Managing Digital Assets After Death: A Guide for Executors and Families

If you are reading this because someone you love has recently passed, we are sorry for your loss. Navigating the practical side of a death is difficult at the best of times. When digital assets are involved, it often becomes overwhelming.

This guide is designed to give executors, family members, and legal representatives a practical path through the digital estate of a loved one.

First Steps: Immediate Priorities

• Secure access to the deceased’s devices (phone, computer, tablet)
• Locate any written notes, password lists, or digital records they may have left
• Notify financial institutions and cancel recurring subscriptions to avoid further charges
• Do not delete accounts prematurely — gather information first

Accessing Accounts

Without advance planning by the deceased, accessing their accounts is legally and technically complex. Most platforms require legal documentation — typically a death certificate and proof of legal authority (such as Letters Testamentary from a probate court) — before granting any access.

Some platforms have formal processes for deceased users. Others do not. Be prepared for variation and delays.

Platform-by-Platform Guidance

Google / Gmail

Google has a formal process for immediate family members or legal representatives to request account access or data. Submit a request through their deceased user support process with appropriate documentation. If the user had Inactive Account Manager set up, data may be automatically shared per their instructions.

Apple / iCloud

Apple’s Digital Legacy feature (available since iOS 15.2) allows designated legacy contacts to request access to an account after death. Without this setup, Apple requires a court order to grant access. This is one of the most restrictive major platforms.

Facebook / Instagram

Facebook allows immediate family members to request memorialization or removal of an account. Instagram follows the same process. A memorialized account is frozen as a tribute space. A removal request permanently deletes the account and all content.

Financial Institutions

Contact each institution directly with a death certificate and relevant legal documentation. Online account access is typically suspended immediately upon notification of death. Funds are distributed through the standard probate and beneficiary designation process.

What To Do With Photos and Memories

If you can access the deceased’s devices, back up all photo libraries immediately. Transfer them to a secure external drive or family cloud storage. Organize them for family members. If device access is not available, work with the relevant platform’s deceased user process to request a data download where permitted.

The Best Outcome Starts With Advance Planning

Every difficulty described in this guide can be prevented with proper advance planning. If you are reading this for yourself rather than on behalf of a loved one, now is the moment to act.

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