Recommendations: Backup vs sync: why you probably need both
Sync keeps your devices matching; backup keeps a copy you can recover from. Sync alone will happily copy a deletion or ransomware everywhere — so it is not a backup.
How to compare your options
| Criterion | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Version history depth | The first thing to verify — it decides day-to-day satisfaction. |
| Automatic, scheduled operation | Check during the refund window before committing. |
| Off-site copy | Check during the refund window before committing. |
| Restore speed and ease | Check during the refund window before committing. |
| Encryption of the backup | Check during the refund window before committing. |
Sponsored options
Sponsored
Example encrypted cloud storage
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Example automated backup service
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Example photo library service
Example partner (demo) — Demo sponsored card — in production this slot holds a real, labelled partner offer.
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Criteria-based editorial content. We describe how to build a recovery plan; sponsored placements are always labelled.
Frequently asked questions
- Isn't my sync folder already a backup?
- No. Sync copies changes — including deletions and corruption — to every device. Without separate version history you cannot roll back.
- How often should I test a restore?
- At least once after setup, and occasionally afterwards. An untested backup is only a guess that it works.