Families changing or sharing devices
If photos move between phones, tablets and computers, automatic uploads and access from the right account can make retrieval after a device change simpler.
Who needs a photo backup?
Households keeping a large archive
Years of photos and videos call for copies that can be opened after a device fails, including one kept separately from the usual equipment. The Information Commissioner's Office describes keeping important files outside the home as part of a backup approach.
People carrying a portable copy
A drive taken outside the home raises questions about encryption, password recovery and what happens if the drive is lost. Encryption protects access to files; it does not create another copy.
What matters when choosing?
External drive
Choose it when: You want a local archive you can copy between compatible devices and disconnect after updating.
Accept that: One drive kept with your everyday devices can be lost in the same incident.
Cloud storage
Choose it when: Automatic phone uploads and access from signed-in devices take priority.
Accept that: Retrieval depends on account access, sufficient storage and the service's handling of changes or deletions.
Local and cloud copies
Choose them when: You want an off-site copy as well as a local archive you can access independently.
Accept that: Both copies need checking; neither is automatically protected from every destructive change.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic backup and access | Check which device folders upload and whether you can retrieve files through the intended account on another device. | When our photos are spread across phones and computers, we want new files captured without a separate copying routine. Around 31% of consumers put automatic backup and cross-device retrieval first. |
| Recovery after loss or damage | Keep a copy separate from everyday devices, and check how to restore files after a deletion or account problem. | If a phone or the equipment at home is lost, we still need an archive we can open. For around 25% of consumers, recoverability after an incident is the primary concern. |
| Privacy and recovery | Check who holds encryption keys and how passwords, recovery contacts or keys can be used to regain access. | We want sensitive family images protected without locking ourselves out of them. Privacy alongside a workable recovery path comes first for around 19% of consumers. |
| Local capacity and transfer | Measure the archive and allow for growth; check drive connections and the computer's supported USB mode. | With a growing collection of large videos, we need room to keep a local copy and a practical way to move it. Around 25% of consumers prioritise capacity and direct control of local transfers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on one synced folder or one drive
A drive kept at home may be lost with the original devices. The National Cyber Security Centre also cautions that cloud and local backups are not ransomware-resistant by default.
Keep independently checked copies in different locations or failure domains, and periodically open and restore a selection of files.
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Choosing storage for today's archive alone
New photos and videos need room to upload. Apple says that when iCloud storage is full, new photos and videos will not upload to iCloud Photos and device backups will not continue.
Measure the existing archive, account for other files included in the backup and leave room for growth.
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Assuming all encryption has the same recovery process
With Apple's optional Advanced Data Protection, Apple says it cannot recover the end-to-end encrypted data for you. Encryption of a portable drive likewise makes access to its password or key important.
Check who can recover each copy, and keep recovery instructions separately from the only archive device.
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Buying an SSD for its maximum advertised speed
Samsung says the quoted speeds for its T7 Shield require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable, with UASP enabled. A faster drive rating alone does not establish the speed of your copying setup.
Check the computer's port and the cable, then copy and open a representative video folder before deleting originals.
Relevant brands to consider
Apple
iCloud+ is relevant to households using Apple devices for photo storage and device backups.
- Apple lists storage tiers from 50 GB to 12 TB and family sharing for up to five other family members on listed plans.
- Advanced Data Protection is optional and requires eligible devices and recovery preparation; Apple cannot recover data protected with keys it does not hold.
Google Photos suits households considering automatic photo and video uploads to a Google Account.
- Google says backed-up files can be accessed from devices signed in to the account.
- Check the selected device folders, account and supported file limits before relying on uploads.
Microsoft
OneDrive through Microsoft 365 is relevant to households using Windows, macOS, iOS or Android alongside Microsoft services.
- Microsoft lists 1 TB for Microsoft 365 Personal and up to 6 TB for Family, allocated as 1 TB per person.
- Check whether separate allocations fit the people who need storage and whether the plan's renewal terms suit you.
Dropbox
Dropbox offers a file-and-folder route for households considering computer or external-drive backup.
- Dropbox lists 2 TB for Plus and describes syncing and file-recovery features.
- Dropbox says its separate Backup plan is available to a limited audience; check eligibility and the recovery window for the plan you intend to use.
Samsung
Samsung's portable SSD range is relevant when a household wants a local copy it can move between compatible devices.
- Samsung rates its T7 Shield 2 TB model for up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write under its stated connection conditions.
- Actual transfer speed depends on the host and cable. A portable SSD still needs a separately maintained backup copy.
External drives on Joybuy
These portable drives are options for keeping a local family photo archive, including a copy you can disconnect after updating. Choose capacity against the size of your files, and maintain another independently checked copy if the archive needs protection beyond one drive.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 4 TB, grey
Consider this for a local archive if 4 TB leaves room for your photos and videos to grow.
Portable SSD with USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity; check the connections on the devices you will use.
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Samsung MU-PG4T0B 4 TB, black
This 4 TB portable drive is a local-copy option for a sizeable archive.
USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 are specified; check host and cable support before expecting the benefit of that connection.
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Samsung MU-PG2T0B 2 TB, black
Consider this 2 TB portable drive when that capacity accommodates the measured archive and expected growth.
It specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; confirm the connection available on your computer.
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Samsung MU-PG1T0B 1 TB, black
This 1 TB portable drive suits a local copy only if the archive and its likely growth fit that capacity.
It specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check your computer's connection before choosing it for transfers.
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Western Digital My Passport 2 TB portable hard drive, black
This portable hard drive offers a 2 TB local-copy option if it fits your archive and the computers used to update it.
Check the required file-system setup for your devices, particularly if the archive moves between operating systems.
Common questions
Is a synced cloud photo library a backup?
Not necessarily: an off-site cloud copy can help after a device is lost, but you need to know what happens when files are changed or deleted. Check that uploads completed, account recovery works and the service's restore or version options meet your needs. The National Cyber Security Centre cautions that cloud backups are not ransomware-resistant by default.
Should we keep photos on both a drive and in the cloud?
Using both is a sensible choice for an irreplaceable family archive when you can maintain and check each copy. An off-site cloud copy avoids relying solely on equipment at home; a periodically updated, disconnected drive gives you a separate local copy. Test that you can open and restore files from both.
What should we do before enabling Apple Advanced Data Protection?
Set up an alternative recovery method and check that your signed-in devices meet Apple's requirements. Apple says it cannot supply the keys to recover data protected by Advanced Data Protection, so make sure the household can use its device credentials, recovery contact or recovery key.
Will Google Photos back up every family video?
Do not assume every video will upload. Google Photos lists supported file types and a limit of up to 10 GB per video; check the files in your archive and test representative uploads before depending on it as the only copy.