My Verizon Cloud – Reviews And How It Works
When it comes to cloud storage services, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. We have options like Dropbox, Google Drive, Sugarsync, iCloud, and more, many of them are very popular.
However, did you know that mobile carrier Verizon has also launched its own cloud-based storage solution? That’s right, My Verizon Cloud is the carrier’s own offering for the ever-competitive cloud storage market.
For this article, we’re going to review Verizon Cloud and see if it’s a worthy solution for your cloud storage needs.
What Is My Verizon Cloud?
Unlike most cloud storage solutions, the Verizon Cloud service is more geared towards mobile users. The service can be used to wirelessly back up and sync certain content from their mobile devices. So in case your device gets damaged, stolen, or lost, you will be able to recover your important files and contacts.
The service works on all kinds of devices including smartphones, tablet, or on the web. All you need to do is to download the Verizon Cloud app (iOS, Android). Users can also download the Cloud desktop app so they can access their account through a desktop or laptop computer.
Here’s the list of features straight from the Verizon Cloud app’s page:
- BACK UP your phone’s content to your secure cloud storage
- SYNC your devices – Access your content when you need it, from your iPhone, iPad, on the web, or from any other Verizon Cloud compatible device
- EASILY MANAGE your Verizon Cloud account and plan
- ORDER PRINTS & GIFTS using your favorite photos
- CREATE CUSTOM PHOTO COLLAGES & ADD STICKERS TO PHOTOS – Do even more with your Cloud photos by creating collages and adding fun stickers
- EXPLORE FLASHBACKS – Relive your memories from past years with Cloud’s weekly Flashback feature
- DISCOVER VIDEO STORIES – Create custom movies using unique filters and music with your favorite Cloud photos and videos
- BEAM TO YOUR TV – Share your pictures, videos, and music with family and friends on the big screen
- SHARE select media content using your favorite native apps
The service was originally offered as a free service with limited features and storage. However, it has now switched to a paid, premium business model. Users can still use the Verizon Cloud app for free but only for storing their contacts.
Verizon Cloud – How It Works
There are three main ways to access the content that you have uploaded to Verizon Cloud: through the mobile app, desktop client, and the Cloud website.
The app itself is very easy to use. After you have installed the app on your iOS or Android device, you will be greeted with a simple setup process upon launching the program. Once the setup process is completed, your files and contacts will be automatically synced based on your scheduling preference.
To ensure that your contacts will be synced, launch the app > go to Settings > and ensure that the Contact box is checked. You should be able to see this option through the “What to back up” section. When you open the app at a later date, you will be asked to enter your mobile number along with your My Verizon Cloud password.
How To Download Your Files
Downloading files from your backup using Verizon Cloud is about as easy as it gets.
First, open the mobile app. Make sure that you select which content type to download (documents, videos, pictures, music). Find the file that you wish to download, then tap and long-press the name of the file to select it. When you are using the iOS app, you will need to tap the Edit button at the top-right portion of the screen, then tap the file that you want to download. A menu will show up then you can tap Download to begin the download process.
Review Of The Verizon Cloud Experience
So what do we think of Verizon Cloud?
For the most basic needs, we think this cloud storage service is a solid choice. What we like best about the service is that it basically runs on its own. It just runs in the background and it generally doesn’t need personal input other than to clear out some unwanted files. It’s really a very user-friendly cloud storage solution whether you’re using a mobile app, desktop software, or the web application.
We also like that you have full control over your account while using this cloud service. This means that the cloud doesn’t delete anything without your permission, and it will only save what you want it to save. It’s easy to customize which files to upload like photos, videos, notes, screenshots, contacts, and more. Scheduling backups is also a painless experience.
I prefer to schedule backups during hours where it’s not that busy like 1 AM in the morning daily or just once a week at 5 PM. The app can also detect whether you are connected to a WiFi connection or not. This is especially handy when you don’t want the backups to eat away at your monthly data allocation.
Since there are three ways to access your cloud account, you can seamlessly sync between your smartphone, home computer, workstation, and more. Thus, it gives you the ability to access your data from virtually anywhere.
