My phone's map data is taking up about 31 GB, and a factory reset seems to be the only way to fix the storage problem. I'm okay with resetting it, but I can't use iCloud Photos because my family shares the same iCloud account and I don't want my pictures appearing on anyone else's devices. I have roughly 16 GB of photos, including important insect photos and pictures of pets that have passed away. What's the safest way to back them up before resetting the phone? I'm considering copying them to my computer, an external USB drive, or a separate cloud-storage service, and ideally I'd like two independent copies. How likely is corruption, and how can I verify that the backup worked?
3 Answers
The simplest option is to connect the phone to a Windows computer and use the Photos app’s Import function. After the transfer finishes, open a sample of the pictures and check that the file count and total size look right before erasing anything.
Cloud storage is another option, but you don’t have to use the shared iCloud account. A separate storage account or a direct phone-to-USB drive can keep the photos away from your family’s shared library. Ideally, follow a 3-2-1 approach over time: three copies, on two different types of storage, with one copy kept somewhere separate. For now, a computer copy plus an external drive is a solid start.
For anything irreplaceable, keep at least two copies made with different methods. Copy the photos to your computer, then copy that folder to an external hard drive or USB drive. Open photos from both locations and compare the number of files. Don’t reset the phone until you’ve confirmed both backups are complete.
That sounds safer than relying on one device. I’ll verify both copies before doing the factory reset.
The general backup strategy is useful, but first make sure the photos are safely copied off the phone and checked. Backup planning comes after that immediate step.