Are your photos actually backed up?

Three steps to protect what matters: understand what sync does, keep backups that sync is not, and check that recovery actually works. Print it, share it, pin it up.

The one-page infographic

The whole checklist as a designed infographic: how a deletion can travel through sync, the 3-2-1 arrangement (3 copies, 2 types of storage, 1 offsite), and the restore test that proves a backup is real. Click it to view full size, or download the print-ready PDF (US Letter portrait; prints on A4 with “fit to page”).

Infographic: Are your photos actually backed up? Step 1, understand what sync does: sync keeps devices in step, and a deletion can spread too; deleted-items folders and version history may help but have limits. Step 2, keep separate backups: original photos on your computer, backup 1 on an external drive, backup 2 in a separate cloud backup; 3 copies total, 2 types of storage, 1 copy offsite; choose a backup that keeps earlier versions; offsite means elsewhere, offline means disconnected. Step 3, check that recovery works: choose a few photos, restore to a new folder, open and check; keep automatic backups running and test a restore regularly.

Download the printable PDF (1.0 MB)

Why sync is not a backup

Sync keeps your phone, cloud library and computer in step, which is exactly why a deletion can travel: delete on one device and the deletion can spread to the others. Deleted-items folders and version history can help, but they have limits. A real backup is a separate copy that a deletion in your photo library cannot reach.

Deeper guides for each step

More printable cards

Free to print and share unmodified. Guidance only: this infographic cannot know your setup. Version 2026-09-16.

Page updated 2026-09-16. Substantive changes are noted on our corrections page.