Cloud backup suits a household that wants automatic copies and access from several devices, provided its account, storage allowance and restore process cover the files that matter. An external hard drive suits a large local archive kept mainly at home; an external SSD is worth considering for frequent transfers between compatible devices. For family files that would be hard to replace, use both cloud and a separately stored removable copy rather than relying on one location.
Photos and documents spread across phones and computers need a backup route that household members can access when a device is lost or replaced. Check what each account and device actually backs up, as well as how to restore it.
If the photos and videos selected for backup exceed a cloud allowance, measure the library before choosing more cloud storage or a local drive. A drive may also be useful when regularly copying large files between compatible devices.
Family photos and important documents warrant a copy away from the original device and a restore process someone in the household can follow. The National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a copy kept in a separate safe location.
Start with what must be restored and on which device, then check capacity, compatibility and how the copy will stay separate from the original.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud recovery | Check which photos, files and device data are copied automatically; which account owns them; and how a replacement device restores them. Check deletion and version-history limits separately from sync. | I want copies to update without remembering to connect a drive, and I need to know how I would regain access after replacing a phone. |
| Local archive | Measure the selected files and allow for additions. For an external hard drive, check the computer backup workflow, drive format and when the drive must be connected. | A large photo and video library needs a local copy that I can keep separate from the computer between backups. |
| Frequent transfers | For an external SSD, check capacity, ports, cable and device support. Samsung says the T7 reaches its stated maximum speeds only with USB 3.2 Gen 2, a compatible cable and UASP. | I regularly move selected videos or photos between devices, so the connection on my actual phone or computer matters more than a drive’s headline speed. |
| Selected-file copy | Check whether a USB flash drive holds the chosen documents and whether you have a repeatable way to update and restore them. Keep another copy elsewhere. | I only need to carry a small, deliberate set of files, not use the stick as the sole archive for every device. |
| Separate copies | Check that cloud backup covers the chosen files, then plan periodic copies to removable media and disconnect it afterwards. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported incidents affecting connected USB and network backup drives. | Some family files would be difficult to replace, so I want a convenient cloud copy and another copy that is not permanently connected. |
| Access and protection | Check account recovery, supported encryption and where recovery keys will be kept. Microsoft says BitLocker Drive Encryption is unavailable on Windows Home; test that you can restore a file before relying on an encrypted drive. | Sensitive documents may leave the house on a drive, but someone authorised must still be able to unlock and restore the backup. |
A connected backup can be affected alongside the original files. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported incidents in which ransomware also affected connected USB and network backup drives.
Keep hard-to-replace files in another location or medium. Disconnect a removable backup after copying, and make sure the household can recover access to its cloud account.
Photos, videos, documents and device backups may share an allowance. A service’s file limits can also matter for an individual large video.
Measure the folders and libraries you intend to protect, allow for additions, and check the provider’s current storage and file limits before committing to a plan or drive.
The phone or computer, its port and the cable can limit transfers. Samsung says the T7’s stated maximum speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2, a compatible cable and UASP.
Check the drive connection against each device you intend to use, including the cable needed for that device.
Encryption can restrict access to a lost drive, but lost credentials can also prevent its owner from restoring files. Microsoft says it cannot retrieve or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.
Keep recovery information separately from the drive, decide who in the household can access it, and test a non-destructive restore.
An iCloud route to consider for households using iPhone, iPad and Mac devices.
Google Photos and Google Drive are relevant when family files are held in Google Accounts.
Windows households can assess OneDrive for cloud files and File History for copies on an external drive or network location.
The T7 portable SSD range is relevant to households copying selected media between compatible devices.
The Extreme Portable SSD range offers another removable-storage route for selected files.
These external SSDs and hard drive are options for keeping a local copy of selected family files. Choose one only after checking capacity and your devices’ copy-and-restore workflow; a drive does not replace the cloud part of a combined plan.
No image availableThe listed 4 TB capacity suits a sizeable selected local archive if your measured files fit. The listing specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables; check your devices’ connections and how you will copy and restore files.
No image availableThis 1 TB external SSD is an option for a selected removable copy that fits within its capacity. Its listing names Mac, PC and Android use and specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2; confirm the cable, device connection and restore process for your setup.
No image availableThis portable hard drive offers 5 TB for a local archive or computer backup. The listing specifies macOS 11+ compatibility, USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A connection options, and a downloadable HFS+ driver for Windows use; confirm the driver, format and restore workflow before sharing it between systems.
No image availableThe listed 2 TB SSD is an option for selected files moved between compatible phones and computers. Its magnetic attachment is described for iPhone 15/16 series with the stated case or ring conditions; check your exact device, cable, formatting and restore workflow. Confirm how its encryption works before relying on it for sensitive files.
No image availableThis 2 TB external SSD can hold a selected local copy if the files fit. The listing states a read speed of up to 800 MB/s; check its exact connector, compatibility with your devices and the steps needed to restore your files.
No: check whether the service keeps a restorable copy after deletion or unwanted changes, and for how long. Microsoft says OneDrive Restore can undo actions from the last 30 days for eligible Microsoft 365 subscribers, but permanently deleted OneDrive Recycle Bin files cannot be recovered.
Measure the folders, phone libraries and device backups you intend to protect, then allow for files you expect to add. Check what shares a cloud allowance and whether any individual files exceed the provider’s limits; a universal capacity multiplier will not describe your chosen set.
It may work for ordinary file transfers, but check the intended backup software and drive format before using it for both. Apple says a Windows-formatted disk may need reformatting for Time Machine, permanently erasing its contents, and identifies APFS or APFS Encrypted as preferred formats for a Time Machine disk.
Consider encryption when the drive holds sensitive files or leaves home, while planning how authorised family members will unlock it. The Information Commissioner’s Office describes encryption as protection against unauthorised access to stored personal information; Microsoft says BitLocker Drive Encryption is not available on Windows Home and that a lost BitLocker recovery key cannot be recreated by its support service.
Connect it for planned backups and restore checks, then disconnect it if it is intended to remain a separate offline copy. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported ransomware incidents affecting connected USB and network backup drives.