Digital Estate Planning: What Happens to Your Online Life
Email, photos, social media, crypto — your digital footprint needs a plan too.
Why digital assets deserve a plan
Most adults have hundreds of digital accounts: email, banking, investments, cloud storage, social media, subscriptions, possibly cryptocurrency. Without a plan, families lose access to memories, miss notifications about real assets, and risk identity theft.
Make an inventory
List every meaningful account: institution, login, recovery email, two-factor method. Don't store passwords in the will (which becomes public in probate) — instead, reference a separate secure document and the password manager.
Use a password manager
A password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane) keeps credentials secure and, critically, has emergency access features that share the master vault with a designated contact after a waiting period.
Platform-specific tools
Apple's Legacy Contact, Google's Inactive Account Manager, Facebook's Memorialisation settings, and Microsoft's Next of Kin process all let you pre-designate someone. Set these up; they prevent enormous headaches.
Cryptocurrency requires special care
Self-custodied crypto with no plan is permanently lost on death. Document wallet locations, hardware wallet PINs, and seed phrases securely. Multi-signature setups or custodial solutions can help heirs without exposing keys.
Include in your will
Authorise your executor to access digital assets under the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (or your jurisdiction's equivalent). Without authorisation, terms of service often block access.
Frequently asked questions
Are screenshots of passwords enough?
No — they're insecure and likely outdated within months. Use a password manager with emergency access.
What about old social media?
Memorialisation or deletion depends on your wishes. Set platform-level preferences now.
Does this need a lawyer?
For straightforward situations, no — a clear written plan and platform settings suffice. Complex digital businesses or crypto holdings benefit from professional advice.