Should I share my passwords?

No – that's risky and usually not even necessary. A more sensible approach is an overview of which accounts exist and where to start. Next of kin can then gain proper access through the service providers' official channels using a death certificate and proof of inheritance.

What happens to my social media profiles?

Many platforms offer memorialisation options or account deletion. Some allow you to configure this during your lifetime (e.g. a legacy contact). Make sure to record your wishes in writing.

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Managing Your Digital Legacy – Without Sharing Passwords

Q: What counts as a digital legacy?

All digital accounts and assets: email inboxes, social networks, cloud storage, online banking and brokerage accounts, streaming and software subscriptions, domains and digital purchases, and the devices themselves.

Reading time approx. 7 min. · Planning ahead & next of kin

In brief: Your digital legacy is all the accounts, profiles, and subscriptions you have online. You don't need to leave passwords to anyone. A clear overview is enough – which accounts exist and where to start – plus your wishes for what should happen to them. Next of kin handle the actual access through the providers' official channels.

Note: General information only, not legal advice. The law around digital legacies is still evolving and is interpreted differently in different jurisdictions. For binding arrangements (e.g. in a will) consult a qualified lawyer or notary.

What counts as a digital legacy

Communication: Email inboxes, messaging apps.
Social networks: Profiles, pages, channels.
Finance: Online banking, brokerage and crypto accounts, payment services.
Subscriptions & services: Streaming, software, storage, memberships.
Assets & content: Domains, digital purchases, photos, devices.

Sorted in four steps

1. Create an overview

List which important accounts and subscriptions you have – without passwords, just the provider and purpose. Even this list saves next of kin the most laborious task: the searching.

2. Record your wishes

What should happen to each account? Delete it, memorialise it, transfer it to someone? Be specific.

3. Use built-in tools where available

Some providers offer legacy settings during your lifetime (e.g. legacy contacts, account inactivity settings). Set them up where they exist.

4. Store it safely and keep it up to date

Your overview is only useful if the right people receive it when it matters – and if it's current. That's exactly what Angel Reminder automates.

Why no passwords?

Sharing passwords creates a security risk (they can fall into the wrong hands) and is legally problematic. The calmer, safer approach: next of kin identify themselves with a death certificate and proof of inheritance with the service providers and gain properly regulated access. Your overview simply shows them where to start.

Your digital overview – stored securely

Angel Reminder keeps your "what goes where" up to date and delivers it when it matters. Without passwords.

How it works Start for free