In the event of your demise, timely or un-, it’s valuable for loved ones and/or trusted individuals to be able to access your personal digital information. Enabling them to sign into your online accounts is a common information collection tactic recommended by estate planners.

Apple has done us one better with its new Digital Legacy offering. Among the new security and privacy features of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, and macOS 12.1, all released Monday, December 13, 2021, is the ability to assign Legacy Contacts.

This enables assigned contacts to access data stored in your Apple account, including photos, messages, notes, files, device backups, and more.

Add Legacy Contacts

To add legacy contacts, pick up a device that is signed into your Apple ID and running a supported OS version:

  • On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > [your name] > Password & Security > Legacy Contact
  • On Mac, open System Preferences > Apple ID > Password & Security > Legacy Contact

If you’re in a Family Sharing group, you can quickly choose other group members to be legacy contacts. You can also choose anyone from your contacts.

Share Access Keys

Adding a Legacy Contact generates a unique access key that enables them to request access to your account after you die. Share these with your legacy contacts by email or text message.

Legacy contacts who accept the opportunity can find their access keys in the same settings area shown above if they use a supported device. For older devices/software, or if they aren’t an Apple user, you can print or share a PDF or screenshot of the access key.

Request Access to an Apple Account

If you are identified as a legacy contact for an Apple account and the account owner dies, you can request access. You’ll need your access key and the person’s death certificate.

On a supported device, you’ll find your access key and can request account access in the same settings area as described above. Or, you can visit Apple’s Digital Legacy webpage.

Your access key will (1) enable you to unlock a device protected by the deceased’s Apple ID and (2) give you permission to create a new Apple ID that links to their existing data so you can access it.

The Digital Legacy program is a valuable way to keep your memory alive after death and to give trusted people access to your important data as they prepare to close your estate. What else are you doing to be ready for the inevitable?