Choose a portable drive for a separate copy you can disconnect, a desktop drive for a regular home-computer backup, or network-attached storage (NAS) when several devices need a shared destination and someone can maintain it. Cloud-linked backup can help with replacement-device recovery and access away from home, but it depends on account access and may involve a recurring subscription. Keep another separate copy rather than relying on one drive, NAS or cloud folder alone.
If a phone, tablet or computer is being replaced, check which photos, files and settings can be restored during setup of the new device. Apple Support and Google One Help document replacement-device backup and restoration paths for their respective devices.
When household members use different phones and computers, check the connectors, storage format and any adapters needed before choosing a portable drive. A shared network destination is another option if several people need access from their own devices.
As photos and videos accumulate, consider both available capacity and where a second copy will live. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline at any given time; a larger drive or NAS alone does not provide that separation.
Start with how the household would recover its files if the original device were unavailable, then decide who needs access to the backup. Check compatibility, capacity and the routine needed to keep each copy current before choosing hardware or a cloud-linked service.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering after device loss or replacement | Check what gets backed up, how restoration works on the replacement device, and whether a separate copy can be restored. | If my phone or computer fails, I need the photos and files on the new device, not just space where a backup should be. Roughly 36% of consumers put recovery first. |
| Compatibility across devices | Check each device’s connector, power needs and supported storage format before sharing a drive. | With different phones and computers at home, I need a copy I can actually open on the devices that will use it. Compatibility is the primary concern for roughly 29% of consumers. |
| Shared and remote access | Decide who needs private or shared files, whether access away from home is necessary, and who will manage permissions. | If several family members need their own access, I want to share the right files without sharing everyone’s credentials. Roughly 21% of consumers prioritise shared access. |
| Capacity and backup routine | Compare current file use with available capacity, then check how backups run and how you will test a restore. | As our photo library grows, I need enough room and a routine we will keep using. Capacity and upkeep come first for roughly 14% of consumers. |
The National Cyber Security Centre describes incidents affecting original files and connected backup locations. Synology also warns that RAID and drive failures can result in data loss.
Keep another copy on a separate destination, with at least one backup offline or otherwise isolated when it is not in use. If you use a NAS, plan where its own backup will go.
Apple Support specifies partition and format requirements for iPhone external storage and notes that many external hard drives need external power. Reformatting a drive can erase files already on it.
List the phones, tablets and computers that will use the storage; check connectors, power and format requirements, and copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting.
The setup may also call for a compatible adapter, powered USB hub or card reader.
For supported Seagate Dashboard plans, Seagate says the computer must be on, the software running and the drive connected and detected for continuous or scheduled backup.
Choose a schedule that fits when the household computer and drive are available. Check the latest completed backup and periodically restore a sample file or folder.
A family storage arrangement can provide shared capacity without making every person’s files public. Remote NAS access also requires attention to accounts and permissions.
Decide which folders or albums should be shared, use individual accounts where supported, and limit administrator and remote-access permissions.
Portable and desktop storage for computer-based backups, including supported Dashboard workflows.
Portable SSDs for moving files between compatible USB devices.
NAS systems for central household storage, network backup and optional remote access.
NAS systems for multi-device storage, local access and optional remote sharing.
These portable and desktop drives are local destinations for household photos and files. Choose one according to the devices you will connect and the capacity you need, then set up a backup routine and keep another separate copy.
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A portable option if you want a local copy that can be disconnected after backing up.
The named variant has 1TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check your intended devices’ connectors and storage-format requirements, and test a restore.
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Consider this portable drive when a growing file library calls for a 4TB local destination.
The named variant specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Check the connection and format supported by each device; a drive still needs a backup routine and another separate copy.
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This 2TB portable hard drive suits a computer-based local copy that you can disconnect and put away.
Handle the drive carefully during transfers. If a Mac will use it, confirm the current driver and read/write requirements before choosing a backup workflow.
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This portable SSD is a local storage option for file transfers; its magnetic set is relevant only if the intended phone and attachment arrangement fit.
The named variant has 1TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check the stated iPhone 15/16 attachment conditions, the device’s storage-format support and how you will restore copied files.
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This 10TB desktop drive is a local destination for a home computer that stays in one place.
Allow space and a nearby outlet for the powered setup. Confirm the required format before using it with a Mac, copy existing data elsewhere before any reformatting, and retain another separate backup.
No. RAID is not a separate backup: Synology warns that RAID and hard-drive failures can still cause data loss. Keep a copy of NAS files on another destination, and check that you can restore it.
Yes, with a compatible connector or adapter and storage that meets Apple Support’s format and single-partition requirements. Some external hard drives also need their own power, so check the connection and power arrangement for your iPhone before buying; copying files to attached storage still requires you to check that the intended files can be recovered.