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Digital Legacy: How to Plan Access to Your Accounts After You Are Gone

By DataJive Editorial Team · Updated Oct 4, 2026 · 1 min read
Digital Legacy: How to Plan Access to Your Accounts After You Are Gone

Photos, financial records and subscriptions live in accounts that your family may struggle to reach if you die or become incapacitated.

Use built-in legacy tools

  • Google Inactive Account Manager.
  • Apple Legacy Contact.
  • Facebook memorialisation and legacy contact settings.

Prepare an emergency document

List your main accounts and where credentials are stored, without writing passwords in plain text. Explain how to access your password manager and keep it with a trusted person or a lawyer.

Password manager emergency access

Many managers let you nominate a trusted contact who can request access after a waiting period.

Keep it current

Review the plan yearly. Update devices, accounts and contacts.

Key takeaway: A short plan now saves your family weeks of difficulty later. Use legacy contact tools and an emergency access feature.

DJ
DataJive Editorial Team
We research and test security and privacy tools, and explain them in plain language. Content is for information only.

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