Families with photos across several devices
Photos and videos on phones, tablets and computers need a way into the backup arrangement. Check that automatic copying is enabled where you expect it, then keep a recovery copy separate from the devices.
Who needs a household backup plan?
A backup plan matters when losing a device or access to an account would also put the only usable copy of a file at risk.
Households keeping important documents
Identity, financial, school and household documents need to be usable after a loss or accidental deletion. A synchronised folder alone may not provide the earlier copy you need, so check how restoration works.
Families sharing cloud storage
When household members use different devices or accounts, compare who receives storage, who can access each file and how each person can recover their account.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with how copies are separated and restored. Then check whether the arrangement fits the household’s devices, storage needs and ability to maintain it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Copy separation | Check where each copy lives and whether a computer or account can alter them all. Disconnect a removable drive after updating it; a network-attached storage device also needs a separately protected backup. | I want a device failure or malware incident to leave another copy available. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against leaving a backup device permanently connected. |
| Restoration | Check how to retrieve a deleted file or earlier version, the applicable recovery window and whether wider account restoration is available. Restore sample photos and documents to confirm they open. | If a folder is deleted or changed, I need a usable earlier copy—not just a list of files marked as backed up. |
| Account access | Check the provider’s two-factor or multi-factor authentication and account-recovery methods. Keep recovery information accessible if the primary phone or computer is lost. | Our cloud copy needs protection from unauthorised changes, but household members must still be able to regain access. |
| Capacity and devices | Measure existing files, check automatic phone-backup settings and allow for growth. Confirm whether a family allowance is shared or allocated per person. | Photos from several phones should reach the backup without depending entirely on manual transfers, with enough room for documents and future files. |
| Portable storage | Check connection compatibility and how the drive will be stored. If others could physically access it, assess its encryption setup and how the password will be retained. | I may need a removable copy, but I must be able to connect it, update it and restore files when needed. |
Which backup assumptions can cause trouble?
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Leaving the only external backup plugged in
A connected backup can be reached during the same malware incident as the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises that a device holding a backup should not remain permanently connected.
Update and check the backup, then disconnect the drive and store it separately.
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Treating photo synchronisation as an independent copy
Changes can carry across synchronised devices. Apple Support says deleting a photo from iCloud Photos also deletes it from devices using iCloud Photos, subject to its recovery feature.
Check the service’s deletion and version-recovery controls, and retain another independently recoverable copy of irreplaceable files.
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Setting up encryption without an access plan
Protected files can become inaccessible to the household if the required password or recovery method is lost. Apple says Advanced Data Protection requires an alternative account-recovery method.
Establish and retain the relevant recovery information before enabling optional protection, and check that you can still access the backup.
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Choosing cloud capacity without checking allocation
A household allowance may be shared differently from separate individual storage. Dropbox Help describes its Family plan as 2 TB shared by up to six members; that does not mean 2 TB for each member.
Compare current storage use with the plan’s allocation and check renewal and cancellation terms before subscribing.
A subscription remains an ongoing household commitment, while a growing photo or video library may call for a different storage allowance later.
Cloud services to compare
Compare the relevant plan and its recovery controls, rather than assuming that every synchronised folder works as a separate backup.
Microsoft OneDrive
A cloud-storage option for households using Windows or Microsoft accounts alongside other devices.
- Microsoft Support documents version history for file types stored in OneDrive, with a 30-day retention period.
- That window is not indefinite archival storage. Check which personal plan offers the restoration controls you intend to use.
Apple iCloud+
An integrated storage route for households mainly using iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Apple Support describes two-factor authentication for Apple Accounts and account-recovery setup for optional Advanced Data Protection.
- Apple says iCloud Photos deletions synchronise across devices using the service. Keep another recoverable copy of photos you cannot replace.
Google Drive and Google Account
A route to assess for households already keeping files in Google Drive or using Google accounts across devices.
- Google Account Help lists recovery options including backup codes, passkeys and hardware security keys.
- Google Drive Help says an uploaded non-Google file version might be permanently deleted after 30 days or once there are 100 newer versions, unless it is marked to keep forever.
Dropbox
A cross-platform cloud-storage option with individual accounts and a shared Family plan.
- Dropbox Help says Basic, Plus and Family accounts can recover file edits or deletions made within the last 30 days.
- Dropbox Help describes 2 TB shared by up to six Family members. Check whether that allocation and recovery window fit your household.
Removable drives on Joybuy
These external drives are options for a removable household copy. Whichever drive you choose, update it, test a restore and disconnect it between backup sessions; a drive alone does not provide an automatic cloud copy.
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Western Digital My Passport 2 TB portable hard drive, black
A 2 TB removable option for keeping a household copy apart from the computer. If you use a Mac, confirm the required driver and read/write compatibility before buying; disconnect the drive after backups and test a restore.
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Samsung MU-PG2T0B 2 TB USB Type-C portable drive, black
A removable 2 TB copy for files kept on the household’s main devices. Check its connection and password-setup requirements for your devices, retain any password you set, and test restoration before relying on the copy.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 1 TB USB 3.2 Gen 2, blue
A 1 TB portable SSD to consider when a removable copy fits your storage needs. Confirm the connections needed for each device and set up any optional password protection before depending on it; disconnect it after backup sessions.
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Samsung MU-PE1T0S 1 TB USB Type-C portable drive, black
A removable 1 TB option for a separately stored copy. Check that your devices can connect to it and confirm any password setup you intend to use; test sample files and disconnect the drive after updating the backup.
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SanDisk Portable SSD 2 TB
A 2 TB portable option for a removable household copy. If other people could physically access the drive, check its password-protection and encryption options before choosing it; keep it disconnected between backups.
Backup questions answered
Is a permanently connected external drive enough?
No—not as the only recovery copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises that a backup device should not remain permanently connected to the computer. Update and check the drive, then disconnect and store it separately.
Is cloud photo synchronisation a separate backup?
Not necessarily. Apple Support says deleting a photo from iCloud Photos also deletes it from devices using iCloud Photos. Check the service’s recovery controls and keep another independently recoverable copy of irreplaceable photos.
When should I test that files can be restored?
Test after setting up the backup and after changes that affect access, such as replacing a computer or changing storage services. Restore a few representative photos and documents to a different folder or device and check that they open; the National Cyber Security Centre advises knowing how to restore important files.
Which cloud-account settings matter for a backup?
Use the provider’s available two-factor or multi-factor authentication and establish a recovery method before depending on the account. Keep recovery information away from the primary device, and check which accounts and devices can change or delete backup files.