In a recent BBC article, pensioner Martyn Hall shared his struggle with accessing precious memories after his wife, Lynn, passed away unexpectedly. He couldn’t unlock her iPhone, which contained important photos of their wedding and holidays, as he didn’t know her passcode. Apple’s strict privacy rules mean that resetting the phone without the code would erase all its data. Despite being able to resolve other matters with Lynn’s accounts, the photos remain inaccessible, illustrating the challenges of managing digital assets after a loved one’s death.
This highlights the importance of planning for digital legacies. Here’s how you can avoid such situations by setting up legacy contacts with Apple, Facebook, and Google.
How to Set Up Legacy Contacts with Apple, Facebook, and Google
In today's digital age, much of our personal and professional lives exist online. From cherished photos to important documents, it’s essential to have a plan for what happens to this information after we pass away. Companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google offer options for appointing legacy contacts—trusted individuals who can manage your digital presence and follow your wishes after your death.
Here’s how you can set up legacy contacts on Apple, Facebook, and Google:
Apple Legacy Contact
Apple allows you to appoint a Legacy Contact who will have access to your data after you pass away. This includes photos, messages, notes, device backups, and more. Your Legacy Contact will have access to your data for up to 3 years after your passing.
How to Set Up a Legacy Contact on Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:
- Go to Settings and tap your name.
- Tap Sign-In & Security, then select Legacy Contact.
- Tap Add Legacy Contact, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
- Share the access key with your chosen Legacy Contact. This key is crucial, as they will need it, along with your death certificate, to access your data.
Facebook Legacy Contact
Facebook offers two options after you pass away: your account can either be memorialised or deleted. Memorialising your account allows friends and family to view your posts and memories, while deletion removes your account entirely.
How to Memorialise or Delete Your Facebook Account:
- From your profile, click your profile photo in the top-right corner of Facebook.
- Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings.
- Go to Accounts Centre, and select Personal Details.
- Under Account Ownership and Control, select Memorialisation.
- Choose whether to Memorialise or Delete after death, and confirm your choice.
How to Add a Legacy Contact on Facebook:
- From your profile, tap the menu in the bottom-right corner of Facebook.
- Scroll to Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings.
- Under Access and Control, select Memorialisation Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose and set up your Legacy Contact.
Google Account Legacy Contact
Google also provides a way to manage your account after death through its Inactive Account Manager feature. This allows you to choose a trusted contact who will receive access to your Google account data, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and YouTube, after a specified period of inactivity.
How to Set Up Google’s Inactive Account Manager:
- Sign in to your Google account and go to the Inactive Account Manager (myaccount.google.com/inactive) page.
- Specify how long your account should be inactive before Google considers it inactive (options range from 3 to 18 months).
- Add a trusted contact who will be notified if your account becomes inactive.
- You can choose which data to share with them or request to have your entire account deleted.
- Confirm your choices and save the settings.
Why Setting Up Legacy Contacts Is Important
Appointing a legacy contact ensures that your digital accounts are managed according to your wishes after you pass away. Whether it’s preserving family memories, securing important documents, or closing down accounts, setting up a legacy contact gives you control over your digital legacy and provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Take a moment today to secure your digital future by setting up legacy contacts on Apple, Facebook, and Google. It’s a simple but essential step in planning for the future and ensuring your digital life is handled as you would want.
