Choose automatic cloud backup when you need recent files available across devices and can secure the account with a strong, unique password and multi-factor authentication. Choose removable media for a large local or offline copy, and disconnect it between backup sessions. For irreplaceable photos and essential documents, the National Cyber Security Centre recommends considering both cloud storage and removable media rather than relying on one route.
Households with photos and videos that cannot be recreated may benefit from a current off-site copy and a separate offline copy. National Cyber Security Centre guidance supports keeping cloud and removable-media copies for important data.
This route suits people keeping documents, messages, photos and app data across phones and computers who want a copy available after a lost, stolen or failed device is replaced.
A removable-media copy can be practical when a photo or video library is larger than available cloud storage, or when a slow, unreliable or metered connection makes large uploads difficult.
Start with what must be recovered, then check how recently it is copied, where the second copy lives and who can access it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery scope | Check whether the service covers selected files, device settings, apps and messages; review restore steps and file-recovery controls; keep the copy separate from the original device. | I need photos and documents to be recoverable after loss, theft, device failure, accidental deletion or malware. |
| Recent copies | Confirm automatic backup is enabled; inspect included folders or data types; check that recent photos and newly created files appear in the backup. | I do not want a manual routine to leave the latest family files behind. |
| Capacity and sharing | Compare the current library and likely video growth with the available capacity; check whether a family plan shares storage, files or both; review eligibility and account-administrator rules. | I need enough room for a growing collection without making private documents visible to other household members. |
| Protection from one failure | Keep removable media disconnected when not in use; use a strong unique cloud password and multi-factor authentication; check any version-history or restoration window before relying on it. | I want a backup that is less exposed if the computer is compromised or a cloud account becomes inaccessible. |
A synchronised photo or file service and a device backup can cover different data. A replacement-device restore may miss app data, messages, settings or files if their inclusion was never checked.
List the files and device information that matter, then inspect the included-data settings and restore instructions before relying on the service.
A connected USB or external-drive copy can be affected alongside the computer during a malware or ransomware incident, leaving no clean local copy.
Connect the drive for backup or restoration, then disconnect it and store it safely. Do not keep every backup connected at the same time.
A free cloud allowance or a small drive may not accommodate an existing photo library, future videos and device backups.
Measure the current collection, allow for likely growth and choose capacity with headroom.
A cloud subscription upgrade may be needed when free storage does not cover the household library and future growth.
Shared capacity does not always mean shared files, and family membership can have provider conditions. Misunderstanding the setup can expose private documents or prevent a relative from joining.
Check which folders are shared, whether each person keeps a private account, who controls payment and recovery, and the relevant family-group conditions.
A cloud route for households using iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices, with iCloud Backup and iCloud+ storage that can be shared through Family Sharing.
A cloud route for Android and Google-account households that want device and photo backup, with an optional family-storage arrangement.
A cloud route for households that keep documents and photos in Windows Desktop, Documents, Pictures or other PC folders.
A family-oriented cloud-storage option for households wanting individual accounts alongside a shared area for selected family files.
These Joybuy options support the external hard drive backup route for a separate local copy of household photos and documents.
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A portable local copy for larger household photo and video libraries, with stated daily, weekly or monthly backup scheduling.
Stated 5TB capacity, USB-C connectivity and a USB-A adapter. It is pre-formatted for Windows; macOS use requires reformatting. Disconnect it between backup sessions and check selected folders and restoration before relying on it.
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A separate local copy for household files where scheduled daily or weekly backups may help reduce forgotten transfers.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity and companion-software scheduling. macOS read/write use requires a downloadable driver; check compatibility and included backup folders before purchase.
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A portable removable-media option for a selected household library or secondary copy that travels between compatible devices.
Stated 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, IP65 rating and up-to-3-metre drop resistance. It is stated to work with Macs, PCs and Android devices; measure your library and check the security setup before storing sensitive documents.
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A local backup drive for a growing photo and video collection that may need to be carried between locations.
Stated 2TB capacity, up-to-800MB/s read speed, 40g weight and up-to-2-metre drop protection. Check the required cable, host-device compatibility and whether your preferred backup routine is manual or software-based.
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A sizeable local destination for a family photo, video and document collection, especially for Windows-based copying.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity and Windows 10+ recognition. Other operating systems may require reformatting; plan a manual copying routine and test restoration before relying on the drive.
No. Check the documented scope of the service. Apple states that iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive and Notes are synchronised separately, while iCloud Backup contains device information that is not already synchronised; confirm that the photos, documents, messages, app data and settings you need are covered.
For irreplaceable photos and key documents, a disconnected removable-media copy gives a second route if the cloud account, device or location cannot be used. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering cloud and removable-media copies and warns that connected backups can be affected during a ransomware incident.
It depends on the provider and plan design. Google One states that family members using shared storage cannot access one another's files without permission, while Dropbox Family describes private accounts alongside a shared Family Room folder; check access controls before uploading sensitive documents.
Check who can access the files, whether folders are private or shared, account recovery, multi-factor authentication, storage limits, restoration controls and deletion-retention rules. The Information Commissioner's Office advises checking whether a cloud service's security and availability are suitable for the files you intend to upload.
Test it after setup and periodically after that by finding recent photos and documents and restoring a non-critical sample. The National Cyber Security Centre specifically advises checking that cloud storage contains recent photos and newly created files.