Choose a cloud backup when it covers the data you need and you can keep access to the account. For a separate local copy, especially with a large library or unreliable internet, add an external drive and disconnect it after backup; a NAS can organise household files but still needs another backup destination. Check how each route handles deleted photos, app data and computer folders before relying on it for recovery.
If photos, messages, settings or app data matter, check which are synced separately and which are included in a restorable device backup. Apple distinguishes iCloud Photos from iCloud Backup, while Google says some Android apps cannot restore all their settings and data.
A large collection or difficult upload connection may make an external drive or shared local storage useful alongside the cloud. Keep another copy of important files: a single drive or NAS remains one storage destination.
Check that the folders you use are covered and that you can restore an earlier file after a mistake. Microsoft says OneDrive synchronises deletions, whereas File History can retain earlier versions of selected folders on an external or network drive.
Start with the files and devices you would need to restore, then choose destinations that cover them without depending on just one account or piece of hardware.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after deletion | Check whether edits and deletions sync to other devices, whether earlier versions can be restored, and how long deleted items remain recoverable. Apple says iCloud Photos reflects changes across devices; Microsoft describes similar deletion syncing in OneDrive. | I want to recover a photo or document after deleting or changing it by mistake, not merely see the same current files everywhere. |
| Backup coverage | Confirm the included photos, messages, app data, settings and computer folders separately. Check the available capacity, completed-backup status and restore process on the replacement device; Google says Android app restoration can vary. | If my phone or computer fails, I need the particular files and settings I use—not just a backup labelled as complete. |
| Independent local copy | Check that the drive works with your device and backup tool, and plan when to connect it. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting external storage when it is not in use. | A local copy matters when uploading a large library is impractical or I cannot reach my online account. I still need to store the drive safely. |
| Portable file copy | For USB flash storage, check the connector, device compatibility and which files can be copied back. Plan a separate backup destination rather than treating a small removable drive as the whole recovery plan. | I may want selected documents or photos to take to a replacement device without moving an entire computer library. |
| Shared household storage | For a NAS, check device access, account setup, capacity and its separate backup destination. Synology recommends keeping copies on different media, including one off-site. | Several people may need one place for household files, but I do not want that one system to be the only copy. |
| Account access | Confirm which account receives each backup and review its recovery method. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for cloud storage and the associated email account. | After losing a device, I need a secure way back into the account that holds its backup. |
A mistaken deletion may reach both the cloud and connected devices. Apple says photos synced through iCloud Photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup; Google also warns that deleting backed-up Google Photos items can remove them from devices.
Check each service’s deletion and recovery behaviour, and keep another copy of irreplaceable files in a separate destination.
Enough storage space does not establish that a backup includes every app setting, photo library or computer folder. Google says not all Android apps can restore all settings and data.
List what you would need on a replacement device, then confirm the included data, account and restore conditions. Restore a test file before relying on the setup.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect storage connected to an infected computer. A single local drive can also be lost or fail.
Once a backup finishes, store the drive securely and disconnect it when practical. Keep another copy elsewhere for important data.
A NAS brings household files together, but drive or RAID failure can still put that data at risk. Synology’s own guidance recommends copies on different media, including one off-site.
Choose a separate destination for the files on the NAS and check that you can restore from it.
Relevant when preparing to replace an iPhone or iPad, or deciding how an Apple photo library and computer backup fit together.
Relevant to Android device backups and photo access through a Google Account.
Relevant to Windows users weighing OneDrive file access against local backups of selected folders.
Relevant to households considering a NAS to bring files from several devices into one local location.
These external drives and a USB phone drive offer removable storage for local copies of personal files. Check the backup method, device compatibility and restore steps you intend to use; buying storage alone does not establish a recoverable backup.
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A 2TB local destination for personal files. Before using it as a regular backup, check which folders your chosen method copies and try restoring a file; keep a separate copy of important data.
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A removable 1TB SSD for a local file copy. Confirm the connection to your particular device and choose a backup workflow that covers the files you want to restore; USB Type-C alone does not establish phone-backup compatibility.
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The 4TB capacity offers a local destination for a growing personal file library. Check your computer’s compatibility and whether your backup method keeps earlier file versions; test a restore rather than relying on file copies alone.
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A 5TB portable drive presented for Mac use and a local copy of a larger library. If you also need it with Windows, confirm the required driver and file-access workflow before choosing it; check backup coverage and restoration separately.
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A removable option for selected phone photos and videos rather than a complete device backup. Confirm compatibility with your exact phone or tablet and check how copied files can be restored before depending on it.
Not necessarily: synced edits and deletions can reach other devices. Apple says iCloud Photos changes appear across devices and its photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup; Google warns that deleting backed-up Google Photos items can also remove them from devices. Check the service’s recovery options and keep a separate copy if mistaken deletion is a concern.
Confirm the backup account, available capacity, completed-backup status and included data before moving phones. Apple distinguishes iCloud-synced data from iCloud Backup; Google says some Android apps cannot restore all settings and data, and restoration can vary by phone and Android version.
Consider one when you need a separate local copy, have many large files or cannot depend on internet access for uploads. Microsoft identifies external or network drives as options for large file collections or unavailable internet, while the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping removable backup storage disconnected when it is not in use.
No. A NAS can bring household files into one local system, but Synology’s own guidance warns that drive or RAID failure can still cause data loss and recommends copies on different media, including one off-site. Plan and test another backup destination for important files.
Check the account’s recovery method and enable two-step verification for both cloud storage and its associated email account. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends this extra sign-in protection for important accounts, including cloud storage and email.