Choose a backup arrangement, not just one device or account. Cloud storage can make photos available across devices, while a separate copy reduces reliance on one account, drive or location. An external drive suits periodic local copies; a network-attached storage device suits a shared home library if someone can manage it. Whichever route you use, check how you would restore files after deletion or loss of access.
Automatic uploads can help gather new photos, but you also need to know which collection you would restore if a device were lost or replaced. Keep a separate copy of important files in a safe location, as the National Cyber Security Centre advises.
Choose who can view or change the collection rather than sharing one account password. The Information Commissioner's Office describes private, public and shared cloud settings; Apple says deletions in iCloud Photos synchronise across devices.
Consider drive encryption if a portable copy could be lost or stolen, and keep its recovery method accessible to the right people. Microsoft describes BitLocker as volume encryption; encryption does not create another copy of the files.
Start with how the family will add and access photos, then check whether the arrangement can recover them when a device, location or account becomes unavailable.
Choose it when: you want a local copy that you can store separately from the original device.
Allow for: regular copying and a safe storage location; a drive left beside the computer remains exposed to the same home incident.
Choose it when: several people need an accessible home library and someone can manage the device.
Allow for: setup, drives and a separate backup destination. Synology documents local and remote backup options for its NAS software.
Choose it when: automatic phone uploads and access on signed-in devices matter most.
Allow for: account recovery, storage capacity and deletion behaviour; a synchronised collection may not preserve an accidentally deleted item.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copy | Check that important files reach a separate safe location, as the National Cyber Security Centre advises. Try restoring a file; check whether earlier versions are available if deletion is a concern. | I want to get photos back even if a phone, computer or original drive fails. I also need a way to recover from an accidental deletion, not just replace a lost device. |
| Capacity and quality | Measure the files across devices and allow for new media. Check accepted file types, video limits and upload quality: Google says its Storage saver mode can resize photos above 16 MP and videos above 1080p. | Our videos and older photo folders need room alongside new uploads. If I intend to retain original resolution, I want to choose the storage mode deliberately. |
| Family access | Check private and invited-sharing settings, then find out who can edit or delete items. The Information Commissioner's Office distinguishes private, public and shared cloud settings. | Relatives should be able to see or contribute photos without everyone needing the same account password or unrestricted control over the archive. |
| Access and security | Set up account-recovery methods before relying on cloud storage. For a portable drive, check encryption and how its recovery information will be stored separately. | If I lose a phone used to sign in, or misplace a backup drive, I still need an authorised way to reach the files without exposing them unnecessarily. |
| Device compatibility | Check connectors, operating systems and file format before buying a drive. Samsung notes that compatibility varies and some systems may require reformatting its T7 portable SSD. | I want to know that the devices used to make and restore the copy can both read it. |
Apple says deleting an item in iCloud Photos deletes it from all your devices. Seeing the same library everywhere does not establish that an independent, recoverable copy exists.
Keep a separate export or backup, and check whether your chosen backup can restore an earlier version.
Devices and a backup stored together can be affected by the same theft or home incident. The National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a copy kept in a separate safe location.
Store a removable copy safely when it is not in use, or consider another copy outside the home.
Google says Original quality uses account storage, while Storage saver can resize larger photos and videos. Losing access to the account can also interrupt access to the collection.
Check the library size and quality setting before a large upload, and set up account-recovery information.
A shared home library still needs a separate destination if the NAS or its location becomes unavailable.
Plan another copy and test a restore. Synology documents backup to local or remote destinations through its own software.
A NAS also takes time to set up and maintain, and requires drives for storage.
iCloud Photos and Shared Photo Library are relevant to households already using Apple devices and wanting a shared collection.
Google Photos offers automatic uploads to a Google Account for households using more than one device type.
Windows households can consider File History for recurring copies and BitLocker for encrypting a drive.
Synology NAS products are relevant when a household is prepared to set up and maintain a shared home library.
Samsung portable SSDs are an option for keeping a movable local copy on compatible devices.
These products cover a home NAS and portable drives for keeping local copies of family photos and videos. Check the capacity, device compatibility and backup process you need; a local device alone does not settle how you will protect the collection from a home incident.
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Consider this for a shared home photo library if someone can manage the NAS. It is a 2-bay diskless unit, so check compatible drives and plan a separate backup destination.
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A portable local-copy option for a photo and video library. Compare the library size with its stated 5 TB capacity, check the format for the computers you use, and decide how copies will be made and restored.
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For a portable local copy, this model lists 1 TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Check your library size and device connection, then confirm how your chosen software will make and restore backups.
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This 2 TB portable SSD can hold a separate local copy if its capacity fits your library. It lists USB 3.2 Gen 2; check device formatting and the backup and restore workflow you intend to use.
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For a portable local copy, this model lists 1 TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check that its capacity and device format suit your library, and arrange another copy in case the drive becomes unavailable.
Not always. A cloud copy can help when it is separately stored and recoverable, but synchronisation may carry a deletion across devices. Apple says deleting an item in iCloud Photos deletes it from all devices, so keep an independent copy or a suitable versioned backup for irreplaceable photos.
Measure the photos and videos across phones, computers and existing exports, then allow room for new files and any versions you intend to keep. Check the service's file limits and quality settings or, for a drive, its format and compatibility with the devices used to restore files.
Apple says a Shared Photo Library can include up to five other people, who can add, edit and delete shared items. Use it when joint curation is appropriate, but keep a separate preservation copy if a collaborator's deletion would matter.
Confirm which Google Account receives uploads, set up account recovery and choose the upload quality deliberately. Google says backup uses one account at a time; its Storage saver mode can resize photos above 16 MP and videos above 1080p.
No. Encryption can protect the files from unauthorised access if a drive is lost or stolen, but it does not make another recoverable copy. Keep the recovery information safely and maintain a separate backup destination.