For household files that would be difficult to replace, use backups suited to each device and keep another copy separate from the devices you use every day. A local drive gives you direct control of a copy, while a cloud service can help with recovery away from home; either route needs checks on what it covers, how restoration works and whether an earlier file version remains available.
If losing a phone or computer would also mean losing important files, keep a copy in a separate location and check that you can restore it. The UK National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a copy of important data stored somewhere separate and safe.
Check which content iCloud synchronises and which data iCloud Backup captures. For Mac files, Apple also describes Time Machine backups to supported external storage; each device and file category needs its own recovery plan.
Check computer files and phone data separately rather than assuming one setting covers both. Microsoft describes File History for Windows files, while Google documents Android device restoration to the original phone or some other Android phones.
Start with the files and devices you would need to restore, then choose where to keep copies and how to recover an older version.
Consider it when: You want a separate copy of computer files under your direct control; Microsoft File History and Apple Time Machine are platform-specific backup options.
Bear in mind: The National Cyber Security Centre has reported ransomware affecting connected USB and network backup drives, so a drive left attached is not an isolated copy.
Consider it when: You need an off-site copy or a device-restoration route; check the backup options offered for each phone and computer.
Bear in mind: Coverage and recovery depend on the service and settings. Apple distinguishes iCloud synchronisation from device backup, so check each important data category.
Consider it when: Photos, documents or other files would be difficult to recreate and you want recovery routes that do not depend on one device or location.
Bear in mind: You will need to maintain and occasionally test both copies, including reconnecting a separately stored drive when it is time to update it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration | Identify what can be restored after device loss or failure. Check how to restore a file and how to restore data to a replacement device. | If my computer or phone stops working, I need a usable copy elsewhere—not just files visible on the original device. |
| Backup coverage | List photos, documents, settings and app data separately. Check which are synchronised, captured in a device backup or copied to another location. | I want to know whether a lost photo, an overwritten document and a replacement phone each have a recovery route. |
| Earlier versions | Check whether changed or deleted files can be restored, for how long, and how that period varies by service setting. | A mistake might go unnoticed for a while, so I need to know whether an older file will still be available when I look for it. |
| Separation | Check where each copy is stored and whether one can remain disconnected. The National Cyber Security Centre reports ransomware affecting connected backup drives. | I do not want every copy continuously exposed to the same computer or network. |
| Account access | Check that 2-step verification is enabled for the cloud account and review how you would regain access when replacing a phone. The National Cyber Security Centre says 2-step verification makes unauthorised access harder even when a password is known. | If an off-site copy depends on my account, I need both to protect that account and to be able to sign in when I need the backup. |
Apple describes iCloud synchronisation and device backup as different mechanisms. Content kept current across devices is not necessarily captured in the same backup snapshot.
List the files and device data that matter, then check whether each has a separate copy, a device backup or a usable version-history route.
The National Cyber Security Centre has reported ransomware incidents affecting connected USB and network backup drives. A drive attached for convenient automatic copying is not an offline copy.
Keep an additional copy separate and disconnect it when it is not being updated or used for restoration, where practical.
A current copy may not restore an earlier file after a mistaken change or deletion. Backblaze Help documents a default 30-day version history for its service; other services and settings need their own checks.
Before relying on version history, check the retention period and practise finding and restoring an older file.
Someone who gains access to an important online account may put cloud-held files at risk. The National Cyber Security Centre says 2-step verification makes access harder even if a criminal knows the password.
Enable 2-step verification where available, use a separate password or passkey, and review your account-recovery method.
Apple documents iCloud synchronisation and device backup for its devices, alongside Time Machine backups for Mac files.
Google documents Android device backup and restoration, as well as backup options for photos and videos in a Google Account.
Microsoft documents File History for Windows file backups and version history for files stored in OneDrive.
Backblaze describes a computer-backup service with file-version history.
These Joybuy drives are options for keeping a separate local copy of household files. Choose a backup method for your computer as well as a drive, and check capacity, connection and restoration before relying on either.
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Consider this drive for a separate local copy of a sizeable file collection. Check that your devices have a suitable connection and that your chosen backup method can restore the files you copy.
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This external SSD can hold a local copy if 1 TB accommodates the files you intend to protect. Check the intended device connection and the backup software you will use for scheduling and restoration.
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This portable hard drive is an option for keeping computer files in a separate local location. Check whether 2 TB covers your files and how your chosen backup method handles earlier versions and restoration.
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This portable SSD can serve as storage for a local copy of photos and documents. Confirm that its capacity and connection suit your devices, then decide how you will update and restore the copy.
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Consider this drive when you need room for a separate local copy of a larger file collection. Check its connection and formatting requirements for your computer, as well as the backup method you will use.
No—not automatically. Apple Support distinguishes iCloud synchronisation from device backup, so check whether each important file has a separate restorable copy, a device-backup snapshot or an earlier version you can recover.
A connected drive may be convenient for regular backups, but it is not an isolated copy. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported ransomware affecting connected USB and network backup drives; keep an additional copy disconnected when it is not in use, where practical.
The period depends on the service and its settings. Backblaze Help documents a default 30-day version history and longer-history options; check the applicable retention period and restoration steps for the service you choose.
Enable 2-step verification where available and use a separate password or passkey. The National Cyber Security Centre says 2-step verification makes it harder for someone to access an account even if they know the password; also check how you would regain access after replacing your phone.