For family photos and important documents, consider a combined local and cloud arrangement so that access does not depend on one device, location or account. Cloud storage is useful for current files across devices, while an external drive provides a separate local copy; the local drive should be disconnected after backup and cloud recovery settings should be maintained.
If years of photos or videos would be difficult to recreate, keep a recoverable copy beyond the phone or computer that currently holds them. National Cyber Security Centre guidance supports considering a separate local copy alongside an off-device copy.
Move older files to a separate archive if they do not need daily access, but keep active documents in a location that fits how they are shared and updated across devices.
Cloud storage can help keep current files available across phones, tablets and computers. Before making it your main copy, check the quota, recovery options and the consequences of cancelling or exceeding the allowance.
Start by separating files that need everyday synchronisation from files that need a recoverable archive. Then check where each copy lives, how it can be restored and who can still access it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Keep a copy away from the original computer; check the provider’s restore process; disconnect removable media after backup. | I want a copy I can use if a computer fails, files are deleted or the original device becomes inaccessible. |
| Archive or synchronisation | Check which files need access across devices; allow for storage shared with email and photo services; keep an independently stored archive for irreplaceable files. | Older photo libraries can sit in an archive, while current documents may need to stay available and updated on several devices. |
| Account and quota planning | Check what counts against the allowance; confirm recovery contacts or methods; review cancellation, downgrade and over-quota conditions. | I need the household to regain access to cloud files and avoid a full allowance disrupting uploads or synchronisation. |
| Privacy for portable files | Use available encryption; keep passwords or recovery information separate from the drive; treat drop or water ratings as conditional product claims. | I want sensitive family documents to remain protected if a portable drive is misplaced or stolen. |
A connected drive can be reachable from a compromised computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises that physically disconnected media stored separately is harder for an attacker to access.
After a completed backup, eject the drive and store it away from the computer. Keep another copy of files that would be difficult to replace.
Cloud allowances can be shared with other services. Google storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, while Microsoft storage can include OneDrive files, photos and Outlook attachments.
Check current usage by service and leave room for future files. Review what happens after cancellation, a failed renewal or an exceeded quota.
Files may remain online but inaccessible if account recovery details, trusted devices or verification methods are unavailable.
Set up and test recovery information before uploading the only copy. Keep access details available to a trusted household member where appropriate.
Transfer performance depends on the computer connection and cable. Samsung says its T7 Shield maximum speeds require compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 hardware, cable support and UASP mode.
Check the ports and cable on the computer before choosing a high-speed SSD, and retain a separate backup instead of relying on a ruggedness rating.
Relevant for households considering a portable external SSD for regularly transferring or carrying large backup files.
Relevant for households already using Google Photos, Google Drive and Gmail and wanting shared cloud storage across those services.
Relevant for Windows- and OneDrive-centred households that want current documents and photos synchronised across devices.
Relevant for Apple-device households that want iPhone or iPad backups, photo libraries and iCloud Drive files associated with the same Apple Account.
These Joybuy options cover portable external SSDs and HDDs for creating a separate local copy of family photos, documents and computer files.
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A portable local-copy option for households that regularly move large photo or video libraries.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection and up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds.
Check computer and cable compatibility for the stated speeds. Password protection and AES-256-bit hardware encryption require Samsung software setup, and a separate copy remains important for irreplaceable files.
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Suitable for making a local copy from several USB-C or USB-A devices where the supplied cable options fit the household setup.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds, plus USB-C-to-C and USB-A-to-C cables.
The magnetic attachment is stated for iPhone 15 and 16 series with the supplied case or ring, and MagSafe wireless charging is not supported. Lexar DataShield encryption software needs installation and password setup.
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A compact external HDD for households that want a repeatable computer-backup routine.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection, Acronis True Image for Western Digital scheduled-backup capability and 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection.
It is supplied pre-formatted for Windows 10+. For macOS 11+ use, check the required downloadable driver components and complete the software and password configuration.
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A higher-capacity portable SSD option for a sizeable family photo and video archive.
Stated 2 TB capacity, up to 800 MB/s read speed, up to 2-metre drop protection, supplied USB cable and 40 g weight.
Check whether encryption or password protection is needed for sensitive documents, and confirm the computer’s actual transfer performance before relying on the stated read speed.
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An external HDD for keeping a larger local archive of photos, videos and documents.
Stated 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 interface, supplied USB-A cable and plug-and-play operation for Windows 10+.
Mac or other operating systems may require reformatting. The drive is not stated to be waterproof or dustproof, so store it separately after backup and check security options before saving sensitive files.
Not necessarily. Synchronisation helps keep current files available across devices, but irreplaceable files should also have another copy and a clear restoration route. Microsoft says personal OneDrive deleted files can generally be restored within 30 days, which is useful protection but not an indefinite archive.
Check what counts against the allowance, whether it is shared with email or other services, whether the plan is individual or shareable, and what happens after cancellation or a full quota. Google storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos; Microsoft 365 Basic provides 100 GB shared across Outlook and OneDrive.
Set recovery details before they are needed and keep access to trusted methods available. Google says a recovery email can help regain access, Apple offers a recovery-contact option, and Microsoft warns that two-step verification can prevent support from helping when no alternate verification method is available.
Use available encryption, keep the encryption password separate from the drive and do not rely on physical possession alone. ICO guidance says encrypting stored personal information helps protect it from unauthorised access, particularly if a device is lost or stolen.