Well, honestly they’re not really good for anything. Most manufacturers use a bake type method, which is not in anyway comparable to a house engulfed in actual flames.

As a general consumer, this is about the best you can do. Put whatever in a “fireproof” bag inside a “fireproof” safe and you might save your data in the event of a fire.

It’s the same thing about gun “safes”. They’re not really safes unless you spend big money. Like $10,000+. Otherwise they’re categorized as “residential containers”.

I should have clarified whether or not my answer was in response to “is it possible” instead of “is it recommended”.

I think they mean if you’re using removable media that is easily portable then the answer to your question about fire proofing is doable.

You can store them in a fire safe when not actively backing up or need constant access.

If you go for the 2” thick filters they breathe better and have more surface area.

Sorry, I meant to say for your current phone. Otherwise you’ll have some sort of road block if the carrier sees your current phone as locked. I had that issue with Sprint years ago.

You can verify by going to Settings->General->About.

Towards the bottom there should be “Carrier Lock” and it should say/list “No SIM Restrictions”.

If it doesn’t, you’ll need to call your provider to have them unlock the phone.