Households with hard-to-replace files
Family photos, scans and important documents need a recoverable copy away from the device that normally holds them. The NCSC describes a backup as a copy stored in a separate, safe location.
Who needs a home backup?
People changing or replacing devices
If a phone or computer is lost, broken or replaced, a separate copy can help you restore the files you included in the backup. Check what each service or backup tool actually copies before relying on it.
People with growing photo and video libraries
A larger library makes capacity and the way you transfer files important. If you move a drive between devices, check its connectors, formatting requirements and your planned backup routine.
What matters when choosing a backup?
Start with the files you must recover and the devices you would use to restore them; then choose where each copy will live and how you will keep it up to date.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery copy | Confirm which folders and device data are copied. Test restoring a file and keep a copy separate from the original device. | I need my photos or documents back if my phone or computer is lost, damaged or replaced. |
| Cloud access | Check automatic copying, account access and the storage allowance. The Information Commissioner's Office notes that cloud files sit on servers controlled by the provider. | I want an off-site copy that I can reach from another supported device, without relying on a drive kept at home. |
| Local archive | Match drive capacity to the files you plan to protect; check connectors, formatting and backup software. The NCSC warns that connected backup drives can be affected by ransomware. | My photo and video library needs a local copy I can store safely and disconnect between backups. |
| Portable transfers | For a portable SSD, check the host device and cable requirements behind any stated transfer speed. Confirm that the drive works with each device you intend to use. | I regularly move large files and want to carry a local copy, but I still need a way to keep that copy current. |
| Small file set | A USB flash drive can hold a deliberate set of essential files. Check capacity, device compatibility and how you will protect and store it separately. | I only need to take selected documents or scans with me, rather than copy a whole household library onto one stick. |
| Privacy and continuity | Review cloud sharing settings and available sign-in protection. For removable media, consider encryption and keep its recovery information separately; check subscription renewal terms if using paid cloud storage. | Private files need protection if an account is accessed or a portable drive goes missing, and I need to retain access when restoring them. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Assuming synchronisation covers everything
A cloud account is useful for recovery only if it contains the files you need and you can still access and restore them.
Check the selected folders and photo libraries, protect the account with a unique password and additional sign-in protection where offered, and try restoring a non-sensitive file.
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Leaving the only external copy connected
The NCSC reports ransomware incidents affecting connected USB and network backup drives as well as original files.
Disconnect at least one local backup when it is not in use and store it separately from the device being protected.
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Choosing capacity or speed without checking compatibility
A drive's stated capacity does not establish that your phone or computer can use it. A portable SSD's headline transfer speed can also depend on the host device and cable; Samsung states such conditions for its T7 Shield.
Check ports, operating systems, file formats and the backup tool you plan to use before buying.
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Forgetting that a cloud plan continues over time
If your recovery copy depends on a paid account, changes to renewal or payment can affect access. UK Competition and Markets Authority guidance advises checking renewal notices and keeping payment details current.
Check the plan's allowance and renewal terms, and decide how you would export files if you later leave the service.
A paid cloud plan brings continuing subscription charges rather than a single drive purchase.
Relevant brands and services
Apple
iCloud is an account-based cloud option to examine if your household uses Apple devices.
- Apple Support lists 5 GB of free iCloud storage and additional storage through iCloud+.
- Check what your devices back up, how much storage those copies use and how you would regain account access.
Google One is a cloud-storage route for people using a Google Account for their files and photos.
- Google One lists 15 GB of storage with a Google Account and paid plans starting at 100 GB.
- Check which Google services use your allowance and which files your devices will copy.
Microsoft
OneDrive is worth examining if you use Windows Backup or want files available through a Microsoft account.
- Microsoft Support says Windows Backup can sync selected folders to OneDrive and lists 5 GB of free OneDrive storage.
- Folder selection, account access and the available allowance all affect what you can restore.
Seagate
Seagate's Expansion portable hard drives provide examples of local storage for a home archive.
- Seagate UK lists 2 TB and 4 TB Expansion portable models and compatibility with most Windows and macOS systems.
- Check the particular drive's setup and formatting requirements, especially for phones or tablets.
Samsung
Samsung's portable SSD range is relevant when carrying and transferring a local copy matters.
- Samsung UK lists USB 3.2 Gen 2 for its 1 TB T7 Shield model.
- Samsung says the model's maximum stated transfer speeds require suitable host hardware, a compatible cable and UASP support; check the exact variant you are considering.
Joybuy external drives and portable SSDs
These external hard drives and portable SSDs are local-copy options for a home backup. Choose the capacity and device connection you need, then decide how you will update, disconnect and restore the copy.
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Western Digital My Passport portable hard drive, 2TB, black
A portable local-copy option for photos and documents. Check the capacity shown on the product page before buying, along with the backup software, restore steps and the setup required for your Mac if applicable.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7, 4 TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2, grey
Consider this portable local-copy option if your files fit within 4 TB and you move them between devices. Check host and cable compatibility for the transfer speeds you expect, and how you will schedule or perform backups.
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SanDisk Portable SSD, 2TB
A 2TB portable option for a separate copy of selected photos and documents. Confirm the connector and file-system requirements for your devices, and plan how you will keep the copy current.
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Samsung T7 Shield portable SSD, 1 TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2, blue
A portable local-copy option if 1 TB covers the files you intend to protect. Check compatibility and your backup routine; any stated resistance to dust, water or drops should not be treated as protection against every kind of damage.
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Western Digital Elements portable hard drive, 4TB, black, USB 3.0
A 4TB local-archive option for photos, videos and documents. Check whether your devices require reformatting and how you will make and restore regular copies.
Home backup questions
Is cloud storage automatically a complete backup?
No: check which files and folders are copied, whether the allowance covers them and how to restore them. The NCSC notes that backups may cover selected files or more of a device; Microsoft Support says Windows Backup syncs the folders you select to OneDrive.
Should I leave my external backup drive connected?
Not if it holds your only independent recovery copy. The NCSC reports incidents affecting connected backup drives and advises keeping one or more backups offline; disconnect the drive after updating it and store it safely.
How can I protect files on a portable drive or USB stick?
Use encryption where available and keep its password or recovery information separately from the device. Information Commissioner's Office guidance explains that encryption helps protect stored personal information against unauthorised access.
What should I check before paying for cloud storage?
Check the capacity your files require, which devices can access them, renewal notices and how you would move your data out. UK Competition and Markets Authority guidance also advises keeping payment details current to avoid a subscription lapse affecting access.