Pass It On: Apple’s Digital Legacy
Do you ever wonder what will happen to your Apple account when you die? Do you worry that all your Apple ID data will be gone for good? Now, you don’t have to! Apple has introduced their Digital Legacy program, which allows you to select people to inherit your account data.
You can select up to five “Legacy Contacts” who will be able to inherit your Apple ID and data if you die. This gives them complete access to all the passwords, photos, videos, documents, and more that were connected to your account, for a period of up to three years. Here’s how to set it up:
UPDATE: Make sure that your Apple device is updated to at least iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, or macOS Monterey 12.1.
SETTINGS: Go to the Settings app and tap your name, then go to Password & Security. Find the Legacy Contact option at the bottom.
SYSTEM PREFERENCES: If on a Mac, go to the System Preferences app, then click Apple ID. You will see a menu; select Password & Security, then go to the Legacy Contact option.
ADD LEGACY CONTACT: Once you have opened Legacy Contact, tap the blue Add Legacy Contact option.
CHOOSE YOUR CONTACT: Select someone from your Contacts or Family Sharing group to inherit your ID and data (bonus: they don’t need to own an Apple device!)
ACCESS KEY: Tap continue and you will be provided with options for saving your “Access Key.” This is kind of like the password that will allow your contact to access your data later on. You can print out a picture of the key or, if your contact also has an Apple ID, you can text it to them!
DONE!
On the flip side, what if you are chosen as a Legacy Contact? Here’s how to access someone’s Apple ID and data after they die:
Visit Apple’s Digital Legacy site. You will see an option to Request access.
Sign into your Apple ID account, or create one!
Here’s where the Access Key comes into play. Type in the first 32 characters of your Access Key and hit continue.
You will see a Request access to decedent’s account page. Click Continue and you will be asked to upload a copy of the death certificate. Once uploaded, your request will be sent to Apple!
Upon Apple’s approval, you’ll receive an email providing you with next steps, including reentering your Access Key and creating a new Apple ID account for the specific purpose of inheriting the accounts.
These processes are important if you want to ensure the longevity and security of your data–data that not only holds important information but cherished memories! And the processes have never been easier. If at any step you need some help navigating the Legacy Contact process, either when making someone a Legacy Contact or accessing someone’s Apple ID following their passing, we’re here for you! Drop us a line!