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.
Make a list
Social media, emails, subscriptions, online banking, cloud storage, websites, blogs. Include usernames, passwords, and linked phone numbers.
Record device access
Phones, tablets, computers, external drives. Note PINs and passwords.
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.
Store safely
Keep details in a secure place; don’t leave passwords on your devices. Instead, make a hard copy list and keep it in a secure place.
Digital elements to consider
- Email accounts: Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo – closure or data sharing via tools like Google’s Inactive Account Manager (Google Account > Data and Privacy > Make a plan for your digital legacy)
- Social media & other accounts: Facebook, Instagram, X/ Twitter, WhatsApp, Everplan, etc. – note login details and general wishes (delete, memorialise, share)
- Subscriptions & cloud storage: Spotify, iCloud, Dropbox – note login details so files and memories aren’t lost
- 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 passwords; specify what should happen to assets
Best practice
Caution: Remember that for any other purpose, sharing passwords is generally not advised. Only share details with essential parties: 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. This is obviously a hugely personal decision with a great deal of thought given to the likely emotional consequences.
- 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.
Managing the administration or estate of someone who’s died can be time-consuming and often takes many months or years to be complete.