Choose automatic cloud backup if recovering phone data or accessing files across signed-in devices matters most. Choose an external drive for a substantial local copy, and use both when losing photos or important documents would be especially disruptive. Check what the cloud service actually backs up, and make sure the local copy is refreshed and can be restored.
If photos, videos, messages and device data need to follow you to another phone, start with automatic account-based backup. Apple Support and Google Help distinguish device backup from other synced data, so check the coverage of each setting and the space available in your account.
A growing collection of photos, videos and documents calls for enough storage and a routine you can repeat. For a Windows PC, Microsoft Support describes File History backups to an external drive or network location; check which folders are included and try restoring a file.
If losing family photos or essential documents would be particularly disruptive, keep a copy separate from the original device. The National Cyber Security Centre advises storing important backups in a separate safe location; cloud storage and a separately maintained local drive give you two recovery paths to check.
For personal photos and important files, decide how you need to recover them, whether you need a separate second copy, and how much local space your library requires.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic recovery | Check whether photos sync separately from device backups, what data can be restored to a replacement device, and how much account storage is available. | If I replace or lose my phone, I want recent photos and device data ready to recover without remembering a manual copy. Around 42% of consumers put automatic recovery first. |
| Separate copies | Keep a backup apart from the original device, and test a file restore from each recovery route you intend to rely on. | For family photos or essential documents, I do not want one lost device or unavailable copy to be my only recovery path. Roughly 33% of consumers make separate copies their primary concern. |
| Local capacity and transfer | Allow space for the current library and growth; check the connector, cable and device support before choosing a drive. | With a large photo or video library, I need room for a local copy and a practical way to move files between devices. About 25% of consumers prioritise local capacity and transfer. |
Apple Support distinguishes information synced through iCloud from information stored in iCloud Backup. Photos synced with iCloud Photos therefore have a different recovery path from data held in the device backup.
Check the backup and sync settings for each type of data you care about, then try recovering a nonessential item.
Google One Help says account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Google Photos. Reaching the limit can prevent new photo and video backups.
Review total account use and the likely growth of your photo library before choosing a storage allowance.
Microsoft Support says File History saves copies to an external drive or network location. A drive unavailable when backups should run may not hold recent versions of your files.
Choose a connection or reconnection routine you can maintain, and check when the last backup completed.
Samsung says the T7 Shield's maximum rated speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP. Its water, dust and drop claims have test conditions and do not replace a separate backup copy.
Check your device and cable against the drive's requirements, and keep another copy of important files.
iCloud services are relevant to backup and syncing on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Google Account backup and Google Photos are relevant to Android recovery and files used across signed-in devices.
Windows backup tools include File History for recurring copies to an external drive or network location.
The T7 Shield portable SSD is a local-storage option for compatible devices.
USB flash storage can be considered for carrying a selected set of files.
These external drives and USB storage devices are options for local copies or file transfers. If you choose a combined approach, pair a suitable local device with a separately maintained cloud backup rather than treating either copy as the whole arrangement.
No image available
Consider this for a local copy of a computer photo and document library.
2TB portable external hard drive. If you need recurring backups, check that its backup software and your intended computer setup support the schedule you want.
No image available
Consider this when you want to carry a local copy of a photo or video library.
2TB portable SSD. Confirm the connector and compatibility with your intended device, and check the backup workflow if you need scheduled copies.
No image available
Consider this for a larger local collection of computer photos, videos and documents.
4TB external drive with USB 3.0 stated in the product name. Check the drive's format before using it with a Mac or another operating system, and set up a repeatable backup routine.
No image available
Consider this for a portable local copy when the drive will be moved between compatible devices.
1TB portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 stated in the product name. Check the device and cable requirements before relying on a rated transfer speed, and keep a separate copy of important files.
No image available
Consider this for carrying a selected set of files between devices with suitable connections.
1TB flash drive with USB-A and Type-C interfaces stated in the product name. Check your phone or tablet's file-management support and the connection specification before relying on it for backups.
No. Apple Support says that when iCloud Photos is in use, photos and videos sync through that service rather than being included in the daily iCloud Backup. Check both settings and the recovery path for the data you want to keep.
Google Help says backed-up data can be restored to the original phone or some other Android phones. What restores varies by device and Android version; a backup from a higher Android version cannot be restored to a phone running a lower version.
Google One Help says reaching the shared storage limit can stop new Google Photos backups, among other account activities. Check total usage across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Photos rather than measuring the photo library alone.
Yes, Microsoft Support says File History can regularly back up files in included libraries to an external drive or network location. Add other folders to a library if needed, and make sure the destination is available when backups run.