For a large photo and video library, combine a cloud copy with a separate local copy that you can restore, rather than relying on one drive, NAS or synchronised library alone. Choose a desktop drive if the copy will stay at home and needs substantial capacity, a portable SSD if carrying files matters, or a NAS if several devices need a shared destination and you can manage its own backup. Check the library’s size, the service’s download workflow and a sample restore before relying on the arrangement.
If photos live mainly on a phone or computer, a copy stored separately gives you something to restore after loss, damage or accidental deletion. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping important data in a separate safe location.
If your collection is in Google Photos, iCloud Photos or Amazon Photos, work out how to download it before you need an independent copy. Google, Apple and Amazon describe different download workflows, so the service affects how you prepare local storage.
Large files make capacity and repeat backups more important. Measure the collection, allow for growth and decide where another copy will live; a single drive or NAS should not be the only place holding irreplaceable files.
Start with the size and location of the library, then choose a destination you can keep separate and restore from. If several devices share the collection, weigh the convenience of a NAS against the work of backing up the NAS itself.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copy | Keep a copy apart from the primary device or library. Restore a sample folder of photos and videos to check that it opens; the National Cyber Security Centre advises checking how to restore backed-up files. | I want my photos back if a device is lost, a file is deleted or access to the original library fails. |
| Capacity | Measure the current library, including videos and any cloud download. Compare that size with the chosen drive’s capacity and leave room for new files and migration copies. | My collection is still growing, so a destination that only fits it today could interrupt a later backup. |
| Cloud export | Check the service’s download method before choosing local storage. Google supports a Photos data export; Apple describes downloading full-resolution iCloud originals to a Mac. Amazon says its browser workflow cannot download entire albums. | I need a practical way to move the library, not just space to put it once downloaded. |
| Connection and portability | Check the drive capacity, connector and computer compatibility. For Samsung T7 transfer-speed claims, Samsung says the host and cable must support USB 3.2 Gen 2, with UASP enabled, to reach the stated maximum. | If I carry copies between devices, a portable drive matters; if backups stay at one desk, I can consider a desktop drive instead. |
| Several devices and versions | For a NAS, check how backups are scheduled, how an earlier version is restored and where the NAS data will be backed up. Synology documents version retention in Hyper Backup, but a NAS still needs another destination. | Several household devices may need one backup destination, and I want a way to recover an earlier file version. |
Synchronisation makes a library accessible across devices, but it does not by itself establish that you have a separately restorable copy. Download restrictions can also complicate recovery of a large collection.
Make an independent local copy and restore a sample of it. Check your cloud service’s export steps while you still have access to the account.
The National Cyber Security Centre reports incidents in which ransomware affected connected USB and network storage as well as original data.
After a completed backup and restore check, disconnect an external drive and store it safely. Keep another copy for photos you cannot replace.
A transfer-speed claim does not tell you whether the whole library will fit. Samsung says reaching the T7’s maximum speed also depends on a compatible host, cable and UASP support.
Measure the library and check the intended device’s connection before deciding whether SSD capacity and transfer characteristics suit the job.
A NAS can bring files from several devices together and retain versions, but it remains one storage destination. A failure affecting that destination can still threaten the collection.
Plan another destination for the NAS data and practise restoring files from it before relying on the arrangement.
Allow for the setup and ongoing work of maintaining the NAS, its storage drives and its separate backup.
Seagate’s UK Expansion Desktop range is a reference point for a photo collection backed up at a fixed home location.
Western Digital’s My Book desktop line is another reference for a stationary, high-capacity local copy.
Samsung’s T7 portable SSD line is relevant when the local copy needs to move between places or devices.
Synology is relevant to a NAS arrangement that brings backups from several devices into one place.
These Joybuy drives are options for the local-copy part of a photo backup: portable SSDs and hard drives for moving files, plus a desktop hard drive for a fixed location. Whichever you choose, compare its capacity with your library and test a restore.
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A portable local-copy option if you need to carry the photo library. The name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check your device and cable compatibility, and whether 4 TB leaves enough room for growth.
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A portable SSD to consider for a local copy that travels. Measure the photos and videos first to see whether 2TB leaves room for later backups, and confirm the connection works with your intended device.
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A portable hard-drive option for keeping a larger local photo copy. Check whether 5TB covers the present library and future additions, then confirm compatibility with the computer you will use to back it up and restore it.
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A 4TB USB 3.0 option for a local photo copy. Compare that capacity with the entire collection, including videos, and check the connection and file-system requirements of the computer you plan to use.
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A desktop-drive option when the local photo copy will normally stay at one location. Check that 10TB suits the measured library and that you have a suitable computer connection, desk space and power outlet; store the backup safely when it is not in use.
Measure the whole library first, including videos and any downloaded cloud archive, then allow room for future files and temporary copies during a move. Capacity varies by model: Seagate lists 4 TB to 30 TB for its Expansion Desktop range, while the portable drives shown here have their own stated capacities. Choose against your measured collection, not the product category alone.
It is a backup when it holds a copy of files that still exist elsewhere and you can restore them from it. Keep the drive separate from the original device, restore a sample folder to check it, and disconnect it when the backup is complete. The National Cyber Security Centre advises checking that you know how to restore backed-up files.
Yes. Google’s download guidance includes Photos among the products whose data can be exported. Create and download the archive, then check its contents and preserve a separate copy; account for any photos added or changed while the export is being prepared.
Yes, using a Mac to download the originals first. Apple says selecting “Download Originals to this Mac” downloads the entire iCloud photo and video library in full resolution. Check that the Mac has room for the download before copying it to an external drive and testing the copy.
No, not through the browser workflow described in Amazon’s customer-service instructions: Amazon says entire albums cannot be downloaded there. Test how you will select and download the photos and videos you need before treating an external drive as a workable copy of that cloud library.