In an increasingly digital world, much of our personal information—photos, messages, and important documents—is stored online. Planning for how your loved ones can access your digital legacy after your passing is essential, and Apple has made this process simpler and more secure with its Legacy Contact feature.
Starting with iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, and macOS 12.1, Apple allows you to add a Legacy Contact to your account. This feature is the easiest and most secure way to give someone you trust access to your Apple account data after your death. Here's how it works and why it's worth setting up.
What is a Legacy Contact?
A Legacy Contact is someone you designate to access the data stored in your Apple account after you pass away. This data may include:
- Photos
- Messages
- Notes
- Files
- Apps you've downloaded
- Device backups
However, some information remains inaccessible to your Legacy Contact, such as:
- Movies, music, books, or subscriptions purchased with your Apple account
- Data stored in your Keychain, including payment information, passwords, and passkeys
How to Set Up a Legacy Contact
Setting up a Legacy Contact is simple and can be done directly from your device. Follow these steps:
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Select Sign-In & Security and then Legacy Contact.
- Tap Add Legacy Contact and authenticate with your passcode or Face ID.
- Choose a trusted person from your contact list and share the access key.
On Mac:
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu and click your name.
- Select Sign-In & Security, then click Legacy Contact.
- Click Add Legacy Contact and authenticate with your password or Touch ID.
- Choose a contact and share the access key.
The access key is essential, as it’s required, along with a copy of your death certificate, for your Legacy Contact to request access to your account. You can share the key via Messages or print a copy for safekeeping.
For more information, visit Apple's Legacy Contact support page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631.
Important Details to Know
- Multiple Legacy Contacts: You can designate more than one Legacy Contact. Each contact can independently access and manage your account data or delete it.
- Timeframe: Legacy Contacts have three years from the first approved access request to manage your account. After this period, the account is permanently deleted.
- Account Verification: Ensure your Apple account information, especially your date of birth, is accurate. This helps Apple verify your identity against the death certificate.
Why Set Up a Legacy Contact?
Planning your digital legacy is an important part of estate planning. By adding a Legacy Contact, you provide a clear and secure way for your loved ones to access cherished memories and essential information. This small step can reduce stress and uncertainty for your family during a difficult time.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s Legacy Contact feature is a thoughtful tool for managing your digital assets. It ensures your trusted loved ones can access what they need while protecting sensitive data. Taking the time to set up a Legacy Contact now can provide peace of mind for you and those you care about.
If you’d like to learn more about managing your estate or creating a financial plan for the future, our team at Krebs Financial is here to help. Reach out to us today for compassionate, personalized guidance.