For photos spread across phones and computers, cloud backup can handle automatic phone uploads, while a separately maintained external drive gives you another copy of the computer library. Using both provides two recovery paths, but you still need to check what uploads, keep the drive’s copy current and make sure you can access the cloud account.
Check both phone uploads and the photo libraries held on each computer. Apple distinguishes iCloud Photos syncing from its daily device backup, while Mac and Windows computers have separate options for backing up files.
Keep a copy you can reach without the original device. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy stored in a separate safe location, such as cloud storage or removable media.
Check individual accounts, sharing permissions and recovery arrangements before putting family photos online. Apple says iCloud+ Family Sharing lets members share storage while keeping separate Apple Accounts.
Start with where the photos are now, then check how each location will make a separate copy and how you would restore it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic phone uploads | Turn on backup on each phone; confirm the intended account and which photos and videos upload. Google says Google Photos backs up to one Google Account at a time. | I don’t want new phone photos to depend on someone remembering to copy them. |
| Recovery | Identify a copy separate from the original device; check how to restore a test file and whether an older copy remains available after deletion. Microsoft says its OneDrive restore feature covers actions within the last 30 days for Microsoft 365 subscribers. | If a device is lost or files are deleted, I need to know which copy I can actually retrieve. |
| Capacity | Compare the size of each phone and computer library with the plan or drive capacity, allowing for future videos and any backup history. Check whether a family plan shares capacity across separate accounts. | Our collection is growing, and I want to know it will fit without overlooking a computer library. |
| Account access | Review sharing permissions and recovery details; use a unique password and enable two-step verification. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises checking a cloud service’s security and availability, and the National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts. | I want family members to access what they need without sharing one everyday login. |
| Local backup routine | Check the drive connection and the computer’s backup settings. Apple’s Time Machine and Windows File History can make regular copies when their backup destination is available. | A drive suits me only if I can keep its copy current and find it when I need to restore files. |
Apple says iCloud Photos syncs photos and videos separately from its daily iCloud device backup. That setting alone does not tell you whether a computer library has a separate backup.
List the photo locations on each phone and computer, then check where you could restore a copy from each one.
A drive needs a current copy to help with recovery. Time Machine and File History offer regular computer backups, but the destination must be set up and available.
Configure the backup, check its most recent run and practise restoring a small folder. Keep any backup-encryption password somewhere you can retrieve it.
An uploaded library may still be difficult to reach if you lose access to its account. Google says a recovery email can help you regain access and receive security notifications.
Review recovery details before you need them, use a unique password and turn on two-step verification for important accounts, as the National Cyber Security Centre recommends.
A capacity that fits the library does not establish whether the drive connects to your devices or works with your intended backup method.
Check the exact model’s connector, computer compatibility and encryption options, then compare its capacity with the files you plan to retain.
iCloud Photos and iCloud+ are relevant to households backing up photos from Apple devices and considering shared cloud storage.
Google Photos is a cloud-upload option for households using a Google Account.
Windows Backup and OneDrive are relevant when a Windows computer holds part of the family photo library.
Seagate provides examples of external SSD and hard-drive ranges for making a separate removable copy.
These Joybuy drives are options for keeping a separate local copy of family photos. Choose a capacity that fits your library, and set up a backup routine for the computer or files you intend to protect.
No image available
Consider this portable external hard drive for a separate computer-library copy if 5TB fits your files and expected growth. It is labelled for Mac; check its connection and the backup setup needed for every computer you plan to use.
No image available
This external SSD offers a 4TB destination for a local photo copy. Check your device’s USB connection, compare capacity with the whole library and arrange regular backups rather than relying on occasional transfers.
No image available
For a portable local copy, check whether its 2TB capacity covers your selected photos, videos and future additions. Confirm the connection to your computer and configure the backup method you intend to use.
No image available
This 2TB external SSD is another option for a removable photo copy if that capacity fits your library. Check your computer’s USB connection and test a restore after setting up regular backups.
No image available
Consider this portable SSD for a selected photo collection that fits within 1TB, including room for additions. Check the computer connection and set a repeatable copying or backup routine.
Not for every file or device. Apple says iCloud Photos syncs media separately from the daily iCloud device backup; check which phone photos and computer libraries have a restorable copy, and keep a separate copy of irreplaceable files.
Yes, where the provider offers a suitable family-sharing arrangement. Apple says members can share iCloud+ storage while using separate Apple Accounts, keeping their photos and documents private; check the arrangement and permissions for the service you choose.
Check file-sharing permissions, account recovery and whether the service is available when you need your files. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises checking a cloud service’s security and availability; the National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts, including cloud storage.
Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. That recommendation applies to backing up the Mac, not to every drive used solely for selected photo files.
Yes. Microsoft says File History makes regular backups to an external drive or network location; set it up for the files you need, keep the destination available and test restoring a file.