Account Recovery Plan

Why now

If you forget your password, lose your phone, or get hacked — recovery is much easier if you set it up FIRST. Setting up after a problem is painful (or impossible). Five minutes today saves weeks of frustration later.

Apple ID — Recovery Contact + Recovery Key

1. Settings → tap your name → Sign-In & Security.
2. Tap "Recovery Contact" — add a trusted family member with their own iPhone.
3. If locked out, they help you back in.
4. Also tap "Recovery Key" — Apple gives a 28-character code. WRITE IT DOWN.
5. Without the key, Apple can't help if you forget master password.

Google Account

1. Go to myaccount.google.com → Security.
2. Add a recovery phone number (your cell).
3. Add a recovery email (a SECOND email, not the same one).
4. Set up an authenticator app for 2FA.
5. Print or save the 8 backup codes. Store with will.
6. Add 2-3 trusted contacts in Inactive Account Manager (legacy).

Microsoft Account

1. Go to account.microsoft.com → Security.
2. Add recovery phone + recovery email.
3. Turn on 2FA via Microsoft Authenticator app.
4. Save backup codes.
5. Add a recovery alternate authentication method (security key or text).

Bank accounts

• Update your phone number on file (online banking → Profile).
• Update email.
• Add a "trusted contact" — bank can call them if account looks compromised. Required for many states for seniors.
• Print account numbers + customer service phone. Keep with will.

The "locked out" one-page sheet

Print and keep in a safe place:

• Apple ID email + Recovery Key.
• Google email + 8 backup codes.
• Microsoft email + recovery phone.
• Password manager master password.
• Phone passcode + computer login.
• Bank phone numbers.

Sealed envelope. Tell ONE trusted family member where it is.