Households with a growing family media library
Photos and videos spread across phones and computers call for enough capacity, regular updates and a way to restore files when a device is replaced or fails.
Who needs this backup plan?
People who need a separate recovery copy
If important files would be difficult to recreate, a removable drive stored away from the original device, cloud storage or both can provide another place to recover them. The National Cyber Security Centre describes cloud storage and removable media as separate backup locations.
Households using Apple, Windows and Android devices
Check which phones, computers and folders each service actually backs up. Being able to open a file on another device does not mean that device has a complete backup.
What matters when choosing a backup?
Start with the files and devices you need to recover, then choose where a separate copy will live and how you will update and restore it. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies both cloud storage and removable media as backup locations; the coverage and upkeep of each arrangement differ.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Measure the files to protect and allow room for growth or backup history. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. | If my family's photo and video library keeps growing, I need space for future backups as well as today's files. Around 33% of consumers would make storage headroom their primary concern. |
| Device and folder coverage | Check each operating system and whether the service backs up photos, selected folders or device data; cross-device file access is not the same as a full-device backup. | With files on several phones and computers, I need to know which ones I could actually restore. Roughly 27% of consumers would put compatible backup coverage first. |
| A separate recovery copy | Plan where a removable drive will be kept between updates and how you will regain access to a cloud account. The National Cyber Security Centre cautions that backups are not ransomware-resistant by default. | If my computer and its nearby drive could be lost together, I want an important copy held elsewhere. About 20% of consumers would prioritise a separate recovery location. |
| Updates and restoration | Confirm what updates automatically, whether earlier versions are available and how to restore a test file to a replacement device. | After an accidental deletion or device change, I need a recent copy that I can retrieve without guesswork. Approximately 20% of consumers would put the update and restore process first. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Treating sync as a complete backup
A cloud service may cover only selected folders, while a deletion or account-access problem can still affect recovery. The National Cyber Security Centre cautions that cloud backups are not ransomware-resistant by default.
List what is protected on each device, keep account-recovery details current and try restoring a file. Hold another copy separately for files you cannot replace.
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Choosing a drive from the photo folder size alone
A whole-computer backup and its history can need more space than a single folder. Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity.
Decide whether you are backing up selected files or the computer, then compare that scope and expected growth with the drive's capacity.
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Keeping the only external copy beside the computer
The original device and a nearby drive can be affected by the same loss, theft or damage. The National Cyber Security Centre includes these events among reasons for keeping backups.
Keep an important removable copy separately between updates, or pair it with an independent cloud copy.
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Overlooking a cloud plan downgrade
Microsoft says storage returns to 5 GB when Microsoft 365 Basic or Personal is cancelled; uploads, editing and syncing can stop if usage exceeds the lower allowance. Dropbox says backup updates can stop when a downgraded account is over quota.
Before changing a plan, compare stored data with the new allowance and arrange another copy or a transfer while you can still access the files.
Moving a large library to another service or a local drive can take time.
Relevant brands and services
Apple
Relevant to households using iCloud for iPhone or iPad data and Time Machine with external storage for a Mac.
- Apple says iCloud backs up iPhone and iPad data when the device is connected to power and Wi-Fi; Time Machine can make automatic Mac backups to external storage.
- For Time Machine, Apple recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. Keep the password if you encrypt that backup.
Microsoft
Relevant to Windows households considering OneDrive-backed folders alongside File History on an external drive or network location.
- Microsoft lists 1 TB for one person with Microsoft 365 Personal and support for PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android.
- OneDrive folder backup covers selected folders, not every file location by default. Microsoft says a cancelled Personal plan returns to a 5 GB cloud allowance.
Relevant to households storing files and photos across Google Drive and Google Photos.
- Google says a standard Google Account provides up to 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos, with more storage available through Google One plans.
- Count usage across the shared services, and set account-recovery details before relying on the account for important files.
Dropbox
Relevant to people assessing an automatic backup workflow for computer or external-drive folders.
- Dropbox says its Backup plan can update backed-up folders automatically and offers Rewind for edits or deletions within the previous 30 days.
- Dropbox says the Backup plan is available only to a limited audience. Check eligibility, covered folders and what happens to updates after cancellation.
Samsung
Relevant to households considering a portable SSD for a removable local copy.
- Samsung lists 1 TB, 2 TB and 4 TB versions of its T7 Shield portable SSD and describes password protection and resistance to water, dust and drops for that model.
- Those T7 Shield claims do not describe every Samsung T7 variant or replace the need for another recoverable copy.
Removable storage choices on Joybuy
These external hard drives and portable SSDs are options for making a removable copy of files from home devices. Choose capacity against your library and backup history, and check that your devices and chosen backup software can use the drive; a removable drive is only one part of a plan if it remains your sole copy.
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Western Digital My Passport 2TB Portable External Hard Drive, Black
Consider this for a removable copy of a computer-based photo or document library if 2TB leaves room for the files and backup history you need.
Portable external hard drive, 2TB. Check the computer connection and backup software before use, and keep another copy of irreplaceable files.
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Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TB Portable External Hard Drive, Silver
For a Mac-centred library, compare the stated 5TB capacity with the Mac storage and the backup history you intend to retain.
Portable external hard drive, 5TB. If you also need to use it with Windows, confirm compatibility first; check the applicable warranty term before purchase.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 4 TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, Grey
This portable SSD is an option for moving a removable file copy between compatible devices if its 4 TB capacity suits your library.
USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Confirm the ports, backup software and restore steps you will use; do not assume this T7 has the T7 Shield's stated resistance to water and dust.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 2 TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, Blue
Consider the 2 TB version when your measured files and planned backup history fit that capacity with room to grow.
Portable SSD with USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check device compatibility and arrange a backup process that you can test by restoring a file.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 1 TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, Blue
The 1 TB version is worth considering only after checking that the files you will copy and expected growth fit within that capacity.
Portable SSD with USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Confirm how backups will be updated and restored, and keep a separate copy of important files.
Backup questions answered
How large should a drive be for Time Machine?
Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity for Time Machine. Check the Mac's capacity rather than judging from its photo folder alone, and follow Apple's advice to reserve that disk for Time Machine backups.
Can OneDrive be my only backup for a Windows PC?
OneDrive can cover the selected folders you configure, but do not assume it backs up every location on a Windows PC. Microsoft describes File History as a way to make regular copies of included folders to an external drive or network location; a separately held copy gives irreplaceable files another recovery route.
What should I check before relying on cloud storage for family files?
Check the storage shared by your services, the devices and files actually covered, and how you would regain account access and restore a file. Google recommends setting a recovery phone number or email for the account used with Google One; try a small restore before depending on any service.
What happens to backups if I cancel a cloud-storage plan?
Backup behaviour after cancellation depends on the provider and how much storage you are using. Microsoft says cancelling Microsoft 365 Basic or Personal returns cloud storage to 5 GB, with uploads, editing and syncing able to stop above that allowance; Dropbox says Backup updates can stop when a downgraded account is over its new quota. Arrange another copy or transfer before changing plans.