Performance
The most basic function of a cloud storage service is the ability to wirelessly back up any data to the cloud and sync all new files or changes so they appear on all devices. Based on that core function alone, we have to say that Verizon Cloud did great.
In terms of uploading speeds, the cloud service managed to reach some great speeds which are saying a lot when compared to other cloud solutions. Backing up most of your phone’s content won’t take a lot of time but it should depend on the size of the files that you wish to save. If you’re some sort of a power user, then don’t be surprised if it takes a while to back up your files. Also, the upload speeds will depend on the connection you are on.
As mentioned, scheduling the backups is very easy. During my experience, most if not all of my scheduled backups were successful. Again, the app can detect whether you are on a WiFi network or not, and will only sync if you’re on a WiFi connection. Customizing which files to sync is also very easy and from what I have gathered, the syncing process is very accurate.
Security
In terms of security, I have to say that I have concerns with Verizon’s cloud storage service. Back in 2017, the data of 6 million users were leaked online which was caused due to a “human error.”
Thus, I have my reservations with trusting Verizon with all my private files and information. However, since I have tested the service, there has been no notable information breach that has happened.
When it comes to data encryption, I wasn’t able to find any good information on what sort of encryption Verizon uses or if the backups are encrypted at all.
If you find that Verizon Cloud just can’t be trusted with your personal information and you want to opt-out, you can easily delete your account from an iOS or Android device.
Features
The service does include a number of exclusive features for its user base. At the top of my mind, Verizon gives you the option to order prints and gifts using your photo collection. This is a pretty neat feature especially if you’re into giving personalized gifts. Using the cloud app, you can also edit your photos, add stickers, and even create your own collage.
Using the app, you can beam or cast your pictures, videos and music to the big screen in case you wish to share them with the entire family. This is by no means a groundbreaking feature but it’s a good feature to have.
Apart from these unique features, there’s not much to add since the rest is pretty much a standard.
Pricing
As I have mentioned above, Verizon used to offer the service for free to all its users with an added fee if you wish to add more storage space. Before, users are only allowed 500MB of free data which is paltry when compared to other products like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Currently, there are no more free options so to speak. However, users can still back up their contacts to the cloud for free.
The pricing plan for My Verizon Cloud is very straightforward. For $5 per month, you will have access to 500GB of data and $9.99 per month for 1TB storage. The pricing is fairly standard but it kind of pales in comparison when compared to other cloud-based services.
The 1TB plan is comparable to Dropbox’s Plus plan which costs $9.99 / month. However, the latter gives you a discount if you go for an annual plan which only costs $99. Verizon doesn’t offer any sort of discount and it’s only a flat rate of $5 per month.
Google Drive is another comparable solution that gets you 1TB of data for $9.99. However, Drive has the advantage because it gives you 15GB for free just for having a Google account. Again, this puts Verizon at a disadvantage since it lacks any sort of freebie.
However, the cloud does provide a 30-day free trial of 500GB for new users.
What We Don’t Like About Verizon Cloud
Based on my experience, the Verizon Cloud doesn’t really do something unique or groundbreaking. That’s not a problem by itself but it just seems to be more expensive when compared to other cloud storage solutions.
One of the main things that I don’t like about the service is the security or lack thereof. On top of the leak accident that happened in 2017, I wasn’t able to find any good information about the encryption methods used or if there is any encryption used at all.
Verizon Cloud is also a very bare-bones backup solution. While there are some noteworthy features that are offered, I doubt many users would be thrilled to have them. I would have preferred more features that involve security or better flexible plans.
Speaking of pricing, there’s not much to discuss either. You have two straightforward plans which are appreciated but it would be better if there are discounts if you opt for avail of yearly plans which are not offered at all.
The Bottom Line On My Verizon Cloud
My Verizon Cloud is a solid cloud storage solution but just don’t expect to be blown away.
It doesn’t really offer that many amazing features or great value, but it should meet the needs of most basic users. However, if you fancy yourself to be a power user, you might want to look elsewhere. You are better off with services like Dropbox, Sugarsync, or Google Drive. Plus, it might be cheaper if you’re going for yearly plans.
So what do you think of Verizon Cloud? Do you think it’s a good solution for your cloud storage needs? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!