.
Not if you need an independent recovery route. iCloud can keep changes, including deletions, in step across devices, while the National Cyber Security Centre advises using online storage and a storage device for two backups and maintaining an offline copy of important data.
Check the date and time of the last successful backup, available iCloud storage, automatic-backup conditions, and whether iCloud Photos or Messages in iCloud are syncing separately. Apple Support states that automatic iCloud Backup requires the device to be on power and Wi-Fi with its screen locked.
Confirm whether photos and videos, device data, or both are selected, and make sure you can access the account. Google says Android backup data other than photos or videos may be erased after 57 days of device inactivity, while previously backed-up photos and videos remain in Google Photos.
For Time Machine, Apple Support advises a backup disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. Keep that dedicated disk for Time Machine backups rather than using it as general file storage if you need predictable backup capacity.
Use two-factor or two-step verification, protect the device with a passcode or login password, and retain supported account-recovery options. Google and Apple both document an additional sign-in verification step, and the National Cyber Security Centre specifically advises enabling two-step verification for online backups.