What Happens to Your Digital Accounts When You’re Gone?

As people increasingly store their memories and important data online, planning for the “digital afterlife” is now just as essential as traditional estate planning. Major tech companies have developed ways to help users pass on or manage their digital data when they are gone, avoiding the risk of it being lost in “digital purgatory.”

Apple offers a “Legacy Contact” option, allowing users to grant access to photos, messages, and files to trusted contacts. Google’s Inactive Account Manager enables users to set up a contact and a timeline for inactivity, after which selected data becomes available to the designated individual. Meanwhile, Facebook and Instagram allow memorialization of accounts upon valid request, preserving profiles so loved ones can pay tribute. TikTok also has memorialization options, while X (formerly Twitter) allows deactivation requests from family members.

Many experts now recommend organizing these settings along with other digital credentials for family members. Options like password managers, which offer emergency access features, can provide a secure way to store account information for emergencies.

With digital estate planning, you can leave behind cherished memories in the right hands, ensuring a seamless transition for your digital accounts and assets.