For a replacement phone or computer, start with a backup method that works with your existing account and the new device. Add an external drive when you want a separately held copy of photos and files; using both can make sense for files you cannot replace, provided you keep each copy current. Before erasing the old device, check what the backup includes and open important files on the replacement.
Check that your backup method works with the replacement device and includes the data you care about. Apple documents iCloud and computer backups for iPhone and iPad; Google says an Android backup can be restored to the original phone or some other Android phones.
Compare the size of the files you want to keep with the storage available, then decide whether you also want a copy held separately from your phone or computer. The National Cyber Security Centre describes both cloud storage and removable media as backup locations.
Decide whether you need account-based folder access, a removable copy or both. Microsoft says Windows Backup can sync selected folders to OneDrive; for an external drive, check the ports and file access on each computer that will use it.
Choose a method the replacement device can use, then check its capacity, what it copies and how you will keep that copy accessible.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Measure the photos, videos, documents and backups you intend to keep. Compare that amount with the cloud allowance or drive capacity, leaving room for new files. | My photo library is growing, so I need space for the files I have now and the copies I plan to retain. |
| Device transfer | Check the restore method for the old and new devices, account access, connection requirements and available space on the replacement. Confirm the backup date before starting. | I want to be able to set up the new phone or computer without discovering that my chosen copy cannot be used there. |
| Included files | Check which photos, downloads, app data and settings the chosen backup or transfer method includes. Apple and Google describe different restoration methods and limits for their devices. | Some files matter more to me than a complete-looking backup status; I need to check those items on the new device before erasing the old one. |
| Separate copy | Decide whether synced folders alone meet your needs. Apple says changes and deletions in iCloud Drive appear across devices; check that a separately managed copy can be opened. | For files I cannot replace, I want a copy that does not depend on the same continuously synced folder. |
| Ongoing access | For cloud storage, review account recovery, plan capacity and renewal arrangements. For removable storage, check device ports, file access and how often you will refresh the copy. | I can maintain a drive copy, or I may prefer an account-based route—as long as I can still reach my files when I need them. |
Apple says iCloud Drive changes, including deletions, appear across connected devices. Syncing therefore does not, by itself, give you a separately managed archive.
Keep another copy of files you cannot replace and open a few files from that copy to check it.
A backup method may not carry every file or setting to a replacement device. Google says Android backups can be restored to some other Android phones, rather than every phone.
Check the backup date and included data, then confirm essential photos, documents and accounts on the new device before erasing the old one.
Samsung says maximum T7 Shield transfer speeds require a compatible host, cable and connection mode. It also notes that host compatibility can vary and reformatting may be needed.
Check the ports, cables and file access you need; for occasional backups, also consider capacity and how you will maintain the copy.
Changing or ending a storage plan can affect how you access files held in that account.
Check the service’s renewal and cancellation terms, and allow time to copy important files elsewhere before making a change.
These references describe backup routes and product lines, not a list of brands available in the products below.
iCloud and computer backups are routes to consider when replacing an iPhone or iPad.
Google’s account-based backup is relevant when moving data from an Android phone.
Windows Backup and OneDrive are relevant to people moving selected PC folders through a personal Microsoft account.
The Portable SSD T7 and T7 Shield lines are removable-storage options for a local file copy.
SanDisk’s portable SSD lines are relevant when you want a removable copy of photos and other files.
These drives offer ways to make a local copy or carry selected files. They do not replace the need to check how your phone or computer backs up and restores its data.
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A 2 TB external SSD to consider for a separately held copy of photos and files. The product name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check the intended device’s connection and file access before choosing it.
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A 1 TB removable drive for a local file copy. Its product name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2; compare the capacity with your library and check the connection and file access on each intended device.
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A 2 TB portable external hard drive to consider for a computer-file copy. If you will use it with more than one operating system, confirm the required read and write setup before moving your files.
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A 2 TB portable SSD for keeping a local copy of a sizeable file collection. Check its connection and file access on the devices you plan to use, and confirm protection features if you need them for files carried on the drive.
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The USB-A and Type-C interfaces make this a candidate for carrying selected files between devices with suitable connections. Check each device’s file-transfer workflow; a selective copy is not the same as a maintained backup of a whole device.
Check that the intended backup is current, then confirm that essential photos, documents and accounts are accessible on the replacement phone. Follow the restore instructions for your particular iPhone or Android device, and keep the old phone until you have checked the transfer.
Do not assume it will. Apple provides both iCloud and computer backup methods; check which data your chosen method includes and verify important items on the replacement device before erasing the original.
Not necessarily. Google says backed-up information can be restored to the original phone or some other Android phones. Check the replacement device’s restore instructions and arrange a separate copy for any files the transfer will not include.
Using both is worth considering for files you cannot replace: the cloud route can support account-based access or restoration, while a refreshed drive provides a separately managed copy. UK government consumer guidance asks people to consider storing data in tandem with another option so it exists in more than one place.
Check the service’s renewal and cancellation terms and make a usable copy of important files elsewhere before changing the plan. Allow time to open and check that copy rather than relying on the account you intend to leave.