Choose cloud storage if automatic copying and access from signed-in devices matter most, provided your connection and account meet the service’s requirements. Choose an external drive for a local copy you can keep separately, or USB or SD storage for selected files when your devices can read the media. Whichever route you choose, check what is copied and practise restoring it: capacity alone does not make a backup usable.
If your important files are mainly phone photos and videos, automatic copying and access after losing or replacing the handset may matter most. Apple Support and Google describe cloud backup options, but the files each option saves need checking.
A sizeable collection of photos, videos or documents may call for a local copy with enough room to grow. A drive kept apart from the computer is particularly relevant when internet access is unreliable; the National Cyber Security Centre identifies external storage as a backup route.
If files move between a phone, camera, tablet and computer, check the connector or card reader at both ends and how you would open the copy later. Capacity is useful only if the intended devices and restore process work together.
Start with the files you need to recover and the device you would recover them to. Then choose a route you can repeat and keep separate from the original files.
Consider it when: You want supported photos or files copied automatically and accessible from signed-in devices.
Keep in mind: Internet access, account access, storage limits and the service’s rules determine what you can recover. Apple Support distinguishes iCloud device backups from photos already synced to iCloud.
Consider it when: You want a local copy of a computer library, particularly if internet access is unreliable.
Keep in mind: You need a routine for connecting the drive, making copies and storing it safely afterwards. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup drives can be affected by an infected computer.
Consider it when: You regularly move sizeable files and want a compact local copy.
Keep in mind: Check the host port and cable before relying on a stated speed. Samsung says its T7’s rated maximum requires USB 3.2 Gen 2 and UASP support.
Consider it when: You need a removable copy of selected documents or files.
Keep in mind: A small drive needs deliberate copying and safe storage; do not assume a selected-file copy includes your whole device.
Consider it when: Your camera or another device uses the card format and you need a removable copy or transfer medium.
Keep in mind: Check that the device you would use for recovery has a compatible slot or reader, and store the card where it will not be misplaced.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Check which files are included, when copying runs and how to restore to another device. | If I lose or replace my phone, I need the important files to be there without relying on a copy I forgot to make. Around 33% of consumers put automatic protection and recovery first. |
| Room to grow | Measure the files to protect and check the available capacity, including any cloud allowance shared with other services. | A growing photo and video library needs space for new files, not just today’s collection. For around 25% of consumers, sufficient capacity is the primary concern. |
| Compatibility and restoration | Check ports, cables or card readers, operating-system support and which data the restore process includes. | If my files need to move between a phone and computer, I want to know that the replacement device can read the copy. Getting that connection and restore path right comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Portable offline copy | Check the media format at both ends and where the copy can be stored securely when disconnected. | When I need selected files away from a reliable connection, I want a copy I can carry or keep apart from my everyday device. Around 17% of consumers prioritise that portable or offline copy. |
A usable backup needs a separate, recoverable copy. Apple Support says an iCloud device backup does not include data already synced to iCloud, including iCloud Photos.
List the photos, documents and device data you need, then check where each is saved and how you would restore it.
A full destination may stop receiving new files. Google says its account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, and reaching the limit can stop photo and video backups.
Measure the collection you intend to protect, allow for growth and check whether a cloud allowance is shared before choosing a plan or drive.
Connector shape alone does not establish transfer speed. Samsung says the T7’s stated maximum speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, a supporting cable and UASP mode.
Check the specifications of the source device, destination and cable rather than relying on the connector name.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup storage may also be affected when a computer is infected. The Information Commissioner’s Office also cautions that personal data can remain on old storage media.
Disconnect and store a local backup when it is not in use. Before passing on or disposing of old media, confirm you have a replacement copy and properly delete the personal information.
Apple Support describes iCloud and computer-based backup routes for iPhone and iPad users.
Google Photos is a photo and video backup option for people using a Google Account.
Samsung’s portable SSD T7 is a local-storage option for people transferring files between compatible devices.
The My Passport portable hard-drive range offers a local destination for computer-file backups.
Seagate’s One Touch portable hard-drive range is another local-copy option.
These drives and USB storage options can hold local copies of files. Choose between them by the amount you need to copy, the devices you will connect and the routine you will use to make and restore copies.
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Consider this for a local copy of a sizeable computer-file library.
Capacity: 4TB. Check the connection, operating-system setup and backup software for your intended copying and restore routine.
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Consider this for a portable local copy when you regularly move files between compatible devices.
Capacity: 2 TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. Samsung says the T7’s rated maximum speeds require a supporting host, cable and UASP mode. Check how you will run and restore backups.
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Consider this for a portable file copy from a device you can connect to the drive.
Capacity: 1TB; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check phone compatibility and the magnetic attachment requirements separately, then confirm your copying and restore process before relying on it as a backup.
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Consider this as a local destination for a larger computer-file collection.
Capacity: 4TB; USB 3.0. Check compatibility with each computer you intend to use and whether your preferred software can make recurring backups to it.
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Consider this for a removable copy of selected files rather than choosing it without measuring a larger library.
Capacity: 64GB. Check that the files fit, that both devices have a compatible USB connection and that you can open the copied files when needed.
Cloud storage can form part of a backup plan, but check what the particular service saves and how you would recover it. Apple Support says iCloud device backups exclude data already synced to iCloud, including iCloud Photos; Google describes a separate photo and video backup function. Check inclusion and deletion behaviour before relying on one account as your only recoverable copy.
Yes, Microsoft says Windows File History can make regular copies to an external drive or network location and restore earlier file versions. Check which folders you have included and try restoring a file before depending on the setup.
Not when you are relying on it as a disconnected local copy. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected storage may also be affected by an infected computer, so disconnect and store the drive when you are not using it for a backup or restore.
Make a small test restore after your first backup and check that the recovered files open. For a phone or computer backup, also follow the provider’s restore instructions and check whether the photos, documents and other data you need are included.
Confirm that you have a usable replacement copy, then properly delete personal information before selling or disposing of the drive. The Information Commissioner’s Office warns that personal data can remain on external drives and removable memory.