Yes, IDrive is an app, but it is also much more. The name "IDrive" refers to the entire online backup service, which is accessible via a suite of applications for various devices, in addition to a web interface.
This allows users to back up, sync, and restore their files from virtually any device with an internet connection.
What the IDrive apps do
The specific function of the IDrive application depends on the device it's running on.
Desktop application
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, the desktop client is the primary tool for managing a complete backup of your computer.
- Comprehensive backups: You can back up entire hard drives, including the operating system, settings, and installed applications.
- Scheduled backups: The app lets you schedule automatic backups to run daily, weekly, or at a specific time.
- Incremental backups: To save bandwidth and time, the app only backs up the modified portions of files after the initial backup.
- Local backups: Users can back up their files to a local drive, such as an external hard drive, in addition to or instead of the cloud.
Mobile app
IDrive offers different apps for mobile devices, depending on your needs.
- IDrive Online Backup: This is the core mobile app for iOS and Android. It backs up critical phone data, including:
- Contacts
- Photos and videos
- Calendar events
- SMS messages and call logs (on Android)
- IDrive Photos: This is a dedicated app for iOS and Android that focuses exclusively on photo and video management.
- Saves media in original resolution.
- Offers basic photo editing features.
- Provides a timeline view for easy browsing.
Other applications
IDrive provides other specialized software for specific use cases.
- IDrive Express: Not an app in the traditional sense, but a service that involves a physical hard drive. It is used to quickly back up or restore a large amount of data by shipping a drive back and forth, instead of relying on a potentially slow internet connection.
- IDrive for NAS: IDrive is available as a native application for Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices from brands like Synology, QNAP, and Netgear.
How the apps interact with the service
The different IDrive applications are all part of a larger ecosystem that works together to protect your data.
- Centralized management: A single IDrive account can be used to back up and manage multiple devices—computers, smartphones, and tablets—via their respective apps.
- Web access: All of the files backed up by the various apps can be viewed, managed, and restored through a web interface, allowing you to access your data from any browser.
- Cross-platform compatibility: You can use the mobile app to access files that were backed up from your desktop computer, and vice-versa.
- Cloud Drive: A built-in feature of the desktop and mobile apps, the Cloud Drive is a sync folder that keeps your files updated in real-time across all linked devices.
Who are the apps for?
IDrive offers a solution for a wide range of users, from individuals to large businesses.
- Individuals: The apps provide an easy way for personal users to back up their computers and mobile devices to a single, affordable account.
- Small and mid-sized businesses: IDrive's business plans include features like remote management via a web dashboard, user management, and compliance with standards like HIPAA.
- Advanced users: For IT administrators and power users, IDrive offers a command-line interface for automating backup tasks.