How to Back Up Your Photos

Make a list of phones, computers, cameras, memory cards, external drives, and online libraries that contain photos or videos. Include old accounts and shared collections you are allowed to copy. Mark which source has the full-resolution original and which contains edited or exported versions; they may not be stored in the same place.

A synced photo library keeps changes aligned across devices; it does not necessarily preserve an independent copy after deletion. For example, Apple says a photo deleted from iCloud Photos on one device is deleted on other devices using the same account. Check your own service's deletion and retention rules before treating sync as your only protection.

Aim for several independent copies, including one away from home. The 3-2-1 guideline describes three copies on two types of media, with one off-site. For a household, that might include the working library, a separate external-drive backup, and an independent off-site backup; choose storage types and isolation that suit your risks and budget.

Estimate the total size of your photos, videos, and any original files you want to preserve. Leave room for new pictures and older versions, not just today's library. Check the free space on each destination and any cloud storage limits before starting a large transfer. Plan for video files, which may be much larger than still images.

Use your device's supported import or export method to collect the files you want to protect. Keep the source photos in place while you copy, and wait for transfers to finish before disconnecting anything. If a service stores optimized previews on the device, use its instructions to obtain full-resolution originals where needed.

Decide whether to keep original files, edited versions, videos, and accompanying metadata. Export options differ by app: an edited JPEG may not include the original file or all album organization. Use the app's documented export method and check a small sample before exporting a large library. Record any formats or sidecar files needed to reopen edits.

Connect a reliable external drive and use your chosen backup tool or copy method to make an independent local copy. Organize it in a recognizable folder and wait for the operation to complete. Do not treat a drive that holds the only copy as a backup; the working library and backup must both remain available.

Compare the source and destination folder sizes or file counts where your software makes that possible. Open a selection of photos and play several videos directly from the backup, including older and recent items. If your software provides an integrity check, use it as well. Investigate errors or unusually small files before moving on.

Consider encrypting a removable backup, especially if it might be lost or kept away from home. Use a strong password and store the recovery key separately in a safe, accessible place. Follow the encryption tool's instructions and make sure a trusted person can locate recovery information if needed. Losing the only key can make the backup unusable.

Create an independent off-site copy, such as a versioned online backup or an encrypted drive stored in a secure second location. Check that the service or device actually contains your intended files and retains them under its terms. An off-site copy helps if a fire, theft, or other event affects your home and local drive.

Keep a backup disconnected when it is not being updated, or use a service that retains previous versions and deleted files for a period you understand. An always-connected copy can be affected by accidental changes or malicious software. Check retention limits and reconnect the offline drive regularly enough to keep the copy useful.

Restore a small selection to a different folder or device rather than overwriting your working library. Open the recovered images and videos, and check that their quality and important dates are as expected. A successful transfer is not proof that recovery will work; a test makes the process familiar before an emergency.

Choose how often to back up based on how many new photos you would be willing to lose. Set an automatic schedule where supported and a reminder to update any disconnected drive. After travel or a major event, make an extra copy rather than waiting for the next routine backup. Check that each run actually completes.

Use a unique password and multi-factor authentication where your backup service supports it. Save recovery methods separately and review who can access shared albums or backup folders. Keep devices and backup software updated. If a backup contains someone else's private photos, agree on appropriate access and storage before copying them.

Periodically check backup dates, storage space, alerts, and whether you can still open older formats. Test restoration again after changing computers or backup services. Replace a drive that reports errors or behaves unreliably, but keep existing copies until the replacement is complete and tested. Update your notes so you know where each copy lives.