Use automatic cloud or platform backup when you want a recent copy ready to restore to a compatible replacement device, but check exactly which photos, files, settings and apps it covers. For irreplaceable files, a cloud copy plus a disconnected removable drive provides separate recovery routes; Apple Support and Google both distinguish synchronised content from backed-up device data.
Make a recoverable copy before an old phone is erased, traded in, repaired, lost or damaged. National Cyber Security Centre guidance, Apple Support and Google Help all make it important to distinguish device backup from photo and file synchronisation.
Consider capacity, original-file quality and transfer time if you need to preserve high-resolution photos and videos rather than relying on a limited account allowance or a slow manual transfer.
Create a recovery plan for photos, documents and contacts after accidental deletion, malware, device failure or theft, rather than relying only on convenient access across several devices. This reflects National Cyber Security Centre guidance on keeping a separate backup copy.
Start by deciding what must be restored, then check coverage, capacity and the route you would use if the original device became unavailable.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate backup from synchronisation | Check which items are synchronised, which are in device backup, and whether deleted files can be restored from a separate copy. | I want to know that a reset, loss or deletion will not remove the only recoverable version of my photos, files and settings. |
| Coverage on a replacement device | Confirm the replacement device and operating-system support; check critical apps, authentication details and backup completion before handing over the old device. | I need more than visible photos: the replacement device should have the files and settings that matter for everyday use. |
| Capacity and original quality | Compare used library size with storage capacity; check cloud quality settings, connector type and host USB support for a local drive. | I want enough room for my existing library and need to keep captured resolution where files may be edited, archived or printed. |
| Recovery route | Enable automatic backup, open selected copied files or run a documented restore check, and disconnect removable media after use. | I need a recent copy after loss, accidental deletion, malware or breakage, with another route available if one copy is affected. |
A synchronised service can handle content differently from device backup. Apple Support says iCloud Photos is synchronised and excluded from the daily iCloud Backup, so restoring a device is not necessarily the same as recovering a separate photo archive.
List the files and data categories you cannot lose, then check the service’s included-data and restore information before erasing, repairing or selling the old device.
Google One Help says Storage saver can resize photos above 16 MP to 16 MP and videos above 1080p to 1080p. That may not suit files needed for editing, archiving or large prints.
Choose Original quality when retaining captured resolution matters and confirm that the account has sufficient storage. Use a storage-saving setting only after accepting its quality conditions.
Headline transfer speeds are not available on every device. Samsung UK states that maximum T7 Shield speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, a compatible cable and UASP support.
Check the source and destination ports, cable type, operating-system support and required capacity before choosing an SSD, hard drive or flash drive.
If malware or ransomware affects a computer, an always-connected removable backup can be exposed too. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against leaving backup media permanently connected.
After confirming the copy and opening sample files, safely disconnect the backup drive and keep it in a separate secure place.
Relevant for iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro owners using iCloud Backup and iCloud Photos before moving to a new Apple device.
Relevant for Android users choosing Google device backup, Google Photos backup and Google One storage for photos, videos and phone data.
Relevant for Windows and Microsoft 365 users relying on OneDrive for personal documents, desktop folders and version recovery.
Relevant for buyers considering a portable SSD as a fast local copy for large photo and video libraries or cross-device transfers.
Relevant for compact USB flash storage and dual-connector drives used to transfer selected files between USB-C and USB-A devices.
These Joybuy options are portable external drives for creating a separate local copy of photos, videos and documents before a device change.
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A local-copy option for a sizeable photo or video library before repair, handover or replacement.
Listed specifications include 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB-C and USB-A cable options, password authentication and AES-256 hardware encryption. Confirm that the source device supports the required USB connection; disconnect the drive after checking the backup.
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Suitable for regular computer-based copies of photos and documents where scheduled local backup is useful.
The listing states 2 TB storage, Acronis True Image for Western Digital scheduling, password setup and AES-256 hardware encryption. It is described as pre-formatted for Windows 10+; macOS read/write use requires the stated driver, and the Micro-B-to-USB-A connection should match your computer.
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A portable local-storage option for compatible-device transfers before a phone or computer change.
The listing specifies 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, password protection, AES-256 hardware encryption, and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables. Compare capacity with current used storage and check host-port and cable support for the claimed USB mode.
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A separate local-copy route for a substantial personal media library carried between compatible USB-C devices.
The listing specifies 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, password authentication, AES-256 hardware encryption and a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. Check whether a USB-A cable or adapter is needed, and verify host support for maximum transfer performance.
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A high-capacity manual-copy option for photos, videos and documents before replacement or repair.
The listing states 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 connectivity and an included USB-A cable. It is described as automatically recognised by Windows 10+; other systems may require reformatting, so confirm the operating system and Micro-B connection first.
Check that the intended folders or data categories have completed backing up, then restore or open a small selection of important photos and documents from the backup location. The National Cyber Security Centre advises checking that you know how to restore files, not merely making a copy.
Not when iCloud Photos is enabled. Apple Support says photos, videos and face information are synchronised to iCloud automatically and are not included in the daily iCloud Backup; check that the iCloud Photos library is accessible and consider an additional copy for irreplaceable content.
Do not assume so. Google Help says restoration varies by phone and Android version, and that not all apps can back up or restore all settings and data. Confirm critical apps, files and authentication details before erasing or handing over the old phone.
For a separate recovery copy, disconnect it after the backup has completed and been checked. The National Cyber Security Centre advises that an external hard drive or USB stick holding a backup should not be permanently connected because accessible data can be affected during ransomware incidents.
A flash drive can suit selected essential files and quick transfers between devices with compatible connectors. For a large photo or video library or a full local backup, compare the library size with drive capacity and consider a larger external drive; a flash drive is compact but can be easier to lose and is not automatically a complete backup.