Choose a backup method around the files and settings you need to keep, the storage capacity required and whether you need an offline copy. Cloud and platform tools can simplify restoration within an ecosystem; an external drive gives you a separately held copy, while direct transfer is primarily a way to move to another device. Before erasing a phone, tablet or computer for sale, trade-in or donation, check that the wanted content is in the backup and that you can access it.
If you are selling, trading in or donating a device, keep a usable copy of the personal data you want before erasing the outgoing device. The National Cyber Security Centre advises making that backup before handover.
If your photos, videos or computer folders need substantial space, measure what you want to retain before choosing cloud capacity or a physical drive. Plan how you will check the separately held copy.
Apple, Android and Windows backup tools can help when moving to another device, but the content they retain varies by method. Check the categories that matter to you rather than assuming a transfer includes everything.
Decide whether you need a restorable device backup, a separate archive of files or a transfer to a replacement device. Whichever route you use, the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a backup of wanted personal data before handing over the old device.
Consider it when: You want account-based access or restoration across supported devices and have reliable internet access.
Check: Backup scope varies by service and app, and extra cloud capacity may require an ongoing subscription.
Consider it when: You want a compact physical copy and regularly move large files between compatible devices.
Check: The drive, cable and device connection must support the transfer method you intend to use; a portable copy still needs safe storage.
Consider it when: Your main need is a sizeable, locally held file archive.
Check: Capacity alone does not establish compatibility with your computer or backup software.
Consider it when: You need to copy a limited, selected set of files that you can open and check individually.
Check: Copying files does not establish that device settings or app data have been retained.
Consider it when: Both devices are available during a supported setup process.
Check: Google says Android setup transfer omits certain content and may be available only once during setup; it is not proof of a separate backup.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A usable copy before handover | Identify which files, settings and app data the method covers. Check the backup date and open representative wanted files before erasing the device. | If I am about to hand over my old device, I need to know I can still reach what matters after it is erased. Around 36% of consumers put a usable, sufficiently complete copy first. |
| Capacity and offline access | Measure the files to retain, allow room for growth and confirm that the drive or backup service works with your intended device and software. | For a large photo or video library, I want room for an archive I can reach without relying on an internet connection. Roughly 29% of consumers make offline capacity their primary concern. |
| Privacy and account access | Check whether encryption must be enabled and how you will retain its password. Confirm access to the accounts needed for restoration. | When my backup holds sensitive information, I need to protect it without losing the credentials that unlock it. About 21% of consumers prioritise that balance. |
| Limited transfer | Check the destination's free space and the provider's list of content that will and will not transfer. | If I only need selected files on a replacement device, I want a manageable transfer and a way to inspect the result. Around 14% of consumers put that limited move first. |
Apple and Google document content that particular backup or transfer methods exclude. A completion indicator does not establish that every wanted file, setting or app item is available.
Check the method's scope and backup date, then open representative files and confirm account access before erasing the old device.
A drive can have enough space yet still need a different format for the intended backup workflow. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk.
Decide whether the drive is for Time Machine, Windows File History or manual file copies, and check its format and connection before using it.
Reformatting a drive can erase files already stored on it.
Apple says local iPhone and iPad backups are not encrypted by default. An encrypted backup can include certain information that an unencrypted one does not.
If you need an encrypted Apple local backup, enable the setting deliberately, check that the backup completes and keep its password securely.
Apple says an encrypted backup cannot be recovered without its password.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that storage left connected can be affected by malware on the computer.
Store an external backup securely and disconnect it when it is not in use.
Relevant to iPhone and iPad owners choosing between iCloud and a computer backup before replacement or reset.
Relevant to Android owners using Google Account backup or a supported setup-time transfer.
Relevant to Windows users weighing OneDrive folder backup against File History on an external drive or network location.
The T7 Shield illustrates a portable SSD option for a physical file copy.
The My Passport WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN illustrates a portable HDD option for a local archive.
Confirm that the personal data you want to keep has been backed up and that you can access the copy. The National Cyber Security Centre also advises checking access to important accounts, smart-home controls and account-verification methods from another device before erasure.
No. Google lists content that may not transfer, including downloads, media in hidden folders, unsupported apps and data from non-Google accounts. Check its transfer list against your own files and apps before treating the move as complete.
Check that the backup completed and inspect its date and time. Apple says the Encrypt local backup setting remains checked and a lock appears beside an encrypted device backup in the backup list. Keep the password securely: you need it to use that backup.
Using one physical drive requires planning its format and backup workflow. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk and may require reformatting; check the destination requirements for both methods before changing a drive that already holds wanted files.