Planning Your Digital Legacy

Planning Your Digital Legacy:
A Simple Guide for Peace of Mind

Most of us have spent years collecting photos, emails, and memories online. From family pictures stored in the cloud to social media accounts that keep us connected, our digital lives are more meaningful than ever.

But have you ever thought about what happens to those accounts when someone passes away?

Planning a “digital legacy” makes things easier for your loved ones. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your memories are protected and your wishes are honored.

What Is a Digital Legacy?

Your digital legacy includes all your online accounts—email, photos, social media, and more. Without a plan, family members may have difficulty accessing important information or closing accounts when the time comes.

The good news is that many platforms now offer tools to help you prepare.

Start with Your Email Account

Google offers something called the Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to choose a trusted person to manage your account if it hasn’t been used for a period of time (such as 3, 6, or 12 months).

How to set it up:

1. Go to Google’s Inactive Account Manager page
2. Click Start
3. Choose how long your account should be inactive before action is taken
4. Add your recovery phone number and/or email
5. Select a trusted contact
6. Choose what information they can access (such as Gmail or photos)
7. Decide if your account should eventually be deleted
8. Click Confirm Plan

Once set up, Google will notify your chosen contact and give them access based on your instructions.

Apple Devices: Choosing a Legacy Contact

If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple allows you to select a Legacy Contact—someone you trust to access your account after your passing.

You’ll share a special access key with this person, which they’ll need in the future.

Before you begin, make sure:

• Your device is updated (iPhone/iPad/iOS 15.2 or later)
• You are signed into your Apple account
• Your chosen contact is at least 13 years old

How to set it up:

1. Open Settings on your device
2. Tap your name at the top
3. Select Sign-In & Security
4. Tap Legacy Contact
5. Tap Add Legacy Contact
6. Confirm using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode
7. Choose a contact from your list (or add someone new)
8. Select how you want to share the access key (text, email, or print)
9. Save the access key in a safe place

After your passing, your Legacy Contact will need that key and a death certificate to request access to your account.

Android Users: Similar Options Through Google

If you use an Android phone, the Google Inactive Account Manager (described above) works the same way. It allows you to decide who can access your account and what should happen to it over time.

Social Media Accounts

Facebook allows you to choose a legacy contact who can:

• Turn your profile into a memorial page
• Help friends and family share memories

They cannot read your private messages or log in as you, which helps protect your privacy.

How to set it up:

1. Click your profile picture in the top right of Facebook.
2. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
3. Click Accounts Center, then click Manage accounts.
4. Click Account ownership and control.
5. Click Memorialization and select your account.
6. Click Memorialize account, then click Next.
7. Type a friend’s name into the text box, then click on their profile picture.
8. Select whether to give your legacy contact permission to download a copy of what you’ve shared on Facebook
9. Click Save.
10. To let your friend know they’re now your legacy contact, click Send, or click Skip if you do not want to notify them.

LinkedIn offers options as well. A trusted person can:

• Memorialize your profile
• Or close your account entirely

If you don’t make these arrangements ahead of time, your family may need to provide official documents to manage your account later.

Why This Planning Is Important

Taking a little time now can make a big difference later.

It helps:

• Avoid confusion – Your accounts won’t appear active when they’re not
• Protect your identity – No one can misuse your information
• Honor your wishes – You decide what happens to your digital life

Most importantly, it reduces stress for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

A Simple Step Today

You don’t need to do everything at once. Start small:

• Choose one account (like your email)
• Select a trusted contact
• Write down or store any important information safely

It’s also helpful to let a family member know that you’ve made these plans.

Just as we plan for our homes, finances, and personal belongings, it’s now just as important to plan for our digital lives. Taking a few minutes today can bring peace of mind for you and for those who care about you.

Not sure if you can work through these instructions on your own?

Sign up for our Silver Surfers technology coaching program. We’ll help you gain the skills you need to navigate your digital future.