Choose cloud storage if you want supported automatic backup and access to a backup when setting up a replacement device; choose removable storage if you want a local copy you can disconnect. For files that would be difficult to replace, using both routes avoids relying on just one copy or storage location. Check what each route actually backs up, whether your devices can use it, and how you would regain access before replacing the original device.
If you want supported device data available during replacement-phone setup, check the backup tied to your Apple or Google account before you stop using the old phone. Apple documents iCloud Backup for iPhone and iPad; Google documents Android backup and restoration during setup.
An external drive can hold a separate copy of photos and documents without depending on access to a cloud account. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping external backup storage secure and disconnected when it is not in use.
A shared plan may suit people who need storage under separate personal accounts. Apple, Google and Microsoft describe different membership and storage arrangements, so check the chosen plan’s rules and file-sharing permissions rather than assuming a shared plan makes everyone’s files visible.
Decide whether you need a supported device restore, a disconnected local copy, or both. A USB flash drive is more suited to files you deliberately select and copy than to an assumed full-device restore.
Choose it when: You want supported automatic backup or account-based access while setting up a replacement device.
Bear in mind: Restoration depends on account access, available capacity and the data covered by that service.
Choose it when: You want a local copy that can be stored separately and disconnected between backups.
Bear in mind: You need a routine for making and checking new copies, as well as a secure place to keep the drive.
Choose it when: You want to copy a selected set of documents or other files onto removable storage.
Bear in mind: Selecting and updating those files takes attention; do not assume the drive captures a whole phone or computer backup.
Choose it when: Important files warrant copies in both an online account and a separate physical location.
Bear in mind: Both copies need maintaining, and you still need to protect the cloud account and store the physical device securely.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic recovery | Check which data your device backs up and the date of its latest successful backup. Apple says automatic iPhone and iPad iCloud Backup requires Wi-Fi, power and a locked screen. | If my device is lost or replaced, I want a supported restore available without sorting through every file myself. Around 36% of consumers put automatic recovery first. |
| A separate offline copy | Confirm that the drive works with the intended device and plan when you will update, disconnect and securely store it. | I want a copy I can reach without signing in to an online storage account, while accepting that I must keep it current. For around 29% of consumers, that separate local copy is the main priority. |
| Capacity and device access | Compare the files you intend to keep with the available storage, then check the exact drive’s connection and operating-system requirements or the cloud plan’s allowance. | A growing collection of photos, videos and documents needs enough room and a workable route back to my devices. Sufficient capacity and access come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Household accounts | Check membership eligibility, how capacity is allocated, file permissions and each person’s account-recovery arrangements. | We need to share storage without giving up separate accounts or control of personal files. Around 14% of consumers make that household arrangement their primary concern. |
A full storage allowance can leave a backup incomplete when you need it for a replacement device. Apple lists 5 GB of free iCloud storage, Google up to 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, and Microsoft 5 GB of free cloud storage.
Check how much space your chosen data needs and whether the latest backup succeeded before moving away from the original device.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware affecting a computer can also affect connected storage, undermining the value of that separate copy.
Once you have made and checked the backup, disconnect the drive and keep it somewhere secure. Consider an online copy as well for important files.
Sharing arrangements differ: Google’s family-group rules include a same-country requirement, while Apple and Microsoft describe their own membership and capacity arrangements. Sharing storage does not, by itself, mean sharing every file.
Check who can join, use separate personal accounts, review permissions and account recovery, and find out what happens to each person’s allowance if sharing ends.
Microsoft says OneDrive files are private until shared; the permissions you choose then determine who can access them.
Keep backup folders private unless someone needs access. When you do share a file or folder, check the recipients and permissions before sending it.
These providers illustrate different backup and storage arrangements; a brand’s inclusion does not establish compatibility for every device or product.
iCloud Backup is relevant to people preparing to restore a supported iPhone or iPad during replacement-device setup.
Google Backup, Photos and Drive are relevant to Android replacement planning and files held in a Google account.
OneDrive is relevant to people moving files to a new Windows PC or considering storage for several household accounts.
Seagate is one example of an external-drive manufacturer for people making a local copy of computer files.
These Joybuy choices cover external drives for local file copies and a USB flash drive for selected files. Before choosing one for a phone, check that the phone can access the drive and use it for the files or backup workflow you have in mind.
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Consider this portable external hard drive if you want a 5TB local copy for files from a compatible Mac. Check the exact connection and any requirements for accessing the same files on another device before relying on it for a move.
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This 2TB portable drive is an option for keeping a local copy of selected computer files. Confirm that its connection and your intended backup method work with the computer you will use to make and restore that copy.
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Consider this 1TB external SSD for a portable local copy if your intended device supports the connection and file-access method. Its title specifies USB 3.2 Gen. 2; confirm the requirements of the particular phone or computer you plan to use.
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This 4TB USB 3.0 drive is an option if you need space for a substantial local file collection and will manage the copies yourself. For a Mac or a second operating system, check the required setup and how it affects access to files before moving your only copy.
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Use this as a candidate for copying a deliberately selected set of files between compatible devices, not as an assumed full-device backup. It has 128GB capacity and USB-A and USB-C connectors; check direct file access and the required file system on your particular phone or computer.
Start with the photos, documents, videos and device data you actually intend to keep, then allow room for later files. Check current use as well as the backup’s latest successful date: Apple lists 5 GB of free iCloud storage, Google up to 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, and Microsoft 5 GB of free cloud storage.
A connected drive can hold a copy, but leaving it connected when it is not in use exposes that copy to problems affecting the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting external backup storage, keeping it secure and considering both online storage and a storage device for additional resilience.
Sharing storage does not automatically give every member access to every file, but account and file-sharing settings matter. Apple describes separate Apple Accounts for iCloud+ family members; Google says family members cannot access one another’s files without permission. Check the chosen plan’s membership rules and each person’s permissions.
Your available allowance may fall, so check the provider’s cancellation terms before depending on that space for backups. Microsoft says cancellation can reduce the allowance to 5 GB and, when usage remains above it, can stop new uploads, edits and synchronisation. Make sure you have a workable copy and access plan before changing a subscription.