Start with what you need to restore: a folder copied to a drive is not necessarily a full phone backup. A compatible local drive can keep a separate copy of computer files, while a supported cloud backup may help when the old device is unavailable; keeping local and off-site copies addresses different loss risks, as the National Cyber Security Centre advises, but each route still needs to cover the right data and devices.
If you need more than a folder of photos, check whether settings and other required data will transfer to your next phone. Apple Support (UK) explains that iCloud backups cover device information and settings not already synced to iCloud; Google Android Help notes that restore behaviour varies by phone and Android version.
If your file collection is growing, check that a separate copy has enough room and can be opened on the replacement device. For Mac Time Machine, Apple Support advises a backup disk ideally at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
If losing one device or location would put important files at risk, consider where another recoverable copy will be kept. The National Cyber Security Centre advises storing a backup in a separate safe location and also highlights risks to connected backup drives.
Consider it when: you want a local copy of files and can connect the drive to both the source and replacement device.
Trade-off: a drive kept with the original device may be affected by the same loss, and a file copy does not by itself restore phone settings or app data.
Consider it when: the service supports the data and devices you need to restore, particularly if the old device may not be available.
Trade-off: restoring depends on account access and connectivity, and storage or photo syncing is not automatically the same as a full device backup.
Consider it when: you want a local file copy as well as a supported remote restore route.
Trade-off: keeping two destinations takes more checking; a connected drive or modifiable cloud copy is not inherently protected from destructive malware.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Restore coverage | Check which data types the backup includes and whether the restore route supports both devices. | If I am moving to a new phone, I may need more than photos; settings or app data may matter too. About 36% of consumers prioritise restoring the data they need. |
| Separate copies | Check where the copy is stored and whether a local drive remains connected. | If losing the device could also mean losing the only nearby copy, I want another recoverable destination. About 29% of consumers prioritise keeping a copy separate from the original. |
| Capacity | Compare the files to retain with available space, allowing for later backups; check existing cloud-account use too. | If my photos, videos or documents are taking up more room, I need enough space for the files I intend to keep. About 21% of consumers prioritise capacity for a growing collection. |
| Device access | Match connectors, file-system requirements and host-device capabilities to the devices involved. | If I need to open the copy on a different phone or computer, I want a connection and format those devices can use. About 14% of consumers prioritise access across their devices. |
Apple excludes items already synced to iCloud from its device backup, while Google says Android restore coverage varies. A file copy alone does not show that settings or app data will return.
List what you need to recover and check it against the chosen backup and restore procedure before erasing the old device.
The same physical event can affect both devices, and the National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can affect connected USB and network storage.
Keep a recoverable copy separate. For irreplaceable files, consider an additional copy that is disconnected or stored elsewhere.
Capacity needs depend on what you are backing up. Apple’s guidance for a Mac using Time Machine differs from a selected-file transfer, and Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s peak speeds depend on compatible host and cable support.
Check the size of the files you want to keep, the backup software, and the ports and format requirements of both devices before choosing a drive.
Storage allowance does not by itself show that backup is enabled, complete or covering the data you need. Apple distinguishes synced items from iCloud device backups, and Google says Android restore behaviour varies.
Check the backup status and contents separately from the available storage, then confirm the restore route and whether a local copy is also needed.
These brands document different storage and restore routes; a product line alone does not establish compatibility with your particular devices.
My Passport portable HDDs are a capacity-led option to examine for local computer-file copies.
The T7 Shield portable SSD line may suit people who regularly carry or recopy large files.
DataTraveler Exodia flash drives offer a USB-A option for a limited set of files.
iCloud backup and iCloud+ capacity are relevant to supported iPhone and iPad restoration; a computer backup is a separate route.
Google Account backup is relevant to supported personal Android-device restoration.
The Expansion Portable line is an external-HDD option to examine for a computer-based local file copy.
These Joybuy options cover portable SSDs, an external HDD and a USB flash drive for keeping local copies of personal files. Check each model’s capacity, connection and device requirements against your intended restore route.
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A portable SSD option for keeping a substantial local file copy.
4 TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. The stated maximum transfer rate requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port.
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A portable SSD option for a local copy on a compatible computer or Android device.
1TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Samsung states that peak transfer rates depend on compatible host and cable support.
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A portable SSD option for a separate local copy of photos, videos and files.
2TB capacity.
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An external HDD option for storing a substantial local collection of computer files.
4TB capacity; USB 3.0. Reformatting may be required for Mac or other operating systems.
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A flash-drive option for keeping selected files in a separate local copy; it is not by itself a full phone settings or app-data restore.
512GB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1.
No. Treat a file copy as a way to recover those files, not proof that settings, messages or app data will return. Apple and Google document separate device-backup and restore procedures with their own coverage and compatibility conditions.
Confirm that the backup completed, identify the account or drive holding it, and check that it covers the data you need. If possible, test access or restore a sample using a compatible device; Apple’s computer-backup restore procedure lets you review the backup date and size.
Check the connection, any required adapter or power arrangement, and Apple’s Files requirements. Apple specifies a single data partition and supports formats including APFS, HFS+, exFAT and FAT variants; direct file access is not the same as restoring an iPhone backup.
Not necessarily. Apple says eligible buyers of a new iPhone or iPad who lack enough iCloud space can obtain temporary storage for a transfer backup. Apple states a 21-day restore window, subject to its extension procedure; this temporary capacity is not an ongoing backup plan.