Use an account-based backup when restoring a supported device and accessing files across your devices matter most; use an external hard drive for a substantial local copy, or a portable SSD if you regularly carry and transfer large files. For important photos, documents and account-recovery information, keeping both a cloud and a separate local copy reduces reliance on any one account or drive. Check what each method actually saves and whether you can access it before erasing the old device.
If you are moving to a new phone or tablet, check how contacts, messages, photos, settings and important app data will reach it. Apple and Google both describe device-backup routes, but what can be restored depends on the service, app and replacement device.
A large collection of photos, videos and documents makes capacity and a separate copy important. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies both cloud storage and removable media as backup locations; a local drive still needs to be connected and used regularly.
If you copy substantial folders between computers or carry a backup away from home, check the ports, cable and handling requirements as well as capacity. Which? notes that hard drives are more susceptible to bumps than SSDs, while transfer performance varies between USB sticks.
Choose the route that solves your main problem, then check what it saves. The National Cyber Security Centre recognises cloud storage and removable media as separate backup locations; neither makes an unverified copy of your files dependable.
Choose it when: You want a supported phone or computer backup, or selected files available on your other signed-in devices.
Bear in mind: Access needs the relevant account, connectivity and available storage; Apple, Google and Microsoft describe different backup contents and restoration limits.
Choose it when: You need a sizeable local copy of a computer's photo, video or document archive that will usually stay in a protected place.
Bear in mind: It needs a compatible connection and a backup routine; Which? notes that HDD moving parts make them more vulnerable to knocks than SSDs.
Choose it when: You regularly transfer large files or carry a removable copy between compatible devices.
Bear in mind: Quoted speeds depend on the host and cable; Samsung specifies connection conditions for its T7 Shield performance claims.
Choose it when: You need a compact way to move selected files through compatible ports.
Bear in mind: Keep another copy of irreplaceable files; Which? reports substantial differences in USB-stick transfer performance and durability.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Restoring a replacement device | List the files, settings and app data you need. Check the latest backup, its contents and the new device's restoration requirements before erasing the old one. | If I am replacing a phone or laptop, I need my essential information to work on the new device, not merely appear in one synced folder. Around 33% of consumers put reliable restoration first. |
| Room for a growing archive | Measure the files and device backups you intend to protect, then check the available cloud or drive capacity with room for growth. | A growing collection of family photos, videos and documents makes me want enough space for a complete copy. Capacity is the primary concern for roughly 25% of consumers. |
| Access across household devices | Identify the destination devices and accounts. Check whether you need access to individual files or restoration of a device-specific backup. | When our household uses different phones and computers, I need to know which files I can open and which backup types each device can restore. For around 25% of consumers, cross-device access comes first. |
| Portable file transfers | Match the connector and cable to both devices, and check the drive's interface and file-system compatibility. | If I frequently carry large folders between devices, the connection and how the drive handles travel affect my choice. Fast, practical transfers are the leading need for around 17% of consumers. |
A signed-in account or visible photo library does not establish that messages, settings and app data can all be restored. Apple distinguishes iCloud-synchronised information from iCloud Backup, and Google notes that some apps cannot restore all their data or settings.
Inspect the backup contents and date, then check access to critical files and account-recovery information from another device where practical before resetting the old one.
A drive or cloud allowance that cannot hold the intended folders and existing backups can leave part of an archive unprotected.
Check the size of photo libraries, documents and device backups, allow room for growth, and compare that total with the capacity you can actually use.
Which? explains that HDDs have moving parts and are more susceptible to damage from bumps than SSDs. A portable drive should not be the only copy of irreplaceable data.
Keep a drive intended mainly for a home archive protected; if it will travel regularly, consider whether an SSD better suits that handling and retain another copy.
A portable SSD's quoted speed can depend on the host port, cable and transfer mode. Which? also finds marked performance differences between USB sticks.
Check the ports on the old and replacement devices, the supplied cable and any adapter needed before choosing removable storage.
iCloud Backup and computer backups are routes to consider when replacing an iPhone or iPad.
Google Account backup is relevant to supported Android-phone replacement and restoration.
OneDrive folder backup and Windows Backup serve different file-access and Windows-PC transition needs.
Backup Plus Portable is an example of an external-HDD line for a local computer archive.
The portable T7 Shield SSD line is relevant when a removable copy will be carried or used for large-file transfers.
These products cover portable hard drives, portable SSDs and a diskless network-storage device for making local copies. Choose the connection and setup that suit your devices, and keep a separate copy of important files rather than relying on one piece of storage.
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Consider this portable hard drive for a local copy of computer files. Its stated capacity is 2TB; if you use a Mac, confirm the required driver and backup setup before buying. Protect the drive from drops and liquid exposure.
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Consider this SSD for moving files or media from a compatible phone or computer. The title specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s; those speeds depend on the host and connection. Its stated iPhone 15/16 Pro recording features apply to those named models, and the listing says it does not support iCloud backup. Check what its app saves and how you would restore it before using it for a device change.
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Consider this portable SSD if you regularly carry a local file copy. Its title specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2; check your device and cable before relying on a particular transfer speed. Samsung's T7 Shield resistance claims are subject to test conditions: do not treat the drive as suitable for immersion or as a substitute for another backup.
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Consider this hard drive for a sizeable local copy of a photo and document archive. The title specifies 4TB and USB 3.0. If you plan to use it with a Mac or another operating system, check formatting and backup-software compatibility before copying files; protect it from shocks and liquid exposure.
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Consider this network-attached storage device if you want to set up a central household location for backups. It is a two-bay, diskless unit: compatible drives are needed before it can store files. Check drive compatibility, usable capacity and the backup setup for each household device before buying.
Yes: make and check a backup before erasing the old phone. The National Cyber Security Centre advises verifying a backup before handing on a phone or tablet; also confirm that you can access the files and account information you will need on its replacement.
No: the contents depend on the platform, your settings and individual apps. Apple separates information synchronised through iCloud from iCloud Backup, while Google says some apps cannot back up or restore all settings and data. Review the backup details and any app-specific transfer steps before wiping the device.
Potentially, if its format and backup method work with both computers. Seagate describes its Backup Plus Portable line as compatible with Windows and macOS, but notes that Time Machine use may require reformatting. Check the requirements before putting your only copy on the drive.
Use a USB stick for a convenient copy of selected files, not as the only copy of irreplaceable photos and documents. The National Cyber Security Centre includes removable media among backup locations, and Which? reports substantial differences between USB sticks in performance and durability.