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    Safety & Privacy
    Intermediate
    2 min read 7 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    Digital Estate Planning: Protect Your Online Accounts

    Make sure your family can access important digital accounts and files if something happens to you.

    In this guide (7 steps):

    1. 1.Why digital estate planning matters
    2. 2.Create an account inventory
    3. 3.Use a password manager
    4. 4.Set up legacy contacts
    5. 5.Designate a digital executor
    6. 6.Important files to organize
    7. 7.Review annually
    1

    Why digital estate planning matters

    ~15s
    When someone passes away, family members often can't access their email, banking, photos, or social media. Without proper planning, precious memories and important accounts can be permanently lost.
    2

    Create an account inventory

    ~15s
    List all your important accounts: email, banking, investments, social media, subscriptions, utilities. Include the website/app name and your username. Store this securely.
    3

    Use a password manager

    ~15s
    A password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass) stores all your passwords in one encrypted vault. Share the master password with your trusted person.
    4

    Set up legacy contacts

    ~15s
    Apple: Settings > Your Name > Password & Security > Legacy Contact. Google: Inactive Account Manager lets you choose who can access your data after inactivity. Facebook: Memorialization Settings.
    5

    Designate a digital executor

    ~15s
    In your will, name someone to manage your digital accounts. Give them access to your password manager or a sealed envelope with your master password and instructions.
    6

    Important files to organize

    ~15s
    Create a folder (physical or digital) with: insurance policies, tax records, investment accounts, property deeds, medical directives, and contact info for your lawyer and financial advisor.
    7

    Review annually

    ~15s
    Update your account list when you create new accounts or change passwords. Review legacy contact settings yearly. Make sure your designated person knows where to find your information.

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    Digital Estate Planning: Protect Your Online Accounts — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure