Choose a portable drive if you need to move a separate local copy between computers; a desktop drive suits an archive kept beside one computer. A network-attached storage device (NAS) can provide a shared destination for several household devices, while cloud storage can add a copy elsewhere. Whichever route you choose, check how photos will leave each phone, whether the drive works with your backup software, and how you will keep a copy separate from the main device.
If your camera rolls are growing, work out how you will transfer the originals before choosing a drive. Apple Support says importing photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC involves unlocking the phone and trusting the computer; when iCloud Photos is in use, you may need to download the originals first.
Decide whether a drive is for sharing files or running a particular backup tool. Apple Support says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk, while Microsoft Support says File History can use an external drive or network location.
A NAS may suit a household that wants a shared local destination rather than connecting a drive to each computer. Synology describes access to its DS223 from PCs, Macs and mobile devices; plan a separate backup for files stored on the NAS too.
Start with the devices holding your originals, then choose a transfer and backup routine you can repeat. Capacity and connection details matter only if that routine works with your phones, computers and software.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| A separate copy | Choose where the additional copy will live; avoid keeping every backup connected at once. Check that you can restore a few files. | I want my photos to remain accessible if the phone or computer holding the originals is lost or affected by a problem. |
| Phone transfers | Check the phone connector, drive connection and transfer app. For iPhone-to-Windows imports, Apple Support says to unlock and trust the PC; iCloud Photos users may need to download originals first. | Before clearing space on my phone, I need to know that the photos and videos I want to keep have reached the backup destination. |
| Backup software | Choose the backup workflow before formatting a drive. Apple Support says Time Machine cannot use a Windows-formatted disk; Microsoft Support says File History can back up to an external drive or network location. | We use both Macs and Windows PCs, so a drive used for file transfers may need a different setup from one dedicated to Time Machine. |
| Capacity and quality | Compare available storage with the collection you intend to copy. Google Photos Help says Original quality uses Google Account storage, while Storage saver may resize photos over 16 MP and videos above 1080p. | I want room for the collection to grow without changing the resolution of files I intend to preserve. |
| Cloud synchronisation | Check whether a cloud service synchronises changes or holds an independently managed copy. Apple Support says deleting an item from iCloud Photos also deletes it from devices using iCloud Photos. | When I tidy a synced library, I want a separate archive of the originals I still intend to keep. |
The National Cyber Security Centre describes incidents in which ransomware affected original files and connected USB or network backup drives. A permanently connected drive may therefore be exposed alongside the computer.
Keep another copy in a separate location or in an arrangement where at least one backup is not continuously connected. Try restoring a few files so you know the copies are usable.
Apple Support says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk. Reformatting a drive erases data already on it, so a shared-transfer drive and a dedicated Mac backup disk call for different planning.
Choose between file transfers, Time Machine, Windows File History or a network destination before setting up the drive. Copy existing files elsewhere before erasing or reformatting it.
Apple Support says deleting a photo or video from iCloud Photos deletes it from devices using iCloud Photos. Synchronisation does not make a separately managed archive.
Check that the originals you want to retain are in an independent copy before deleting or reorganising a synced library.
Samsung says the stated maximum speeds of its T7 Shield require compatible host hardware, a cable and UASP support. That claim should not be assumed to apply to every computer or phone connection.
Check the ports and cable for the exact devices you will use, then consider the capacity and backup routine as well as the stated transfer speed.
These product lines illustrate different storage routes; their features do not make every model from the same brand suitable for the same backup routine.
The WD Elements Desktop line is a reference for an archive kept beside a computer.
The T7 Shield is a portable SSD reference for people considering frequent transfers and carrying a drive.
Expansion Desktop is a reference for a stationary external-drive route.
The DiskStation DS223 is a NAS reference for shared household storage.
These drives offer portable SSD, portable hard-drive and desktop hard-drive routes for keeping a local copy of family photos and videos. Choose a backup method and a separate destination for another copy before relying on any one drive.
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A portable local destination for a photo and video collection. The title specifies 4 TB and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check the connection and file format required by the devices and backup software you plan to use.
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A desktop hard drive to consider when the archive will stay beside a computer; the title specifies 10 TB. Check its power and connection requirements and the format needed for your intended backup software before setting it up.
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A portable hard-drive option for moving a local archive between computers; the title specifies 5 TB. If a Mac will use it for backups, confirm the required file format and setup before buying, rather than assuming file-transfer compatibility also covers Time Machine.
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A portable local-copy option when 2 TB fits the collection you intend to back up. Its title specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check the connection, transfer steps and file format for your phone or computer.
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A portable hard-drive destination for an additional local copy; the title specifies 4 TB and USB 3.0. Check its connector and the format needed for each intended device, particularly if you will use both a Mac and a Windows PC.
Use it as an additional local copy, not the only place holding your backup. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that original files and connected backup drives can be affected together; keep another copy separate and check that you can restore files from it.
Do not assume one drive format will suit both backup tools. Apple Support says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk, while Microsoft Support says File History can use an external drive or network location. Decide on the workflow and confirm its format requirements before formatting a drive.
Yes, supported apps such as Files can copy files to connected external storage, according to Apple Support. Check the iPhone connector, any cable or adapter, the drive's power requirements and its file format before choosing a drive.
Do not rely on synchronisation as your only protection. Apple Support says deleting an item from iCloud Photos also deletes it from devices using iCloud Photos; deleted items can generally be recovered for 30 days before permanent deletion. Keep a separately managed copy of originals you intend to retain.
Yes. A NAS can give household devices a shared local destination, but files on it still need another copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backups separate rather than leaving every copy connected at once.