Choose cloud backup when automatic off-device copies and restoration onto a replacement device matter most, but check exactly which data is included and how much account storage is shared with other services. Choose removable storage when you can make and safely store a separate copy yourself; for irreplaceable files, combining cloud backup with a periodically disconnected offline copy reduces reliance on one route.
For households whose photos, videos, contacts and app data mainly live on iPhones, iPads or Android phones and who want a recovery route ready before a device is lost or damaged. National Cyber Security Centre, Apple Support and Google guidance support these checks.
For people keeping photos, videos and documents across computers and cloud accounts, where shared storage limits and the inclusion of large files can affect the backup plan. National Cyber Security Centre, Apple Support, Google and Microsoft documentation provide the relevant conditions.
For anyone who does not want every copy to remain attached to a computer or accessible through one account during a ransomware incident. National Cyber Security Centre guidance advises keeping backup devices from being permanently connected.
Start with the data you cannot replace, then check how each route creates a copy, where it is kept and how you would restore it after a device change or loss.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after device loss | Check that the copy is stored separately from the original device; confirm the restore steps and the data types included; turn on automatic backup where the service supports it. | I want photos, documents, contacts and other important data to remain recoverable if a phone or computer is lost, replaced, damaged or affected by malware. |
| Syncing versus backup | List photos, messages, app data, settings and computer folders separately; check whether each is synchronised, included in a device backup or needs another copy; review version-retention limits where relevant. | I need to know whether a cloud folder alone can restore what matters, rather than assuming every visible file is part of a replacement-device backup. |
| Capacity and subscriptions | Measure the photo and video library as well as device-backup size; check storage shared with email and cloud files; review downgrade or cancellation terms before choosing a paid tier. | I want enough room for a growing household library without overlooking other files and services that use the same account allowance. |
| Separation and account security | Disconnect physical backup media after updating it; keep it separately; protect important cloud accounts with a unique password and 2-step verification. | I want a recovery copy that is not permanently exposed through my everyday computer or a poorly protected storage account. |
Synchronised photos, files and notes may be handled differently from messages, settings and app data, so a replacement-device recovery can be incomplete.
Make a short list of priority data, including photos, videos, documents, contacts, messages, app data and computer folders, then confirm how each item is covered before relying on a service.
A connected external drive or USB stick can be affected if ransomware reaches the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre has documented incidents affecting connected USB and network-storage backups.
After the backup completes, safely disconnect the drive and store it separately until the next planned update. Do not rely on one permanently connected physical copy as the only recovery route.
Google storage is shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos, while Microsoft cloud storage can be shared across several personal-account services. Storage use elsewhere can reduce the room available for backups.
Review usage across every service attached to the account, allow for future photo and video growth, and check what happens if you downgrade or cancel a paid plan.
A paid subscription may be needed sooner than expected when email attachments, cloud files and photo libraries draw from the same allowance.
Someone who gains access to a cloud-storage account may also gain access to backed-up material.
Use a strong, unique password and enable 2-step verification for the email and cloud-storage accounts holding important backups. Keep recovery details securely.
Relevant for households using iPhone, iPad or Apple Vision Pro that need to understand how iCloud synchronisation, iCloud Backup and iCloud+ storage tiers work together.
Relevant for Android households using Google Photos, Drive and Gmail under one Google Account storage allowance.
Relevant for Windows households using OneDrive for Desktop, Documents and other computer folders that need to remain available across devices.
Joybuy external-storage options for households making separate local copies of photos, videos and documents. Check your device ports, file-system requirements and restore process before relying on any drive as a complete backup solution.
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For households building a repeatable local backup routine for photos, videos and documents.
2TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1; USB bus power; stated scheduled local backups through Acronis software. It is described as pre-formatted for Windows; macOS use requires the stated driver. Disconnect it after backups and confirm which folders and restore options the software covers.
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For copying files between compatible USB-C phones and computers while retaining a disconnectable local copy.
1TB portable SSD; USB 3.2 Gen 2; stated read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s; USB-C-to-C and USB-A-to-C cables included. The magnetic attachment is stated for iPhone 15/16-series use with the supplied case or ring; check backup software and restoration steps separately.
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For local copies shared between compatible Macs, PCs and Android devices.
1TB portable SSD; USB 3.2 Gen 2; stated read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000MB/s. The listing states compatibility with Macs, PCs and Android devices; check formatting, supplied cables and whether your chosen backup workflow supports scheduled backups or restoration.
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For a substantial computer-based photo, video and document library that is updated through a manual routine.
4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection; USB-A cable included. The listing states Windows 10+ recognition and notes that Mac or other operating systems may need reformatting. Disconnect and store the drive separately between backup sessions.
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For periodic manual copies of household photos, videos and personal files that can be stored away from the main computer.
2TB portable SSD; stated read speeds up to 800MB/s; 0.04kg stated weight; stated 2-metre drop protection. Check the supplied cable connector, device compatibility and any required backup or restoration tools before purchase.
Not necessarily. Apple Support states that iCloud uses both synchronisation and backup: iCloud Photos can synchronise automatically, while iCloud Backup stores information that is not already synchronised. Check the included-data list instead of assuming every cloud item is part of a device-restoration backup.
Check total available storage, what else shares it, which folders and data types are included, whether automatic backup is enabled and how a replacement device is restored. Google states that its 15GB allowance is shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos; Microsoft says its free 5GB cloud storage is shared across OneDrive files and photos, Outlook attachments and Microsoft apps.
No. The National Cyber Security Centre advises that a backup device, such as an external hard drive or USB stick, should not be permanently connected. It also reports ransomware incidents affecting connected USB and network-storage backup drives.
Test after setup and after major changes to the storage arrangement, using a non-critical file or a spare device where possible. The National Cyber Security Centre advises making regular backups and checking that you know how to restore files from them.