Choose cloud or device-ecosystem backup when automatic copying and restoring files to a replacement device matter most, but check what is included, available storage and access to the account. Choose removable storage for a local copy or manual transfer, after confirming that it works with both devices. For irreplaceable photos and documents, keep a separate offline copy as well as a cloud backup rather than relying on one connected location.
If the old device will be wiped or handed over, you need to know which photos, documents and device data can be restored on its replacement. Google Help notes that Android restore options vary by phone and Android version.
A collection shared across several people calls for a check of total storage use, whether a cloud plan shares one allowance and how much of the collection needs a local copy.
When losing the original device or one backup route would put family photos or important documents at risk, a second, separately stored copy matters. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline.
Decide how you would restore files if the original device stopped working, then choose where to keep a separate copy. A cloud service, a removable drive and a combination solve different parts of that task.
Choose when: You want saved files available from another signed-in device or a supported restore process when setting up a replacement phone.
Allow for: Internet and account access, enough storage, and differences in what each device and service can restore.
Choose when: You want a physical copy of selected files or a local archive before changing a computer.
Allow for: Manual copying, compatible connections and checking that files open on the destination device.
Choose when: Family photos or documents are too important to leave dependent on one account, device or connected backup.
Allow for: Maintaining and checking both copies; disconnect the removable one after updating it.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Restoring a replacement device | Check which photos, files and device data are backed up, and whether the replacement device can restore them. | If I am replacing a phone, I need a usable backup before the old one is erased. Around 29% of consumers put restoring a replacement device first. |
| Storage for family files | Compare the size of the collection with the available storage; check whether family members draw from one shared cloud allowance. | As our photo and video collection grows, I need enough room for the files we intend to keep. For around 21% of consumers, storage capacity is the primary concern. |
| A separate recoverable copy | Keep a copy apart from the everyday device and disconnect removable storage when it is not being updated. | If a device, account or connected backup becomes inaccessible, I still need another copy of important files. This is the first priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Manual file transfer | Check the connectors and destination-device compatibility, then open copied files before wiping the old device. | Before handing over a computer, I want to move selected files and confirm that I can use them on the new one. Around 14% of consumers prioritise that manual transfer. |
Changes or deletions can affect a connected cloud location, while restore features have limits. Microsoft Support states that a file permanently deleted from the OneDrive Recycle Bin cannot be recovered.
Keep a separate copy of irreplaceable files and protect the account used to access cloud backups.
The National Cyber Security Centre has described incidents affecting connected backup storage, including USB drives.
After updating a removable backup, disconnect it and store it separately from the device used every day.
A drive's stated maximum speed may depend on the computer, USB connection and cable. Samsung gives such conditions for its T7 Shield specifications.
Check the connections available on the devices you will use before choosing a drive.
A shared cloud plan can use one storage pool, so several people's photo libraries may draw on the same allowance.
Check total household use and the selected plan's family-sharing conditions before relying on it.
iCloud and iCloud+ are relevant when a household uses Apple devices and wants device backups alongside shared cloud storage.
Google Backup, Google Photos and Google One are relevant to Android-centred households considering device restore, photo access and shared storage.
OneDrive is relevant to households keeping computer files in cloud storage and wanting options after accidental changes or deletion.
The One Touch portable external-drive line is relevant when a household wants a local copy of computer files and a substantial photo or video collection.
Samsung portable SSDs, including the T7 Shield, are relevant when a household wants a local copy it can carry between compatible devices.
These portable drives are options for making a local copy of photos, documents and other selected files before a device change. They do not replace the need to check copied files or maintain another separate copy of irreplaceable material.
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For a local copy of a sizeable collection before changing devices.
Portable SSD with 4 TB capacity and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 specified in the product name. Check compatibility with both intended devices and open the copied files before erasing the original.
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For keeping a large local archive before a computer change.
Portable external hard drive with 5TB capacity. The model is designated for Mac; check the required setup if files also need to be used on a Windows computer, and confirm the applicable warranty terms before buying.
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For a portable local copy of selected photos and documents.
External hard drive with 2TB capacity. If you intend to use it with macOS or rely on backup software, check the required setup and software compatibility first.
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For manually archiving a larger set of files before replacing a computer.
Portable external hard drive with 4TB capacity and USB3.0 stated in its product name. Check file-system compatibility before moving files between different operating systems; reformatting may be needed for some devices.
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For carrying a local copy of selected files between devices.
Portable SSD with 2TB capacity. Confirm its connector and compatibility with the source and destination devices, then check that the copied files open before wiping the original.
It can cover the move if the files and device data you need are included, the backup is current and the replacement phone can restore it. Google Help says Android restore varies by phone and Android version, so check the backup and destination device before erasing the old phone.
Yes, where the selected family-sharing service and plan permit it. Apple Support says iCloud+ members keep separate Apple Accounts and private files; Google One Help says sharing a storage quota does not give relatives access to files without permission. Check the plan's eligibility and shared allowance.
Disconnect it after updating the backup if it is your separate offline copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup digitally disconnected so a problem affecting connected devices is less likely to reach every copy.
Check that the expected folders are present and open a sample of important photos, documents and videos from the drive. Confirm that you can connect it to the replacement computer before wiping or handing over the old one.