A practical arrangement is to use automatic cloud backup for everyday devices alongside a separate local copy of irreplaceable files. The National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a copy stored separately from the original, so check what each route captures, how restoration works and how the account or drive is secured.
For people whose important photos and videos are mainly created on iPhone, iPad or Android devices and who need automatic capture plus a practical way to restore after replacement or loss. Apple and Google describe automatic backup options for their respective services.
For households using Windows PCs, Macs, tablets and phones, where each device’s files, settings and photo libraries need to be checked separately in the selected workflow.
For people who want a locally controlled place for several family members’ photos and files, and are prepared to maintain a connected home device and another backup destination.
Start with the devices and files you need to protect, then decide how often copies should update and where a separate copy will be kept.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate, recoverable copy | Confirm that the destination is separate from the phone or computer; check the restore steps and whether older file versions are available where needed. | I want photos, videos and documents to remain available if the original device is lost, damaged, deleted or replaced. |
| Automatic capture | Check supported devices, signed-in accounts, selected folders and whether mobile or computer backups run automatically or on a schedule. | Our household needs a routine that does not rely on someone remembering to copy every new photo or document. |
| Capacity and growth | Measure the current library, allow for future photos and videos, and check the exact drive capacity or cloud-storage allowance. | I need room for today’s files and future captures, while still keeping an additional copy where required. |
| Account and file security | Enable 2-step verification for cloud accounts; check recovery methods and whether the exact drive and software offer password protection or encryption. | I want sensitive household documents protected if an account is accessed without permission or a removable drive is misplaced. |
The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy in a separate safe location. A phone, computer, single external drive or NAS used alone can still leave no separate recoverable copy after loss, damage or access failure.
Keep at least one additional copy separate from the original device, using a cloud route for remotely held access or removable storage for a household-controlled local copy.
Apple, Google and Windows use different backup scopes and workflows. Google distinguishes photos and videos from other device-backup data, so a photo service should not automatically be treated as a full computer or device backup.
Open the backup settings before relying on a service, identify the included folders, libraries, device data and accounts, then restore a non-critical test item.
A portable SSD can suit frequent transfers, while an HDD can suit a capacity-led archive. Samsung’s stated peak transfer speeds depend on a compatible host and cable, so the household workflow matters as much as the drive type.
Compare exact capacity, connector, host compatibility, backup software and physical-use needs before choosing between an HDD and SSD.
A cloud backup can be compromised if someone accesses its account or recovery email. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends 2-step verification and strong, separate passwords for important online accounts.
Enable 2-step verification, use a unique password, record recovery methods safely and review which household members can access a shared backup account.
Relevant for households seeking portable or desktop external HDD storage as a local backup destination.
Relevant for households that value a compact external SSD for frequent photo and video transfers or a portable additional copy.
Relevant for households that want a shared personal-cloud or NAS-style destination rather than a drive attached to one computer.
Relevant for iPhone, iPad and Mac households that prefer an Apple-account-based cloud workflow.
Relevant for Android-led or mixed-device households using Google Photos and Google Account backup.
Joybuy product options for a household-managed external-drive copy of photos, videos and documents.
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For scheduled local copies of household photos, videos and documents from a computer.
2TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection; stated Acronis backup scheduling and AES-256 password protection.
Check capacity against the full backup set and confirm the exact operating-system support for backup and password features. Keep another copy of irreplaceable files elsewhere.
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For portable phone-media copies and transfers where the stated Lexar App workflow suits the household’s devices.
1TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; stated speeds up to 2,000MB/s; IP65 rating; support stated for selected iPhone, Galaxy and laptop workflows.
The automatic workflow is stated for media through the Lexar App and excludes iCloud backup; check restoration steps, supported devices and whether 1TB is enough.
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For a compact additional copy that can move between stated Mac, PC and Android workflows.
1TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; stated read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s; IP65 rating and 3m drop resistance.
No automatic backup routine is stated. Password protection uses Samsung Portable SSD software, so check support for each intended device before buying.
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For a portable manual copy of a sizeable photo, video and document library.
2TB capacity; stated read speeds up to 800MB/s; USB-device compatibility and 2m drop protection.
Check the supplied connector, operating-system compatibility and file system for the exact unit. No automatic backup, password protection or encryption feature is stated.
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For a large computer-based archive of household photos, videos and documents.
4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface; stated Windows 10+ plug-and-play recognition and USB-A cable.
Mac and other operating systems may require reformatting. No automatic backup, drive encryption or password protection is stated, so plan the update routine separately.
Measure the photos, videos and files you intend to protect across every included device, then choose a destination that can hold that backup set and the extra copies in your arrangement. Check whether device backups, photo libraries and computer folders count separately in the chosen service or workflow.
No. Apple describes iCloud Backup for iPhone and iPad data, while Google describes Google Photos photo and video backup alongside separate Google device backups. Check each device, enabled setting, storage allowance and file location before treating either service as the complete household backup.
It can remain connected when the selected automatic-backup software needs that connection; Microsoft states that an external File History drive must be connected for backups to run. For an additional removable copy, decide when it will be connected, updated and returned to separate storage.
Not as the only copy. A NAS can centralise household data and automate some computer backups, but it remains a physical device in the home. The National Cyber Security Centre’s definition of a backup supports keeping another copy in a separate safe location.
Use a strong, separate password for important accounts and enable 2-step verification where available, especially for the email account used for password recovery. The National Cyber Security Centre says 2-step verification makes unauthorised account access harder even if a password is known.