For irreplaceable photos and important documents, use a convenient automatic backup alongside a separate copy that is not permanently connected. Cloud storage suits off-site access across devices, while an external drive, NAS or USB stick can add a local layer when its capacity, restore process and security match the files you need to protect.
For people whose phone and computer photos would be difficult or impossible to recreate and who need easy ongoing backup plus a separate recovery copy. National Cyber Security Centre guidance and Apple and Google support documentation describe these backup options.
For people using a mix of phones, tablets and computers who need to check that a chosen service covers their device ecosystem, folders, photos, settings and intended restore method. Apple, Microsoft and Google document different backup coverage and account requirements.
For people who prefer a copy under their physical control and are prepared to manage a disconnected drive or NAS, while keeping another separate copy for resilience. National Cyber Security Centre and Synology guidance highlight the need for separation and ongoing management.
Start with the files you need to recover, then check how the chosen route copies them, restores them and remains separate from your everyday devices.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverability | Confirm which folders, photos, settings and apps are included. Check how to restore a file, folder or whole device, and make sure recent files appear in the backup destination. | I need a copy that contains the files that matter and can be restored after loss, damage, theft or inaccessible data. |
| Capacity | Compare storage with the selected backup set and expected growth. Check whether photos, email, documents and other services share one cloud allowance, and review file-type limits. | My backup needs room for a growing collection of photos, videos and documents without unexpectedly stopping. |
| Automation and separation | Check power, Wi-Fi, account, app and folder requirements for automatic backup. For removable media, disconnect it after updating and store it separately. | I want frequently changing phone photos and computer folders to stay current, while keeping another copy apart from daily-use devices. |
| Security | Enable 2-step verification for important backup accounts where available. Check encryption options, password retention and who can access shared cloud or NAS files. | I want personal photos and documents protected if an account, computer or portable drive is lost or accessed by someone else. |
A synced location can reproduce unwanted changes or be affected when a connected device or authorised cloud account is compromised. The National Cyber Security Centre notes that connected USB, network storage and cloud locations can be affected in incidents.
Keep an additional copy in a separate location or state, and check that it can be restored. For irreplaceable photos, consider both cloud and removable-media copies.
Attached removable media can be reachable by ransomware or other malware affecting the main device, so it is less independent as a recovery copy.
Update the backup on a routine you can maintain, safely disconnect it afterwards and store it securely.
Google states that personal-account storage can be shared across services, and a full account can stop new Google Photos backups. Backup tools also differ in whether they include files, folders, settings or apps.
Measure the intended backup set, identify every service using the same allowance and confirm the data categories covered before choosing a route.
Apple states that an encrypted local iPhone backup cannot be recovered without its password.
Use a strong, unique backup password and retain it in a secure password manager or another safe recovery method before relying on encrypted backup.
Ecosystem-native backup for iPhone and iPad through iCloud or a connected Mac or Windows computer.
Cloud photo and file storage for Android users and households wanting account-based access across devices.
Windows-native cloud backup through Windows Backup and OneDrive for personal Microsoft-account users.
Local-first hardware ranging from portable BeeDrive storage to NAS systems for central household storage.
Portable external SSD and USB flash storage for local copies and manual secondary backups.
Joybuy product options for creating a removable local backup copy, plus a USB option for limited secondary copies of selected files.
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A portable local-copy option for photos and documents across compatible Macs, PCs and Android devices.
Stated specifications include 1TB capacity, USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, with read/write speeds up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s when the host and cable are compatible.
Check backup software, restore steps and the exact password-protection options before relying on it. Keep a separate off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
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A high-capacity local destination for large household photo, video and document libraries, particularly on Windows systems.
Stated specifications include 6TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB-A connection and Windows pre-formatting. macOS use requires reformatting.
Check whether your Windows backup configuration covers the required folders and can restore them. If portable-drive privacy matters, confirm available encryption through your backup software.
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A portable local-copy option for a sizeable set of photos, videos and documents that is updated between devices or locations.
Stated specifications include 2TB capacity, USB compatibility, read speeds up to 800MB/s and up to 2m drop protection.
Confirm port type, cable and file-system compatibility for every device you use. Check whether backup scheduling, encryption and restore steps are available before treating it as a complete backup solution.
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A removable local backup destination for growing photo and document collections in a Windows-centred household.
Stated specifications include 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity, an included USB-A cable and Windows 10+ recognition.
Other operating systems may require reformatting, so check the file system needed by every device. Confirm backup scheduling, encryption and restore workflow before relying on the drive.
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A compact option for a manually maintained secondary copy of selected documents or photos rather than a whole household library.
Stated specifications include 128GB capacity, USB-A and USB-C connectors, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and read speeds up to 100MB/s.
Android access requires a device supporting USB OTG. Check encryption-software compatibility and password recovery arrangements before storing sensitive files.
Cloud storage can provide an automatic off-site copy, but it should not be your only recovery layer for irreplaceable material. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable photos and videos, and notes that connected cloud locations can also be compromised in some incidents.
Measure the folders, photo libraries and device backups you intend to protect, then allow room for growth. Google states that personal-account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Google Photos, so a full account can stop new photo and video backup.
Yes. Apple documents local iPhone backups to a Mac or Windows computer. If Health and Activity data are needed in a Windows local backup, Apple says the backup must be encrypted, and that encryption password cannot be recovered if it is forgotten.
Disconnect removable backup media when it is not in use, then keep it protected from loss, theft and household damage. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware and other malware can reach attached media, so a permanently connected drive is not an independent offline copy.
Check the manufacturer’s current support page, warranty terms for the exact UK model, firmware and software availability, and whether the backup software supports your device ecosystem. A drive’s physical durability does not replace a separate recoverable copy of the files stored on it.