Mixed-device households
People using a mix of phones, tablets, Windows PCs or Macs who want to reach their photos and documents on more than one device without copying files manually.
Who these backup routes suit
People with large photo and video libraries
People keeping original-quality images or long videos who need to account for a growing library, cloud storage limits and the practicalities of transferring large files.
People who need a separate recovery copy
People for whom losing personal files would be especially disruptive and who can maintain and check copies in more than one location.
What matters when choosing a backup route
An account-based cloud service can handle access across supported devices; a compatible external drive provides a local copy, and a computer backup offers another route for phone or tablet data. If you combine routes, check that each copy can be restored: the National Cyber Security Centre warns that neither local nor cloud backups are resistant to ransomware by default.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Device compatibility and restoration | Check account access and restore options on each device. For a drive, confirm its connector, power requirements and file system; Western Digital says exFAT allows reading and writing on Windows and macOS. | If my devices use different systems, I need files I can access and restore after a device change; around 31% of consumers would put compatibility first. |
| Capacity and original files | Check your current library size, likely growth and largest files against the storage allowance and upload limits. Check whether a photo quality setting changes the stored copy. | Keeping a growing collection of original photos and videos matters more to me than choosing the simplest route; roughly 23% of consumers would make capacity and file quality their primary concern. |
| Subscription commitment and quota | Check which files and services share the cloud allowance, then decide whether you can manage within it or need more storage. Apple lists 5 GB of included iCloud storage, Microsoft lists 5 GB shared across specified services, and Google lists up to 15 GB per Google Account. | I want to know whether my everyday backups will fit before committing to ongoing storage; about 23% of consumers would prioritise quota and subscription control. |
| A recoverable second copy | Check where each copy is kept, whether one is separate when not being updated, and whether you can restore files from both. | If losing my documents or photo library would be especially disruptive, I would take on the work of maintaining another copy; around 23% of consumers would put recoverability first. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Buying a drive before checking every device
A drive that works with one computer may need a different connection or file system for another device. Phones and tablets can also have port, power or format restrictions.
List the devices that must use the drive and check their connections and supported formats before copying files. If you need to reformat a drive, copy its existing contents elsewhere first.
Reformatting can erase files already on the drive.
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Relying on a synchronised folder as the only recovery copy
Synchronisation and device backup can cover different data. Apple distinguishes content synchronised to iCloud from information held in iCloud Backup, while the National Cyber Security Centre warns that cloud backup is not ransomware-resistant by default.
Check what the service synchronises and what it backs up. Keep a separately managed copy of irreplaceable files and test that you can restore it.
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Choosing cloud storage by its headline allowance
Storage may be shared with other services, and a photo quality setting can affect both the stored file and the space it uses.
Check current use, expected growth, what shares the allowance and whether you need to retain original-resolution media before selecting a storage tier.
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Assuming every app and setting will return on a new phone
Google says Android restoration varies by phone and Android version, and not every app can back up or restore all its data and settings.
Review the backup and restore options for your exact device, make a separate copy of irreplaceable files and check the restore steps before resetting or replacing the phone.
Relevant brands and services
Apple
iCloud, iCloud Photos and iCloud Backup are relevant to people whose files and devices are mainly in the Apple ecosystem.
- Apple distinguishes data synchronised to iCloud from information copied through iCloud Backup.
- Included iCloud storage is 5 GB. Check feature availability and device requirements for the devices you use.
Google Photos and Android Backup are relevant to Android-first users considering account-based photo and device backups.
- Google Photos can automatically back up photos and videos when backup is switched on.
- Original-quality media uses account storage, and Google says not every app can back up or restore all data and settings.
Microsoft
OneDrive and Windows Backup are relevant to Windows users considering cloud copies of computer files and folders.
- Microsoft provides file synchronisation and backup options for important Windows folders.
- Its 5 GB included personal cloud allowance is shared across specified Microsoft services; check available space before relying on new backups.
Western Digital
Western Digital external drives are relevant to people making a local copy, particularly when a drive must be used with both Windows and macOS.
- Western Digital says exFAT supports reading and writing on both Windows and macOS.
- Check a drive’s existing format and contents before changing its file system: reformatting can erase stored data.
Samsung
Samsung’s Portable SSD T7 line is relevant to people considering compact local storage for moving files between compatible devices.
- Samsung lists the T7 as a portable SSD option for use with compatible host devices.
- Samsung says host compatibility varies and some operating systems may require reformatting.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is cloud photo syncing the same as a separate backup?
Not necessarily. Apple distinguishes synchronised iCloud content from information stored in iCloud Backup. Check whether you can recover the files you need independently of changes made to synchronised photos.
Can I start backing up an Android phone to a Google Account without a subscription?
Yes, within the storage available to the account. Google lists up to 15 GB per Google Account; check what already uses that space and which phone data is selected for backup, because not every app can restore all its data or settings.
Can one external drive be used with both a Windows PC and a Mac?
Yes, if the drive’s format and connections suit both computers. Western Digital says exFAT permits reading and writing on Windows and macOS. Check the drive’s current format before use, and copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting.
Can a portable SSD connect directly to a phone or tablet?
Some combinations can work, but check the exact SSD and mobile device. Samsung says T7 host compatibility varies and reformatting may be needed; also confirm the phone or tablet’s port, power and file-system support before relying on a direct connection.
What happens if my OneDrive cloud storage is full?
New OneDrive uploads, edits and syncing can stop when the Microsoft cloud-storage allowance is exceeded. Microsoft’s included 5 GB personal allowance is shared across specified services, so check total use and confirm that new files are uploading before treating OneDrive as your current backup copy.