Choose cloud backup if automatic copies and restoration to a replacement phone or tablet matter most; choose a removable drive if you need a local copy of computer files or a large library. For photos and documents you cannot replace, keeping both routes gives you separately managed copies, provided you check what each backup includes and can restore.
If you want a recent copy ready after loss or damage without remembering to copy files manually, look at your device’s automatic backup options. Apple Support and Google Android Help describe different backup contents and restoration conditions, so check the last completed backup and what it will restore.
An external drive can provide a repeatable local destination for computer files. Microsoft Support describes File History for Windows files, while Apple Support describes Time Machine for Macs. Plan enough capacity and keep another recoverable copy away from the computer and its backup drive.
A portable SSD or USB device can hold selected files for offline copying. Check the ports, any adapter, software support and protection for sensitive files before relying on it; copying selected files does not necessarily create a restorable phone backup.
Decide whether your main need is automatic restoration, space for a computer library, a second independent copy or portable access to selected files. Then check the actual backup and restore process, not just the storage device or account.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic restoration | Check which photos, files, settings and apps are covered, the last successful backup and how a replacement device restores them. Apple Support says automatic iCloud Backup requires power, Wi-Fi and a locked device; Google Android Help notes that app restoration varies. | If I lose my phone, I want a recent copy ready without having to remember a manual routine. Around 33% of consumers would put automatic restoration first. |
| Local capacity | Allow room for the files and backup history you intend to keep. For Mac Time Machine specifically, Apple Support advises a dedicated disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | My growing computer library needs a local destination I can back up to repeatedly. Around 25% of consumers would make that capacity their primary concern. |
| Separate recovery copies | Choose where each recoverable copy will live and check that both can be restored. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup locations can be affected by ransomware; disconnect local media when practical. | I do not want one lost device, inaccessible account or connected drive to be my only route back to important files. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise separate recovery copies. |
| Portable file copying | Check device ports, adapters, file access and the intended copying method. Files by Google describes USB storage access on Android 7.0 and later; Apple Support notes that iPhone external storage may need an adapter. | I need to carry a limited set of files between devices, even if I copy them myself. Around 9% of consumers would place portable copying first. |
A copy helps only if it contains the files you need and can be restored after the original device is unavailable. Apple Support and Google Android Help describe platform-specific backup contents; Google notes that not all apps restore all data or settings.
Check the included categories, note the last successful backup and try restoring a small file before relying on the route.
The drive also needs to work with your device, connection and backup software. Samsung says the quoted maximum speeds for its T7 Shield require compatible host hardware, cable and UASP.
Check your ports, supplied cables, operating-system support and backup method. If the drive is for Mac Time Machine, follow Apple Support’s advice on capacity and a dedicated backup disk.
The National Cyber Security Centre describes incidents affecting both original data and connected backup locations. A drive attached to the computer is not separate from every incident that affects it.
Keep another recoverable copy in a separate safe location and disconnect local backup media when practical.
A cloud copy is difficult to use after device loss if you cannot regain access to its account. Account protection also matters for stored files.
Follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s advice to enable two-step verification on important accounts, and keep recovery methods accessible independently of the device you might lose.
Apple’s iCloud Backup is relevant to iPhone and iPad restoration; Time Machine is its Mac backup route using external storage.
Google Account backup is relevant to Android users who want to restore selected phone data to another Android device.
Seagate’s external-hard-drive range is a reference point for computer users planning a high-capacity local copy.
Samsung’s T7 Shield portable SSD line is relevant to people considering a compact local copy to carry between compatible devices.
These external hard drives and portable SSDs are options for local copies of photos and documents. Choose a drive around the computer or device you will actually use and the way you intend to back up; a removable drive does not by itself provide cloud backup or a complete phone-restoration route.
No image available
A 2TB local destination for someone backing up computer photos and documents. Confirm the setup needed for your computer and the method you will use to make repeatable copies; check device connection and backup support separately if you intend to use it with a phone or tablet.
No image available
A 5TB local-drive option for a Mac user planning space for a substantial library. Check your Mac setup and intended backup software before relying on unattended copies; confirm the applicable warranty terms and any requirements for use with another device.
No image available
A 1 TB portable local copy for someone moving selected files between supported devices. Check the host port and connection before relying on transfer-rate claims, and confirm how your particular phone would access or back up to the drive.
No image available
A 1TB portable local destination for selected files. Check that your device supports the intended connection and copying workflow; if you need automatic backup or a restorable phone backup, confirm how you would set that up rather than relying on storage capacity alone.
No image available
A 4TB local destination for a computer photo or document library. Check your operating system’s file-system requirements and plan a repeatable backup routine; confirm the connection and copying method separately for any phone or tablet.
Use cloud backup if automatic off-device copying and restoration are your priorities; use an external drive for a local computer copy. For files you cannot replace, both routes provide separately managed copies, but check that each contains the files you need and can restore them.
Start with the data you intend to protect and allow room for growth and backup history. If you use Mac Time Machine, Apple Support advises a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; that advice is specific to Time Machine, not every backup method.
It can copy selected files if your phone, connection and software support the storage device, but that does not establish a complete backup of apps and settings. Files by Google describes USB storage access on Android 7.0 and later; Apple Support says an iPhone may need an adapter to connect to external storage.
Keep the account’s recovery methods current and accessible without the device you might lose. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts, including those you rely on to reach stored files.
Consider available encryption or password protection if the drive holds sensitive files and could be lost or stolen, and keep its recovery key somewhere you can retrieve it. Check how the protection works on every device you expect to use; do not make the only recoverable copy inaccessible to yourself.