Choose a portable external SSD or hard drive for a controlled local copy during a one-off transfer, but reconnect it regularly if it is also meant to be an ongoing backup. Cloud backup can help with device setup and off-device access, while a NAS can suit shared household backups; whichever route you choose, check what is included, whether it can be restored, account recovery, available capacity and device connections before erasing the old device.
Check the difference between direct transfer and a restorable backup, what Apple or Google backup includes, and whether you can still sign in after the old phone is unavailable. Apple Support UK and Google One Help describe backup-based transfer and restoration workflows.
Keep a local or cloud copy that can be checked before an old computer is erased, sold or disposed of. Microsoft Support describes external storage for moving files, while Windows Backup and Time Machine support platform-specific backup workflows.
A NAS can provide a shared destination for several devices when you are prepared to manage accounts, network access, compatible protocols and a separate backup destination for the NAS itself.
Start by deciding whether you need a checked migration copy, continuing protection, or both. Then confirm the route works with your devices and recovery plan.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Backup scope | Check whether the route covers selected files, photos, settings, apps or wider device data. Confirm the restore workflow for the new phone or computer. | I want to know that the copy I make can restore what matters, rather than simply holding a folder of files. |
| Connections and capacity | Compare ports, supplied cables, host interface, usable free space and file-system compatibility on both old and new devices. | My drive needs to connect to both devices and hold the real data set, including room for future backup history where needed. |
| Privacy and recovery | Check whether the exact drive or backup software supports encryption or password protection. Set independent account-recovery methods before replacing a phone. | I want a portable copy protected from unauthorised access without losing the password, recovery key or cloud-account access needed to restore it. |
| Migration or ongoing backup | For continuing protection, look for scheduled backups, version history and a separate storage location. Test copied files or a restore path before erasing the old device. | I need to decide whether this is a one-time move to a new device or a backup routine that will stay current afterwards. |
Files, photos and settings changed after a migration copy will not automatically appear on that drive. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a separate copy kept for restoration, while Windows, Mac and NAS tools need active scheduling or configuration.
Decide whether you need migration, continuing backup or both. For ongoing protection, set a schedule, keep the destination available and check that you can restore from it.
A backup destination needs space for the files you actually protect and, where relevant, backup history. For Time Machine, Apple Support UK recommends a backup disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac.
Measure the data you intend to protect and allow for growth and version history. Use Apple's guidance specifically for a Time Machine workflow, not as a universal rule for every route.
Transfer performance depends on the whole connection path: the computer or phone, its port, the cable and the drive. Samsung UK notes that stated Portable SSD T7 performance can vary by host configuration.
Check the ports on both devices, the supplied cable and the drive interface. Treat a manufacturer's stated maximum speed as a model-specific upper figure rather than a guaranteed copy time.
An encrypted backup may require its password for restoration, and cloud backups can become inaccessible if the old phone is the only second-factor method.
Keep the backup password or recovery key securely and separately from the device. Before replacing a phone, add and test an independent recovery option such as backup codes, another phone number, a signed-in device, a passkey or a security key.
Relevant for portable SSD buyers who want a compact local migration or backup destination. Samsung UK identifies USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces, stated sequential transfer performance and password-protection features for specified T7 models.
Relevant for households considering a NAS route with scheduled backups, multiple destinations and version retention rather than a portable one-off transfer drive.
Relevant when separate user storage, shared folders, encryption and Mac Time Machine support are central to a household NAS workflow.
Joybuy product options for local migration copies, ongoing computer backup and household NAS storage.
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A local option for laptop migration and scheduled computer backups when you will reconnect the drive.
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A household-focused route for repeatable backups and shared local storage when you are ready to manage a NAS.
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A portable local migration copy for compatible Windows, macOS and Android devices.
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A compact local transfer option for compatible laptops and Android devices during replacement.
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A phone- and laptop-oriented local transfer drive for compatible USB-C and USB-A connections.
Use a temporary migration route when you only need a checked copy to move files from the old device to the new one. Choose an ongoing-backup route only if you will configure automatic or scheduled backups after the move; the National Cyber Security Centre defines backups as separate copies for later restoration, while Windows and Mac tools provide workflows beyond manual file copying.
First confirm that the intended files or device backup are present and usable on the new device or backup destination. Then use the appropriate erase or factory-reset process; the Information Commissioner's Office says personal information should be properly deleted before hardware is sold or disposed of.
Not automatically. Apple Support UK says a disk formatted for Windows cannot be used for Time Machine unless it is reformatted, which permanently removes its data, while Microsoft Support describes external storage as a way to copy files between Windows PCs. Check the intended file system, whether reformatting is acceptable and whether the drive will be dedicated to Time Machine.
Check that you can sign in, that the relevant backup is current and that recovery methods exist beyond the phone being replaced. Google Account Help lists another signed-in device, another phone number, backup codes, a hardware security key and a passkey on another device as possible options when the primary phone is unavailable.