---
id: backups.should-i-back-up-to-two-places
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/should-i-back-up-to-two-places
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Time Machine and backup strategy"
question: "Should I keep backups in two places?"
alt_questions:
  - "3-2-1 backup rule Mac"
  - "off-site backup Storage Studio"
  - "backup to drive and cloud"
  - "how many backup copies do I need"
  - "is one backup enough"
short_answer: "Yes. A common rule is three copies on two kinds of storage with one off-site. In Data Backup, put important folders in two sets — one to an external drive, one to a cloud account."
tags: ["strategy", "off-site", "cloud"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-have-more-than-one-backup-set", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/can-i-back-up-to-the-same-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Should I keep backups in two places?

It's the safest habit. A widely used rule of thumb is three copies of what matters, on two different kinds of storage, with one kept somewhere else. One backup drive sitting next to your Mac can be lost to the same theft, fire or spill as the Mac itself.

With Data Backup, add the same folders to two backup sets: one backing up to an external drive (fast, local) and one to a cloud account (off-site, encrypted on your Mac first). Each set keeps its own versions, so either can restore on its own.