Choose cloud backup if automatic uploads and access from a replacement device matter most; choose a local drive if you need a separate copy of photos and documents. A portable SSD suits repeated large transfers, an external HDD suits a local archive, and a USB drive can carry selected files between compatible devices. If losing access to either the device or an account would be especially disruptive, keep both cloud and separate local copies, and check what you can actually restore before handing over the old device.
If you are replacing, repairing or handing over a phone or computer, decide whether you need settings and device data restored or just access to particular files. Apple Support distinguishes iPhone and iPad device backups from moving selected files; check what your chosen method includes before the old device is erased.
A growing collection of photos, videos and documents calls for a maintained copy stored separately from the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping important backup data in a separate safe location; an external HDD is one route if frequent, fast transfers are not your main concern.
If selected photos or documents are taking up phone space, weigh automatic cloud uploads against copying files to compatible removable storage. The choice depends on account capacity, internet access and whether the phone supports the drive, its file system and any required adapter.
Start with what you need to recover: a working device setup, an ongoing photo library, a separate archive or just selected files. Then check the restore method and the capacity or device compatibility that could prevent that outcome.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Device migration and restoration | Check whether the method saves device settings or only selected files, and test that the files or backup can be opened or restored before the old device is erased. | If I am changing devices, I need the information I rely on to be usable on the replacement, not merely stored somewhere; around 31% of consumers would put a usable restore first. |
| Automatic backup and capacity | Check available account storage, what shares its quota and how changes or deletions affect stored files. | When new photos keep arriving, I want them saved without having to remember a manual transfer; roughly 31% of consumers would make ongoing automatic backup their primary need. |
| Long-term local archiving | Allow room for the library to grow, and check the drive connection and file-system compatibility with the computer that will read it. | For a growing photo and document collection, I want a separate copy that I can maintain over time; around 23% of consumers would prioritise that local archive. |
| Phone space and selected files | Check the exact phone model, external-storage support, connector and any adapter or file-system requirements. | If I only need to move particular photos or documents off my phone, a full-device restore is not my immediate task; approximately 15% of consumers would put selected-file transfer first. |
Apple Support says deletions in iCloud Photos are reflected across devices and that those photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup. Sync alone may not leave the independent copy you need after an accidental deletion.
Keep another maintained copy of important photos and documents, and check the service's deletion and recovery behaviour.
A matching-looking port does not establish external-storage support or a drive's rated transfer speed. Apple Support notes that an iPhone may need an adapter, while Samsung specifies host, cable and UASP conditions for the T7 Shield's maximum speeds.
Check the old and replacement devices, supported file systems and the cable supplied with the exact drive.
A suitable adapter or different cable may be needed.
Google One Help says storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos; when the account is full, further Google Photos photo and video backups stop.
Check current usage across the account and the plan's renewal terms before relying on it during a device change.
Continuing uploads beyond the available account capacity may require a storage subscription.
A drive protects only the files actually copied to it. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy kept in a separate safe location; Windows File History must also be set up with an external drive or network location for regular copies.
Run the backup before changing devices, keep the copy separate and open a sample of the files or make a safe restore check.
The T7 Shield is a portable SSD example for repeated local transfers, rather than a guide to every Samsung drive.
The Expansion Portable HDD range is a local-backup and archiving option for compatible computers.
The Ultra Dual Drive Go is a removable-storage example for selected files on compatible USB-C and USB-A computers.
iCloud and computer backups offer different routes for iPhone and iPad users preparing for a replacement device.
Google Photos and Google One are relevant when automatic uploads and account-based storage drive the decision.
These drives cover selected-file transfer, portable SSD copies and external-HDD archiving. Choose a drive only after checking how files will move between your old and replacement devices; cloud backup remains a separate option for automatic uploads.
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Consider this removable drive for selected photos and documents if your phone or other device supports the connection. It has 128GB of storage and USB-C; check device compatibility and how you will copy and reopen files before treating it as a backup.
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A 5TB external hard drive to consider for a local archive when a Mac is part of the copying workflow. Check how it is formatted for every computer you intend to use and confirm the applicable warranty term before buying.
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Consider this 4 TB USB-C drive for a separate local copy when moving a sizeable file collection. Its name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check the host connection, cable and file system on both devices rather than assuming they will provide the same transfer experience.
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This 1TB USB-C drive is an option for a portable local copy and repeated file transfers. Samsung specifies up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for its T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S model, conditional on a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, supporting cable and UASP; also check the file system and connection needed by your devices.
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Consider this 4TB drive for a local copy of a growing photo and document collection. Its name specifies USB 3.0; check the connection and formatting requirements for both the computer making the copy and the device that will read it later.
Use cloud backup if automatic uploads and access on the replacement device are your priority; use a local drive for a separately held copy, and consider both for files that would be difficult to replace. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies cloud storage and removable media as backup routes, but you still need to check what your chosen method saves and how to restore it.
A USB-C connector alone does not establish that it will work with your phone. Apple Support says an iPhone can connect to external storage but may need an adapter; check your exact device model, power needs and supported file system before buying.
Check current account usage, which services share the capacity, renewal terms and how you would retrieve the files. Google One Help says storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, and a full account stops new Google Photos photo and video backups.
Not necessarily: Apple Support says deleting a photo in iCloud Photos deletes it across devices using that service, while iCloud Photos content is not duplicated in iCloud Backup. Keep another copy if recovery after accidental deletion matters to you.
Check whether the service's security and availability suit the documents you plan to store, and review who can access any shared folders or files. The Information Commissioner's Office advises considering provider security and availability; use a unique strong account password and check sharing settings before uploading sensitive documents.