If you have a mobile phone, an email account, use social media or have shopped online, then you already have a “digital footprint”. When you die, someone will have to manage your digital death legacy.
But would your family even know where to look for your online accounts and profiles? Is it possible to bypass passwords? Where to even start?
Our guide to creating a digital end-of-life plan
In a recent UK survey by Which?*, only about 3% of people had made plans for their social media accounts following their death.
*Which?, 2024
Make a list
Social media, emails, subscriptions, online banking, cloud storage, websites, blogs and any other digital assets should be listed so it’s easy to locate where your footprint lies. In a seperate list, which may even be in a different location, list the corresponding usernames, passwords, and linked phone numbers. We recommend you keep these two sources of information to protect your online security.
Record device access
The same advice as above should be applied to your Phones, tablets, computers, external drives.
Define your wishes
Decide what should happen with each account (delete, memorialise, share).
Assign someone to act
Trusted family or friends can manage specific tasks. Whilst you don’t have to, it is recommended to advise these family members in advance so they know that they are clear about their instructions and your wishes.
Store safely
Keep details in a secure place; don’t leave passwords on your devices. Instead, make hard copy lists and keep in a secure place.
Digital elements to consider
Email accounts
Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo are just some of the providers that people use for their email accounts. It is recommended that you check with each provider for their instructions on how to close accounts or share their data.
Social media & other accounts
With an ever-increasing range of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Everplan, etc. – there will be specific actions to take to delete, memorialise or share. It is likely they will require full login details and other security checks.
- The Facebook Help Centre: This section of Facebook gives you all the information you need to set up a legacy contact, delete an account or create a memorialized page.
- How to download a copy of your Facebook Data : The Digital Legacy Association also provides useful tutorials on how to save copies of all the information someone has shared through their Facebook account.
X (Twitter)
- The X Help Centre: Help with account queries.
- The Instagram Help Centre: Go here to deactivate or memorialise an account.
- FAQs: How to delete an account.
Social media & other accounts
With an ever-increasing range of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Everplan, etc. – there will be specific actions to take to delete, memorialise or share. It is likely they will require full login details and other security checks.
Subscriptions & cloud storage
Spotify, iCloud, Dropbox and other subscription services hold digital assets including playlists and photographs. As these are digital assets, often with high emotional value, each provider will have a recommended method of transferring or sharing.
Streaming services
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, Sky and other streaming channels will need to be closed or transferred to another account holder.
Websites / blogs / domains
Ensure executors have access to content, passwords, and ownership info.
Other online accounts
Gaming, trading, crypto, shopping and banking – list usernames and, in a seperate place, corresponding passwords. As these assets have commercial value, it’s very important that you recommend who has access to them and holds responsibility for their transfer or sale.
Best practice
Caution: Always save passwords in a separate place to usernames. It is helpful to make a note of when you update changes. Only share details with trusted loved ones and executors.
A simple spreadsheet or Digital Assets Log can make this much easier.
Leaving messages after you’ve gone
There are a growing number of ways you can choose to send messages after you’ve gone to friends and family.
SafeBeyond
Send timed video, audio, text, or photo messages. www.safebeyond.com
Remember Me
Pass on messages after you’ve gone. www.remember-me.co
Afternote
Create a visual slideshow telling your life story. www.afternote.com
My Goodbye Message
Leave a personalised goodbye letter online. www.mygoodbyemessage.com
Terms and conditions and privacy policies are subject to change. For the most up to date advice check with the online help centre for each company.
Managing your digital legacy ahead of time removes the burden from loved ones at a later, difficult time. It is important to share with someone you trust, either a family member, close friend, or executor, so that your wishes an expectations can be followed through and, more importantly, assets protected. This can be done in a letter of wishes or a Will.