Digital Legacy Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through creating a digital legacy plan, so your online accounts, files, and digital assets are handled according to your wishes after you die. You’ll decide what happens to your social media, email, cloud storage, and even cryptocurrency, and you’ll document everything in a way your loved ones can actually use. Before you start, gather a list of your online accounts and think about who you trust to manage them.

What You’ll Need

A list of your online accounts (social media, email, banking, subscriptions, etc.)
A secure password manager (optional but highly recommended)
A document or note-taking app for drafting your plan
A trusted person (or two) you’ll appoint as your digital executor
Access to your device(s) to enable legacy features (e.g., Apple Legacy Contact, Google Inactive Account Manager)

Step-by-Step

Inventory your digital life. Write down every online account you can think of: email, social media, banking, shopping, streaming, cloud storage, domain names, and any others. For each, note the username/email, the URL, and whether you use two-factor authentication. Don’t include passwords here—keep those in your password manager or a separate secure document.
Decide what you want for each account. For every item on your list, choose one of these options: delete, memorialize, transfer, or provide access. For example, you might want Facebook memorialized, Twitter deleted, and your Google Photos transferred to a family member. Be specific—vague wishes like “handle my accounts” are hard to execute.
Choose a digital executor. This is the person who will carry out your wishes. Pick someone tech-savvy and trustworthy. Tell them you’re naming them, and discuss your wishes so they’re not surprised later. You may also want to name an alternate in case your first choice can’t serve.
Set up platform legacy tools. Many platforms offer built-in options:
- Google: Use Inactive Account Manager to set up what happens after a period of inactivity (e.g., 3 months). You can choose to notify contacts, auto-reply to emails, and give access to specific people.
- Facebook: Choose a Legacy Contact who can manage your memorialized profile, or request deletion.
- Apple: Add a Legacy Contact so that person can access your data after you pass away.
- Microsoft: Set up a “close account” request or use their data request process (note: Microsoft doesn’t have a full legacy tool, but you can document your wishes).
Store your passwords securely. Use a password manager and make sure your digital executor can access it. Most password managers (e.g., 1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden) have an emergency access feature that lets a trusted person request access after a waiting period. If you don’t use a password manager, write down your master password and put it in a sealed envelope with your will or in a safe deposit box.
Document your wishes in a legal document. While a simple note is better than nothing, a legal document carries more weight. You can add a “digital legacy” clause to your will or create a separate letter of instruction. Check your local laws—some states (like the US’s Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act) give your executor legal authority to manage your digital assets.
Include financial and cryptocurrency assets. For online banking, investment accounts, and crypto wallets, make sure your executor knows where to find them and how to access them. For crypto, store your private keys or recovery phrases securely and document them—otherwise, those assets may be lost forever.
Review and update regularly. Your digital life changes constantly. Set a reminder to review your plan every 6-12 months, or after major life events like a new job, marriage, or moving. Update your inventory and your executor’s contact info as needed.

Common Mistakes

Not telling anyone. The biggest mistake is creating a plan and never telling your executor or family where it is. If they don’t know it exists, it’s useless.
Storing everything in your email. If your plan is only in your email and your executor can’t access that email, they’re stuck. Keep a physical copy or share it with someone you trust.
Ignoring two-factor authentication. If you use 2FA, your executor will need access to your phone or authenticator app. Make sure they know how to get those codes, or turn off 2FA for accounts you want transferred.
Forgetting about subscriptions and auto-payments. Your family may continue paying for services you no longer use. List all subscriptions and note which ones to cancel.
Being too vague. “Delete everything” is clear, but “handle my social media” is not. Specify what you want for each platform.

Tips

Use a password manager’s emergency access feature. This is the most reliable way to give your executor access without sharing your master password in advance.
Keep a printed copy of your inventory and wishes. Store it with your will or in a fireproof safe. Include a note on where to find your password manager and master password.
Name a digital executor in your will. This gives legal weight to your wishes and helps avoid disputes.
Think about your digital legacy beyond accounts. Consider your blog, YouTube channel, or online store—do you want them preserved, archived, or deleted?
For social media, use the platform’s own tools. They’re free and designed to handle this. Just be sure to document your choice in your plan.

Troubleshooting

Your executor can’t access your password manager. If your emergency access fails (e.g., they don’t have the right device), they can contact the password manager’s support with proof of death (death certificate, executor letter). This process can take weeks, so it’s better to have a backup plan like a printed list of critical passwords.
You can’t remember all your accounts. Use your email to search for “welcome” or “verify your account” to find most of them. Also check your password manager’s vault for saved logins.
A platform doesn’t have a legacy tool. For services like Twitter (now X) or LinkedIn, you’ll need to provide your executor with your login credentials so they can deactivate the account. Document this in your plan.
Your executor is not tech-savvy. Choose someone who is, or provide very detailed instructions. You could also appoint a tech-savvy friend as a “technical advisor” to help your executor.
You’re worried about security. Never store your master password in your will (it becomes public when probated). Instead, keep it in a sealed envelope with your lawyer or in a safe deposit box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital executor?

A digital executor is a person you name to manage your online accounts and digital assets after you die. They handle tasks like deleting, memorializing, or transferring accounts according to your wishes.

Can I delete all my social media accounts after death?

Yes, most platforms allow deletion by a verified family member or executor. You can also pre-authorize this by using the platform’s legacy tools (e.g., Facebook’s Legacy Contact can request deletion).

What happens to my Google account if I die?

If you set up Inactive Account Manager, Google will follow your instructions after a period of inactivity. If you don’t, your family can request access to your account through Google’s process, but it may be denied if you haven’t provided consent.

How do I give my family access to my cryptocurrency?

Store your private keys or recovery phrase in a secure place (e.g., a safety deposit box) and document its location. Your executor will need these to access your crypto. Without them, the funds are likely lost forever.

Do I need a lawyer to create a digital legacy plan?

Not necessarily. A simple document is often enough, but if you have complex assets or specific legal concerns, consulting an estate attorney is wise. They can help you integrate your digital plan with your will.

What if I don’t want anyone to access my accounts?

That’s fine. You can specify that all accounts should be deleted. Just make sure your executor knows your wishes and has the ability to delete them (e.g., by providing login credentials or using platform tools).

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