Use a cloud or computer-based device backup when you need to restore an eligible phone backup after loss or replacement; add external storage when you also need a separate local copy of photos or laptop files. Apple distinguishes synced content from device-backup data, while the National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected drives can be affected by the same incident as the original files. Check what each backup includes, whether your devices can use it and how you would restore it.
If photos and videos matter after a device is lost or replaced, check both the photo library and the device backup. Apple Support distinguishes iCloud-synchronised photos from data included in iCloud Backup; the two features do not cover the same things.
An external drive can provide a destination for recurring computer backups as well as space for files. Microsoft Support documents external-drive or network destinations for File History, while Apple Support recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
Cloud access or a permanently attached drive need not be your only route. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping a separate backup and describes incidents in which connected USB and network drives were affected alongside original files.
Start with what you would need to recover, then choose a backup destination with enough space that your devices can actually access.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Restoring a device | Check which data a cloud or computer-based device backup includes. Find out how to restore it to a replacement device and confirm that a recent backup has completed. | If my phone is lost, I want to recover more than a folder of photos. Apple Support distinguishes an iPhone or iPad computer backup from syncing and notes that backup coverage has limits. |
| Sync versus backup | Identify whether you are using a synced photo library, cloud file storage or a device-backup feature. Check which data is handled separately and what happens when files change or are deleted. | I want photos available across devices, but I also need to know what I could restore. Apple Support says iCloud Photos content is not included again in the daily iCloud Backup when iCloud Photos is enabled. |
| Capacity and media quality | Compare your library and expected backup history with available space. For Mac Time Machine, Apple Support recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; for Google Photos, check the selected backup-quality setting. | My photo and video collection needs room to grow. If original resolution matters to me, I would check the Google Photos setting: Google says Storage saver can resize videos above 1080p to 1080p. |
| Local storage type | Consider an external SSD for portable file transfers, a hard drive for a larger computer-backup destination, or a USB flash drive for selected files. Check capacity and the backup method rather than treating a manual copy as a complete device backup. | I may want a local copy of laptop files as well as my phone backup. For a small set of documents, a flash drive could be a secondary copy; a growing library calls for a capacity check. |
| Device compatibility | Match the connector, cable, power requirements and file system to every device that must read the drive. Apple Support documents iPad storage requirements, and Files by Google documents USB-storage access on Android 7.0 and later. | I want to move files between my devices without discovering that the drive needs an adapter, external power or reformatting after I have copied data to it. |
| Copy protection | Decide where a separate copy will be kept and whether it can be disconnected between updates. For sensitive files on portable media, consider encryption and a way to retain access to the password. | A drive I carry could be lost, while a drive left connected could share a computer’s exposure. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline; the Information Commissioner’s Office describes encryption as protection against unauthorised access to stored personal information. |
Sync makes content available across devices, but it does not mean every category of device data is in the backup. Apple Support says iCloud Photos is handled separately from the daily iCloud Backup when iCloud Photos is enabled.
List the photos, messages, settings and other data you would need after replacement, then check how each category is restored.
A matching plug alone does not establish that a phone or tablet can power and read a drive. Apple Support documents adapter, partition and power considerations for external storage; Files by Google specifies Android requirements for USB access.
Check your device’s port, the cable, any adapter, power needs and supported file system before moving files.
Using a drive with some mobile devices may also require an adapter or powered hub.
The National Cyber Security Centre has described ransomware incidents affecting both original data and connected USB or network backup drives. A second drive does not provide an offline copy while it remains attached.
Keep at least one copy disconnected when it is not being updated, and check that you can access files from it.
Google says its Storage saver setting can reduce the resolution of supported photos and videos; videos above 1080p can be resized to 1080p. That matters if you intend to keep the captured resolution.
Choose the quality setting deliberately and check how much account storage the resulting backup uses.
These services and product lines illustrate different backup routes; a brand name alone does not establish what your particular device or drive will back up.
iCloud features cover syncing and eligible device backups, while Time Machine backs up a Mac to a suitable destination.
Google Backup and Google Photos provide Android device-backup and photo-storage routes, with account storage also used across Google services.
Seagate’s UK range includes portable hard drives and external SSDs for local computer-file storage.
SanDisk offers portable SSDs for local file copies, including a manufacturer-described phone-file transfer use case.
These external SSDs and hard drives are options for keeping local copies of phone or laptop files, or for use with a compatible computer-backup workflow. Choose your cloud or device-backup arrangements separately, and check the exact connection and capacity you need.
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A 4 TB local-storage option for a substantial file library. Its name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check the host connection and file system, particularly if you intend to use it directly with a phone or tablet.
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A 2 TB option for a separate local copy of photos and documents. The named interface is USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; confirm your device’s connection, power and file-system requirements before relying on it for mobile backups.
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This 1 TB portable SSD is an option for a smaller local file library. Compare the capacity with the files and backup history you intend to keep, and confirm the connection and format required by each device.
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A 4 TB portable hard-drive option for a larger laptop-file copy. Its name specifies USB 3.0; check your computer’s connection and the format required by your backup software before copying files.
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This 2 TB hard drive offers a local destination for computer files. If you use a Mac, confirm the exact read/write, driver and formatting requirements before choosing it for a backup workflow.
No. Apple Support explains that iCloud syncing and iCloud Backup handle different data: when iCloud Photos is enabled, those photos are not also included in the daily iCloud Backup. Check how you would recover both your photos and the other device data you need.
Yes. Apple Support documents computer-based iPhone and iPad backups. Check what the backup includes and leave enough space on the computer; if you choose an encrypted local backup, keep its password securely because Apple says it cannot be recovered if forgotten.
It may, but the exact device and drive must be compatible. Apple Support documents adapter, partition and power considerations for iPhone and iPad storage, while Files by Google documents USB-storage access on Android 7.0 and later. Check the connector, power supply and file format before choosing a drive.
Apple Support recommends a backup device with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. Check the Mac’s capacity, not just the current size of a few selected folders, when choosing a Time Machine destination.
No: if it is your only separate copy, consider disconnecting it between updates. The National Cyber Security Centre has described ransomware affecting connected USB and network drives and advises keeping at least one backup offline. Make a plan to reconnect, update and check that copy.