Choose cloud backup if automatic off-device copies matter most, or an external drive if you want a local copy for a growing photo and file library. A computer backup can also work if you will run it regularly. For files you cannot replace, consider more than one copy, and check what each method covers before deleting anything from the original device.
If photos and videos repeatedly fill a phone or laptop, allow room for future files as well as the current library. Moving everything onto one drive clears space but does not, by itself, leave a second copy.
Account-based backup may suit consumers who do not want to connect a drive routinely. Check which photos, files and device data the service copies, and what can be restored on another device.
A portable copy can be useful between home, work or study, but it can also be misplaced. Check device compatibility and encryption options, and keep any recovery credentials separate from the drive.
Start by deciding whether you need another copy, easier access to files, or both. Then check what your devices can back up or connect to before choosing cloud storage, a drive or a regular computer-backup routine.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Archive capacity and a second copy | Compare the size of your current library with the storage available for future files. Keep another copy before removing originals. | My photo and video library keeps growing, so I need room to store it without making one drive its only home. Around 31% of consumers would put archive capacity and a second copy first. |
| Automatic off-device backup | Check enabled backup categories, account storage and whether synced photos are separate from the device backup. | I do not want to remember to plug in a drive, and I need to know what I could access or restore if my phone disappeared. For roughly 31% of consumers, automatic off-device backup is the main concern. |
| Transfer and compatibility | Confirm the device port, cable or adapter, supported file format and ability to write files. Check the host connection before relying on an advertised SSD speed. | I regularly move large files between devices and need the drive to work with the ones I actually use. Transfer and compatibility come first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Privacy and recovery | Check encryption options and how you will store a password or recovery key away from a portable drive. | I carry personal files and would worry both about someone opening a lost drive and about locking myself out of it. Roughly 15% of consumers would prioritise privacy and recovery. |
Apple Support explains that iCloud Backup does not include content already synced to iCloud, such as iCloud Photos. Copying selected files to a drive is also different from backing up everything you expect to restore.
List the photos, messages, documents and other files you need to keep. Check where each is stored and covered before deleting it from your phone or laptop.
Samsung says the T7 Shield's stated maximum speeds require compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host hardware, a suitable cable and UASP support. An iPad connection may also call for an adapter; some hard drives need additional power.
Check your exact device ports, the included cable, file-format support and power requirements against the drive you intend to use.
Your phone or tablet setup may require a separate cable, adapter or powered hub.
A drive that opens on one computer may not be writable on another. Apple Support notes that macOS can read an NTFS drive but cannot write to it without additional support, while ExFAT is Windows-compatible.
Decide which computers must write to the drive before formatting it. Copy existing files elsewhere before erasing or reformatting any drive.
Encryption helps protect files on a lost portable device, but forgotten credentials can prevent access. Microsoft Support says it cannot retrieve or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.
Keep the password or recovery key securely away from the drive, and check that you can open the encrypted copy before relying on it.
The T7 Shield line is relevant to consumers considering a compact portable SSD for frequent local transfers.
The Extreme Portable SSD line is relevant to consumers who want a portable local copy and are considering password-protection features.
The Expansion range is relevant to consumers considering an external hard drive for a local photo or computer-file archive.
These external hard drives and portable SSDs are options for making a local copy of photos and files. Choose by the capacity and devices you need to use, and keep another copy of files you cannot replace.
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A local-drive option if you want to copy a growing photo or file library from a computer.
2 TB capacity. Check the drive format and the read-and-write setup required for your Mac or Windows computer before buying.
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Consider this local-drive option for a substantial photo or video archive used mainly with a Mac.
5 TB capacity. If you also need to write files from Windows, check the required format and driver support for that workflow. Confirm the applicable warranty terms before purchase.
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A portable local-copy option if you regularly move photos or videos and want to check whether the magnetic setup suits your phone.
2 TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 2; the product name states up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write. Check the exact device connection, required format and magnetic-case or ring setup. Wireless charging is not supported while the SSD is attached.
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Consider this compact local-copy option for regular large-file transfers if 1 TB meets your storage needs.
USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Samsung identifies this model as part of its T7 Shield line and states maximum speeds of 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write with compatible host hardware, cable and UASP support. Its stated resistance ratings do not guarantee protection from damage.
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A portable local-storage option for copying photos, videos and documents.
2 TB capacity. Confirm the connector and file format required by your device, and check the available security options if you intend to carry sensitive files.
Cloud storage can provide an off-device copy, but it does not automatically cover every file or device setting you expect. Apple Support says iCloud Backup excludes content already synced to iCloud, including iCloud Photos; check what your account stores and keep a separate copy of irreplaceable files.
An iPad can access compatible external storage through Files, subject to the device connection and drive setup. Apple Support says the drive needs a supported format and a single data partition; some hard drives also need separate power or a powered hub.
Check a format both computers can write to before putting files on the drive. Apple Support identifies ExFAT as Windows-compatible and notes that macOS can read, but not write to, NTFS without additional support. Copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting, which erases the drive.
Turning off Google Backup erases its device-backup data other than material backed up to Google Photos, according to Google Help. Google also says device-backup data other than photos and videos is erased after 57 days of not using the device, so check that another copy exists before disabling backup or disposing of an old phone.
Encryption is worth considering if the drive carries sensitive personal files and could be lost or stolen. The UK Information Commissioner's Office describes encryption as protection against unauthorised access to personal information on portable media; keep the password or recovery key securely away from the drive so you can still access your backup.